Do you want to buy a new tablet? Tablets allow you to play games, watch videos, send email, check Facebook, and even work on the go. However, choosing the right tablet, can make you dizzy. Electronic stores are full of a sea of competing product models, and online stores are like buying a cat in a sack. With a little knowledge of what you want and need, you can quickly narrow down your options and find a good tablet.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Selecting an Operating System
Step 1. View the operating system you are currently using
When it comes time to buy a tablet, the main choice you have to make is the operating system. The operating system for tablets is divided into three main camps: Apple (iOS), Google (Android) and Microsoft (Windows). The operating system you choose really depends on the types of things you do on your regular computer and smartphone.
- If you already have a smartphone with one of the above operating systems, you should consider buying a tablet that runs the same operating system. Both Android and iOS work the same way across devices, making it easier to get used to a new device. It also makes it easier for you to connect all your devices and share things between them.
- If you regularly use the services provided by one of the above operating systems, (iCloud, Google Drive, OneDrive, etc.), you can choose a tablet that comes from the same operating system. But this is not necessary, because there are applications available for all devices that allow you to access other services.
Step 2. Consider the advantages of iOS
Apple's iOs is something that powers the iPad, the device that ruled the tablet market in 2010. iOS is known for its intuitive interface, and Apple products are revered for the quality of their construction.
- Seamless integration with OS X and iTunes purchases.
- Easy to use interface.
- Large number of apps, usually the first to get the latest and greatest apps.
- iMessage allows you to send messages for free to all Apple devices.
Step 3. Consider the advantages of Android
Google's Android operating system is the most popular mobile operating system on the planet, thanks to the large number of devices that can run it. In the past, Android was a bit more finicky than iOS, but the updates it has brought have brought many improvements over the years.
- Seamless integration with Google accounts and Play Store purchases.
- Android devices can be much cheaper than iOS or Windows.
- Lots of customization and rooting (modification) options for advanced users.
- A wide variety of models and manufacturers to choose from.
- Android supports multiple user logins for a single device.
- The Android operating system can be modified by the manufacturer into something distinctive. For example the Amazon Kindle Fire runs a modified version of Android built around the Amazon ecosystem.
Step 4. Consider the advantages of Windows
Windows isn't available on as many devices as iOS or Android, but it can be a good choice if you work a lot with Office and other Microsoft products. Windows 8 is currently the main Windows mobile operating system, and some versions are as full-featured as a regular computer.
- Can run various Windows programs, including Office. The Surface Pro runs the full desktop version of Windows 8.
- Seamless integration with Microsoft accounts and Windows Store purchases.
- Can be paired with Xbox. Smartglass allows you to use your tablet as a secondary interface for many Xbox 360 and Xbox One games.
- Most Windows tablets come with a detachable keyboard.
Step 5. Set the budget
A low-spec tablet costs a minimum of around $200 USD (approximately IDR 2,400,000), while the highest price for an iPad is around $800 USD (approximately IDR 9,600,000). Lower prices usually mean lower processing capabilities and limited storage space. The display quality of tablets with low specifications is also not so good.
Step 6. View the application options
Apps are central to owning a tablet, and the choice of apps will determine what your device can do. You can browse the app stores of each operating system using a web browser. Browse the app store and look for an operating system that has more apps that appeal to you and your app budget.
Not all apps are optimized for tablets, but more and more apps are being released in tablet versions
Method 2 of 2: Looking at the Tablet
Step 1. Try the tablets in the store first
Even if you plan to buy online, see if you can try a few different tablets at the retail store. This will give you a basic feel for the performance of some tablet models, and can help determine your buying decision. Just don't let the salesperson try to talk about something you don't want.
Step 2. Do a test to see how the tablet loads and closes apps, and switches between open apps
Try graphics-heavy games (where games are available on the demo model) to see how the tablet handles the tough jobs.
Step 3. Check the specifications
There are several different specifications that you should pay attention to when buying a tablet. Different specifications will be closely related to different tablets. For example, if you're choosing between several different iPads, the processor won't be a major consideration because all new iPads use the same processor. However, when comparing several Android tablets from different manufacturers, the processor and RAM specifications will be important.
- Resolution - this is the screen size, expressed in the number of pixels displayed on the screen. The higher the resolution, the clearer your image will be.
- Processor - This is the chip that powers the tablet. Tablets with quad-core processors will usually have better performance than tablets with dual-core processors. If you're looking for an iPad, all new iPads use the same processor.
- Battery life - Published battery life is usually not reliable, as life is measured under the most optimal conditions specified by the manufacturer. Try searching online for some reviews to compare battery life to normal use.
- RAM/Memory - this is the memory that allows your tablet to multitask and run memory-hungry applications. The specs are really only visible if you compare Android models.
- Storage - this is the amount of space your tablet has for storing media, apps, and other files and documents. Storage is the main difference between several different tablets in the same model line. Check if the tablet supports SD or MicroSD for additional storage. As more and more people store files in the cloud, the need for large amounts of physical storage has decreased.
- Cellular - if you want to use a cellular data plan capable of surfing the internet wherever you get a cellular signal, you'll need a tablet that supports a SIM card. All tablets can connect to a wireless network to which you have access.
Step 4. Check the camera
If you plan on taking a lot of pictures with your tablet, check out the camera options. Usually, tablets don't have good cameras, although some models claim to have good ones. Most tablets have a camera on the back and a less than good camera on the front for video chatting.
Step 5. Choose the size
Tablets typically come in two different sizes: 10 inches (25.4 cm) and 7 inches (17.8 cm). Screen size is a personal choice; a larger screen allows you to watch videos and type more easily, while a smaller tablet will usually be easier to carry. Apps can usually run on 10-inch and 7-inch tablets, although some apps are optimized for only one tablet size.
- Be sure to check the brightness and clarity of the screen and its size.
- Some tablets offer different sizes (e.g. 8.9 inches/22.5 cm), but most tablets are manufactured in one of these two sizes.
