Educational supplies and other study materials are a major expense for students. They can often end up being more than your course fees. All-purpose laptops can get very expensive, not to mention the cost of software. Tablets are very practical for getting around classes, especially when you need a full day of charge. When the iPad was released, the choice was very simple. Now there are a myriad of choices on the market. Choosing the right tablet might not be as easy as you thought.
In this article, we look at the important factors to consider when you are buying a tablet.
Size and screen quality
Size is certainly an issue. If you are just using your tablet to take notes and browse around as you commute, the smaller the tablet the better. Remember you are buying something that is a cross between a smartphone and a laptop. If you already have a smartphone, you should think about a bigger sized tablet. I know people who use their tablets like they are a smartphone. Besides the screen size, you should be aware of the screen type and resolution. Glossy screens might look good, but they can be hard on the eyes if you do a lot of reading. Matt screens with the highest resolutions are designed to be as close to paper as currently possible.
Accessories
Not too many people think about this very important issue. Third party manufacturers make a lot of money on accessories. They can also make or break your experience. Apple wins hands down on this one. With a full-sized keyboard and vertical stand, you can turn your tablet into something that mimics a laptop. This can be very useful when you are writing essays.
3G or Wi-Fi only
Having a 3g option is a must. Let’s say you are attending some business courses, and you are on the move. You need to stay up-to-date with the latest international news. Being connected with a super-fast 3g SIM card so you have access latest information will be crucial. Without an Internet connection, a tablet’s use is very limited, especially as we move into the world of cloud computing.
What about apps?
Applications define the tablet. They are built on live apps, and the content those apps can deliver. If a tablet has a lack of third party applications, you might as well throw it in the bin. Remember you are probably being tied to the content of the manufacturer. Apple is known very well for this strategy, but they are not the only one. Amazon has recently released the Kindle Fire. Apparently, they are selling them at a loss because the machines will be exclusively tied to the content provided by Amazon. Be very careful with your choice.
Platform
The iPhone and the iPad changed the consumer market penetration for Apple forever. The Mac platform was perceived as a design-geek favourite for many years. Your choice of platform will be important. Remember you are still going to use your laptop and smartphone with all those documents and that content too. The new Windows 8 operating system will run on all machines, and this is might be enough reason to wait until the full version is available. Again, careful thought about what you know, and what you need, is required.
A tablet is a very personal computing device. It may require some very careful consideration. If you are a long-time Apple user, the choice will be easy. If you are used to Windows, you should be aware of the coming changes accompanied by Windows 8. It will be available on many devices. Take your time and enjoy playing with different devices in the flesh. If you are unsure, buying online without first trying, is not an option.
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