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3 Key Features of Tablet PCs

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.

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