In recent years, tablets have become the favorite device in many homes when it comes to connecting to the Internet, accessing social networks, searching the Internet, sending emails … Currently in the market we have different models at our disposal, different operating systems, different sizes, different price …
If you believe in the post-pc era and the time has come to buy a tablet to do everyday tasks from anywhere without relying on a computer, here is a guide on how to choose a tablet. In this article, we will take into account the advantages and disadvantages of each of the operating systems and models available in the market.
Screen size
Currently in the market we have at our disposal different sizes of screen ranging from 8 inches to 13. The size of the screen is one of the main decisions that we must take into account, because if we seek versatility and move it anywhere, the smaller the better.
If we want to move it but also want to get the most out of it, the 13-inch model may be the best option, especially if our intention is to replace our computer or laptop without giving up screen size.
OS
The operating system is another aspect that we must take into account. While it is true that Android is the most widely used operating system in the world, if we talk about tablets, the thing fails and quite a lot, since most applications do not have their interface adapted to be used in tablets, something that It happens in Apple’s iOS mobile ecosystem.
In addition, iOS puts at our disposal a large number of applications of all kinds, applications adapted to the larger screen that allows you to take advantage of this advantage over mobile phones. Apple makes available to iPad users specific functions such as split screen or multitasking, basic functions that any tablet should have.
Third, and although many do not consider it a tablet, we also have to put the Microsoft Surface in the same bag. The main advantage offered by the Microsoft Surface range is that it is managed by Windows 10 in its full version, so we can install any application available on desktops and laptops without any limitations.
Windows 10 integrates a version for tablets ideal for the Surface, which allows us to interact with it as if it were an Android or iPad tablet but with the power and versatility offered by a PC.
Compatibility / Application ecosystem
As I said in the previous point, Android is not the ecosystem if we are looking for a tablet to replace our PC because the number of compatible applications is very limited. In recent years, the search giant seems to have put aside these devices to focus on the smartphone, a mistake that in the long run will cost a lot.
Apple puts at our disposal almost one million applications compatible with the iPad, applications that take advantage of the length and width of the screen and that in most cases, is the same applications that we can install on the iPhone, so we do not have to do a double expense.
Microsoft with the Surface is the ideal option if we cannot live without certain desktop applications to which we are accustomed and without which we cannot work in conditions.
Accessories
The tablets managed by Android, put at our disposal the same accessories that we can find in smartphones managed by the same operating system, which allows us to connect a hub to the USB-C port to connect a memory card, a USB stick, a hard disk or even a monitor if it supports this function.
With the launch of the iPad Pro, the Cupertino boys have expanded the number of options we can connect without having to always go through the box. The iPad Pro 2018 has replaced the traditional lightning connection with a USB-C port, to which we can connect a card reader, a monitor, a hard disk or a hub to connect various devices together.
The Microsoft Surface is practically the same as a laptop without a keyboard, so it offers the same connections as a laptop, being the device that offers greater versatility when connecting any accessory to expand the functions it offers.
All models of high-end tablet, allows us to connect both a keyboard and a pencil to draw on the screen. In addition, the models managed by Windows, such as Samsung’s Galaxy Tab and Microsoft’s Surface also allow us to connect a mouse, so that the interaction with the operating system is much more comfortable.
Prices
In recent years, the price of smartphones has increased considerably, sometimes exceeding 1,000 dollars. As the years have gone by, the tablets have also increased their price due to the considerable increase in the benefits they offer us.
Tablets with Android
The ecosystem of tablets with Android, as I said above is very limited because most manufacturers have stopped betting on this market, leaving most of it to Apple, which by virtue of its own is virtually the owner of it.
Models that best value for money currently offered at the market, offers the range Samsung Galaxy Tab, Samsung making available different models from 180 dollars, a price with which we have at our disposal a basic tablet for do the four things that we usually do with our team, such as watching social networks, visiting a web page, sending emails …
Apple iPad
Apple puts at our disposal the iPad range of 9.7 inches, the iPad Mini, the iPad Pro 10.5 inches and the iPad Pro range of 11 and 12.9 inches. The Apple Pencil is only compatible with the iPad Pro range, so if our idea is to use it, we must take it into account when buying an Apple iPad. The base price for all iPad models is as follows:
- iPad Mini 4: 429 dollars for the 128 GB model with WiFi connection.
- iPad 9.7 inches: 349 dollars for the 32 GB model with WiFi connection.
- iPad Pro 10.5 inches: 729 dollars for the 64 GB model with WiFi connection.
- iPad Pro 11 inches: 879 dollars for the 64 GB model with WiFi connection.
- iPad Pro 12.9 inches: 1.079 dollars for the 64 GB model with WiFi connection.
Microsoft Surface
The Surface of Microsoft puts at our disposal specifications that we can find in most high-end laptops on the market, but with the versatility offered by a computer without a keyboard, which we must buy separately if we want it, as it happens with all iPad models.
Main specifications of the Surface:
- Processor: Intel Core m3, Core i5 / i7 7th generation.
- Memory: 4/8/16 GB of RAM
- Storage capacities: 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
The most economical model, without keyboard, part of the 899 dollars, (Intel Core m3, 4 GB RAM and 128 GB SSD) a price that may seem high for a tablet, but that if we consider the versatility it offers, both for the applications as for the mobility, it is a more than reasonable price for a tablet of this power.
If the Microsoft Surface is out of your budget, but you want to continue maintaining the idea that offers us, we can choose the Surface Go, a tablet with a lower performance at a lower price, although it may be for some more demanding users to stay short. The Surface Go part of the 449 dollars with 64 GB of storage, 4 GB of RAM and an Intel 4415Y processor.
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