This week’s post is a “guest post” of sorts. This appears in ComputerGeeks2Go’s “How to Choose a New Computer” series and they’ve graciously given me permission to reprint it here in it’s entirety. To learn more about choosing computers, website design and hosting, visit their website at www.computergeeks2go.com.
Congratulations on your decision to buy a new Tablet PC. With so many choices out there, here are the three most important features to keep in mind as you choose.
Key Feature 1 – Operating System
Google and Apple are the prime players in the mobile operating world, though Microsoft and Blackberry each have a finger in the pie as well. Here, we’re going to break down what each company’s operating system offers you.
Google’s Android
Android first made its splash in the mobile phone market and now you’ll find that little green powerhouse on the Transformer Prime, the Samsung Galaxy Tab, the Acer Iconia a500 and more.
Google designed the Android software specifically for mobile devices (smart phones, tablets, netbooks, etc.) and some of the features that come with the latest version of the OS are:
- Everything “Google” (Gmail, GoogleTalk, YouTube) is already included on the tablet and since you have to create a (free) Gmail account to set up your tablet, it’s all at your fingertips the moment you first turn it on.
- Multi-tasking made simple – use the “Recent Apps” button to quickly switch back and forth between tasks.
- Speaking of Apps, check out the “Marketplace” and download everything from games to books to productivity software.
- Group shortcuts – have shortcuts to 5 different cookbook apps? Instead of taking up screen space, “stack” them on one another in their own group.
- Powerful web browsing
Apple’s iOS
Originally Apple’s iPhone operating system, iOS now runs on all of Apple’s products, including the iPad. With iOS you get:
- A mega app store
- Easy integration with all of Apple’s other products
- Parental control – control your children’s access to your iPad
- Wireless sync to your Mac or PC
- Multi-tasking
- Enhanced Accessibility
Microsoft’s Windows OS
Windows has been a household name since the ‘80’s and you now find it on tablets such as Lenovo’s IdeaPad and Archos 9. Some of the features inherent in the Windows Tablet are:
- User-Friendly Interface – If you have a home or work PC, you’re already familiar with what it looks like.
- Adobe Flash support
- Easy multi-tasking
- Compatible with a range of software
Blackberry
Blackberry’s been synonymous with “Corporate mobility” for a long time and now you can find it on Blackberry tablets like the PlayBook. And while the other three companies seem to market their tablets to the masses, Blackberry seems content to keep its focus on the corporate market. In that respect, their operating system includes:
- Powerhouse multi-tasking – according to Blackberry’s website, you can run your apps simultaneously
- Jump quickly from one open application to the next
- Mac and PC sync – though you have to run an installer to enable sync between your Blackberry tablet and Mac or PC
- Documents to Go – view and edit your Microsoft Office Suite documents
- Blackberry App store
Key Feature 2 – Storage
After deciding which operating system to go with, the next big decision is how much storage space do you need? Tablets come with anywhere from 8GB to 64GB of on-board storage space. The more applications, videos, pictures, etc. you store on your tablet, the more storage space you need.
With that being said, most of the tablets have slots for external SD cards (Secure Digital [SD] memory card) and are compatible with many cloud storage solutions. So you can save some money by buying a tablet with less on-board storage and using the cloud.
Key Feature 3 – Screen Size and Weight
Today’s tablets range in (screen) size from 7 inches to 12 inches and can handle screen resolutions of 800 x 600 pixels to 1280 x 800 pixels. Most tablets weigh less than a pound, making them extremely portable. The smaller tablets are nearly pocket-sized.
Let us help
If you’re not sure which tablet to buy, call us at email us at sales@computergeeks2go.com. We’ll be happy to help you choose the right tablet for you.
Related Articles
- Choosing a New Computer
- 5 Steps to Buying a New Desktop
- 7 Steps to Buying a New Laptop
- 3 Key Features of Tablet PCs
As you can see in the bottom, right corner of my site, ComputerGeeks2Go is my host. They didn’t come to me to post this on their behalf. I asked if I could.
Great info! Thanks for sharing. I have been looking at the Nook Tablet because I have an origional Nook reader and I love it, but want to upgrade to a tablet. This blog gave me some food for thought.
Hi Jenn! I’m glad it helped! I ended up with a Transformer Prime. I lug it around with me everywhere and write (you wouldn’t know that by the frequency of my posts lately, but it’s true!) 🙂
Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read/comment. Have a fantastic evening!
Great info, these products are amazing!
One problem I have with the tablets. It has it’s uses, but I need one which will take a external drive through a USB slot, since I need lots of storage, and I don’t necessarily want to use the cloud.
stan recently posted..Collection Boxes for Charity
I have an iPad, a Blackberry Playbook, Android tablet, and when the new ‘Surface’ comes out I will have that as well. I review lots of apps so I need to cover multiple platforms. I must say that so far for myself I prefer the larger form factor of the iPad. I am anxious to see what the ‘Surface’ will be like.
Geek Girl recently posted..‘Play’ Free Amazon App Today
Great reviews. I have to say I LOVE my iPad. To be honest I haven’t really tried the others for the simple fact that I am totally Mac based now. The iCloud interface technology really helps me save time. I do have the Kindle fire but rarely pick it up as the iPad does everything I really need. :-),
Susan Cooper recently posted..Trip To France: Sightseeing & Adventures – Week 1
Thanks for sharing this info. There are so many choices today, it can be difficult!
Hey Andrea! It really can. It’s almost like buying a car now. 🙂
Karen recently posted..Recruiting Insights Part 1: Nailing Your Job Application
It’s a classic terrific along with useful section of information. Now i’m satisfied that you shared this helpful data about. Please stop us up to par like that. Appreciation for sharing.