Tablets offer the ultimate in mobile
productivity. The slim devices are generally available in screen sizes between
7 and 10 inches, a form factor that provides you with considerably more real
estate than you’d have on a smartphone. They also deliver the power necessary
to perform many basic business tasks, such as email and word processing, so you
may find that you need not carry a bulky laptop with you. We’ll go over some
things to keep in mind when purchasing a tablet.
Jellybean
is the newest Android mobile operating system
What can I do with a tablet?
A better question might be what can’t
you do with a tablet? Through the use of your own content, apps, and various
cloud computing services, you can stream music, movies, and video; dial in
thousands of global Internet radio stations; output video to an HDTV in HD
quality; read eBooks; surf Web sites; videoconference with friends, family, and
business clients; place Internet phone calls; download and play games; navigate
roads and map directions via integrated GPS; create and collaborate on
documents; access and sync calendars; access social network accounts; and much
more.
What features do tablets typically
offer?
Although tablets differ from model to
model, a general theme consistent in all models is an ability to boot up very
quickly, provide long battery life, and integrate wireless Internet
connectivity. Most new models also feature built-in rear and front-facing
digital cameras with HD video recording and Web camera functionality supported.
Connectivity options typically include Bluetooth, a headphone jack and built-in
speaker, onboard virtual keyboard, HDMI video output, and memory card slots.
How do tablet models differ?
Some
tablets run versions of Windows 8
Beyond differences in design, the primary
way in which tablets differ is the platform on which they run. Many utilize
some variation of Google’s open Android operating system, Apple’s iOS, or
Microsoft’s Windows 8. Of the three, iOS and Android are currently the most prevalent,
but the recent releases of Windows 8-based tablets means that a strong third
competitor has now entered the market. Investing in a tablet with a mobile OS
that matches what you’ve used in a smartphone will make for an easy transition,
but you may also want to try out alternatives to see which OS you like the
best. Keep in mind that Android device manufacturers commonly tweak and
customize the implementation of Android they install on their tablets, so they
may differ somewhat from device to another.
Do all tablets connect to the internet
in the same way?
Some tablets integrate only Wi-Fi
connectivity, meaning that you must connect via a private or public Wi-Fi
hotspot, such as your home or office wireless router. Other tablets integrate
both Wi-Fi and 3G/4G connectivity, with the latter enabling the tablet to
acquire a 3G/4G cellular signal, assuming that one is present. Thus, if Wi-Fi
access isn’t available, these tablets can still connect to the Internet via
that 3G/4G signal. The trade-off, of course, is that you’ll generally have less
band-width, and you’ll need to acquire and pay for a data plan with a cellular
carrier that supports your tablet model.
Can a tablet replace a PC?
Can
a tablet replace a PC?
This is a hotly debated topic; in the end, the
answer depends on your computing needs. For example, tablets make fine PC
replacements if most of your PC usage involves surfing the Web, watching
multimedia, and messaging with friends. But for all the convenience, mobility,
and versatility that tablets offer – particularly when they’re paired with
various apps and cloud computing services – they still can’t match the
processing and graphics power, included memory and storage amounts, and
input/output options provided by a PC or laptop. Most tablets would struggle
with demanding, resource-intensive tasks like encoding video or running complex
design software. Writing emails and entering data into a spreadsheet or word
processing app can be difficult using an onscreen keyboard, but that issue can
be mitigated by using a Bluetooth keyboard. Some tablets can also work with a
detachable keyboard that physically connects to the base. Finally, it can be
difficult (or even impossible) for some tablets to connect to and communicate
with peripherals, such as printers.
Where are tablet apps available?
Each mobile operating system has its own
app store, and tablets typically include an app (often on the Home screen) that
links you to a place where you can easily search for and download new programs.
Android tablets use Google Play, iOS tablets provide you with the App Store,
and Windows 8 tablets can download from the Windows Store.
