2. The OS (aka Operating System) – There are basically 3 operating systems in the market - Apple’s iOS, Google’s Android and Windows’ 8 & RT. iOS is one of the easiest systems to use, even children get it, and if you’re new to computing then it’s one of the best to get started on. It looks simple and pretty, but more importantly it has some useful features such as easy access to multitasking and settings. Its biggest benefit is the App Store, with almost half a million quality apps and digital magazines optimised for the iPad there really is an app for anything, from fitness to gaming. Android, since it first launched in 2008, has one of its biggest benefits in customisability.
You can modify it to your heart’s content and set up your homepages just the way you want them. It has the Google Play store, whose apps are mostly designed for phones, and not tablets. This means they don't always make best use of larger screens. It also means 7-inch Android tablets are better to use than 10-inch ones because the screen size is closer to a mobile phone. And Windows 8 is basically the conversion of your PC (Personal Computer) to a tablet, as it runs on exactly the same operating system you get on your home PC or laptop, but optimised for touch use.
That means all the programs you use on a normal PC will work on a Windows 8 tablet. Windows 8 tablets can replace a laptop and often come with keyboard attachments so they can be used just like one. The Windows RT, on the other hand, is a cut-down version of Windows 8. You can’t use all the apps you would on a Windows 8 tablet, but because it uses less power it’s lighter and the battery lasts longer. Unfortunately there are far fewer apps available for Windows RT than there are for the other operating systems. It’s taking a while to take off but Microsoft is supporting it so there’s sure to be more to come.
3. Connectivity - Most tablets come in two versions, a Wi-Fi only and a Wi-Fi and 4G/3G option. Wi-Fi only means that you’ll need a Wi-Fi connection to use the internet, while the 4G/3G tablets allow you to insert a SIM card so that you can use a mobile network to have internet access wherever you can get a signal.
4. Storage - If you like to have a lot of files, music, movies, games or pictures on your tablet you will need a lot of storage. Storage is usually measured in gigabytes (GB). Most tablets sadly don’t have this option as they rely on internal storage only, so you may have to spend more on a tab with more storage. But some tablets come with the option of adding some storage via a microSD card. These are bought separately and are relatively cheap. Only some Android and Windows tablets come with a microSD slot, you don't get the option on iPads, which means extra storage can be costly.
5. Performance (Processor or CPU and GPU) – This is the tablet’s brain – it determines how fast it opens and uses apps. Processors of 1GHz speed or more are optimum and are best for fast performance. Also, tablets within the range of 512MB or more of RAM will produce better performance.
The most important factor to consider is your wallet/purse, if it’s well beyond your reach, look for a cheaper model and compare. You can never tell which tablet is perfect for you till you ask the necessary questions.
Written By: - Sola AgbajeThe post OF TABS AND MEN: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING THAT TABLET appeared first on Aphroden.
