Tech Guides

HardwareZone's Tablet Buying Guide Essentials

By Seow Tein Hee - 22 Nov 2011

Overview

Overview

Tablets have returned with a vengeance, ever since Apple introduced its first iPad to the world in 2010. Over the months, the iPad wasn't the only tablet available on the scene. As Google stepped up its presence with the Android operating system, companies such as Samsung made the first move with the Samsung Galaxy Tab. Unfortunately, with Android 2.2 declared as being unsuitable for the tablet form factor and the growing popularity of Apple's tablet, the Cupertino-based company gained dominance in the tablet arena.

Undoubtedly, Apple's very first iPad revived the tablet market, with its competitors playing catch-up right after its launch.

By 2011, there is a slight shake-up with Google introducing its tablet-optimized Android 3.0 Honeycomb OS into the equation. In doing so, manufacturers have started flocking to the new tablet OS, and with it, a flood of Android tablets were introduced onto the street. But, Android tablets aren't the only contenders in the tablet race.

Research in Motion joined the race with its first tablet, dubbed as the BlackBerry PlayBook in 2011. Though it was saddled with shipment delays and incomplete features, it's clear that the competition is picking up beyond the Apple range. And who can forget the HP TouchPad fiasco, with the company discontinuing the development of its webOS products?

As it stands right now, the tablet scene is comprised of Apple and Google's band of hardware partners. The wide variety of tablets that appeared in 2011 will only grow as we move along in 2012. As a consumer, the decision is yours to choose a tablet that matches your needs. However, with so many tablets to choose from, with varying features, it can be a tough call to find a suitable tablet. And that's where we tackle this issue, with a video summary of the points you need to note before you purchase a tablet.

To simplify the selection process, here's a primer on the points you need to consider when you choose a tablet, be it the hardware, software and the user experience on the different tablets in the market.

Table of Contents
Operating System Connectivity Options
Apple iOS, Google Android, or perhaps the upcoming Microsoft Windows 8? We present some of the strengths (and weaknesses) of these operating systems. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 3G connections are just some of the standard features on your tablets. Question is, what particular wireless feature should you prioritize?
Processor Battery Life and Portability
Speed is of the essence. But does it matter if the processor comes with a single or multiple cores to enhance the tablet's performance? One of the key considerations in choosing a tablet, is its mileage. A tablet with meager battery life is next to useless, so here's what you need to take note of when it comes to battery mielage.
Memory and Storage Accessories
Learn what RAM means to a tablet's performance, and whether you need to spend that extra buck on storage space An extra battery pack, a screen protector and many more accessories are essential to complete the tablet experience. Here are some suggestions to get you started.
Display Choosing the Right Tablet
A larger tablet also means you get a bigger display. But you'll need to understand what it means when a large display doesn't have a matching screen resolution. Know your needs, and you can narrow down the search and make a better choice for your next tablet purchase.

 

Join HWZ's Telegram channel here and catch all the latest tech news!
Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.