The tablet computer has taken off in terms of technology and popularity, and there’s no sign that it’s going to stop anytime soon. In fact, more companies continue to introduce new versions, and as competitors continue to duke it out for the affection of consumers, it’s easy to get lost in the lists of features and capabilities. If you’re in the market for a tablet, investigate the major brands out there, comparing operating system, breadth of ability and price to help you narrow down your choices.
- iPad. Apple’s iPad virtually defined the tablet computer when it was introduced a few years back, and they recently released the iPad 2 to thunderous applause. From the versatility to ease of use and plethora of apps, the iPad rarely fails to please. Of course, if budget is your main concern, you may want to stick with the cheaper iPad rather than the iPad 2, or else opt for a different type of tablet that can offer much of the same for a considerably lower price.
- Android Tablet. The Android operating system is Google’s answer to the iPad, and several tablet companies have adopted it. The Motorola Xoom tablet, the Toshiba tablet that goes by the name of Thrive and the Samsung Galaxy tablet are all major players among the Android hosts, and each will offer a slightly different design and experience. If you want the latest and greatest system, look for the version named for a dessert that’s further down the alphabet, like Ice Cream Sandwich; if you’d rather save some cash, an earlier version like Honeycomb or even Gingerbread make for a cheap android tablet, but be prepared to sacrifice some features.
- Blackberry. RIM’s recent woes have reached their version of the tablet PC; the Blackberry Playbook is simply not as popular as more reputable systems on the market. However, a Blackberry tablet is still capable of a variety of functions and you have a better chance of getting a great deal on one of these than you would on an iPad. In fact, if you plan on using your tablet in a professional capacity as well as for casual surfing and media, you’ll find this tablet — with its security and impressive PowerPoint display — more valuable and useful than many others on the market.
- Kindle. The Kindle e-Reader made a splash in the electronic media frenzy, with an affordable price tag and the latest electronic book technology around. Now the company is set to introduce the Kindle Fire, a tablet that combines streamlined surfing, watching, and of course, reading in a lightweight and very handy package. Of course, the significantly lower price tag should tip you off to its limits: it cannot compare to the vast apps, memory and power that the iPad or up-to-date android systems offer, but it gets the job done. If you’re an avid reader and casual web user on a tight budget, look out for the Kindle Fire.
Different tablet computers have many things in common, but the nuances of each operating system and type of hardware will affect each user’s experience. That’s why you should consider exactly how you will use your tablet before you decide which one to buy, as a top-of-the-line tablet may not be what you’re really looking for. Consider what you need in a tablet, what sort of luxuries you would like and what you would likely never use, and go from there. A little research can go a long way to stretching your dollar and getting the right computer for your lifestyle.
