How to choose a tablet?

Computer technology is developing rapidly today. A good half of the population already possesses portable computers. A modern practical and convenient mini-analogue of a computer is a tablet. It looks like a large touchscreen phone with which you can work with graphic and text editors, listen to music, watch movies, play games and surf on the Internet. At first glance, choosing a good model at a low price is not easy, because you need to understand some technical nuances. That is why in this article we will talk about how to choose a tablet.

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How to choose an inexpensive and good tablet?

Inexpensive models of such devices, as a rule, are limited in certain possibilities. Choosing the best option should be based on not quality, but rather quality characteristics. Many of the manufacturers of such equipment produce a line of models from budget options to the premium class, where, of course, cheaper parts are used to assemble inexpensive gadgets.

Important! If the purpose of acquiring a tablet is to view news on the Internet, check mail, read books, then you better buy an inexpensive model. In our separate review, we described in detail the best budget tablets for different tasks.

One of the main criteria for choosing a tablet is the conditions for its future use. So, for simpler tasks and working on the Internet, it is not necessary to buy a device with a powerful processor. And for games and graphics, you should pay attention to more expensive models.

Important! A good gaming tablet with a large set of serious functions cannot be very cheap, since selling expensive models at a reduced price is not practical for the manufacturer. So, if you are offered a gadget of a famous brand at a suspiciously low price, then perhaps this is a fake.

Models at a lower cost must be able to select, since the wrong choice can cause the device to soon break down or become obsolete.

When choosing a tablet, you should rely on the following parameters:

• Extension and screen size.
• CPU power.
• Type of matrix.
• The amount of internal memory.
• The amount of RAM.
• Battery power.
• Operating system (OS).
• Additional features.
• Body material.

Important! Before deciding on a specific device model, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with our publication “Chinese tablets are inexpensive but good.”.

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What diagonal of the tablet to choose?

One of the important questions when choosing a tablet is which screen size is better, since the usability of the gadget will depend on this.

Today, the most popular diagonal is considered - 7 and 10 inches.

Important! There are smaller gadgets: with 5 and 6 inch screens. But the choice of such “kids” is not justified, since they are not suitable for full-fledged work - it is better to purchase smartphone.

Choosing a diagonal, one should proceed from such considerations:

• 7-8 inch stretch models can be called pocket. Due to their light weight and size, they can be carried with you like an e-book. Follow the link and find out about top 8 inch models.
• 9-10 inches - it can already be compared with a netbook. They do not fit in your pocket, but easily fit into your bag. Do you prefer such a device? In our special review, we have collected all the necessary information about top 10 inch models.

Important! Some tablets can be equipped with a docking station, that is, an external keyboard. You will find detailed information about such devices in our separate post. “The best tablet with a keyboard”.

The size of the device affects its mobility. For every day, it is advisable to choose 7 inches. And if you want to work on a tablet, it’s worth looking in the direction of “nine”, although for someone it will not be enough. In this case, you should think about buying a laptop.

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Which screen has the best features?

When choosing a tablet, you should pay attention to its screen, but not the diagonal, but the device, view. Today, there are four types of displays that are most in demand:

• TFT TN is the most simple and inexpensive technology that costs most cheap tablets. It has poor color rendering and viewing angles.
• IPS is an advanced technology that many good tablets from different manufacturers have. She is good at everything, but not perfect.
• Super Amoled - stands on Samsung tablets. It has good viewing angles, color reproduction and contrast, but it is quite expensive and may not always produce real colors.
• Retina - stands exclusively on devices from Apple. Now she is perfect. But the funny thing is that Samsung developed this display together with LG.

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Sensor

To date, manufacturers use the following touch screens to launch tablets:

• Resistive - they are almost a thing of the past.
• Capacitive - significantly surpass the previous version in display capacity, perfectly resist dirt and dust. Work on gadgets equipped with such screens can only happen with the help of special devices - styluses or special gloves.

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Which processor is better?

Most often, you can find devices with a processor on the ARM architecture, Media Tek or Snapdragon.

Important! The x64 and x86 processors, which are sometimes also provided by netbooks - such components for tablet computers show very good performance indicators.

Of the best mobile processors for tablets, the following can be noted:

• Tegra 3 - a 4-core processor at 1.5 GHz.
• Samsung Exynos 7580, Samsung Exynos 7870.
• Intel x7 Z8700, Intel Atom x5 Z8500.
• MediaTek MT8735, MediaTek MT8732, MediaTek MT8382.
• Cortex A7, ARM Cortex A9.
• Qualcomm: Snapdragon 615, Snapdragon MSM8916, Snapdragon 410 APQ8016, Snapdragon MSM8909.

Important! Very popular among architects, designers, designers, etc. enjoy graphic tablets. These devices are always being improved. If you want to keep up to date, we recommend using the information from our separate publication “Graphic tablet - how to choose?”.

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Which operating system is better to choose?

Today, there are three main operating systems that are used in different gadgets: Android, Windows and iOS. I would immediately like to say that an absolutely perfect operating system does not exist. IOS has some advantages, something better than Android. However, judging by the reviews, users like Android more - it's not for nothing that this OS has conquered the market with such speed.

Let's decide on which OS you should pay attention to choose the right tablet:

• Android - can rightfully be considered the most common operating system. The tablet on Android is simple, convenient and affordable. The thing is that this OS is quite flexible and has a huge number of different applications that can be downloaded from the official content store, or simply from the Internet.

Important! In addition, Android represents a fairly large opportunity to work with this OS, as well as a large factory set of programs.

• iOS is also a fairly popular OS that was developed by Apple. All tablets running on iOS are called iPads. The main advantage is a clear and simple interface, ease of use. In addition, tablets on this operating system are considered very high quality, but very expensive. For iOS, there is also a content store - AppStore. Here you can choose a huge variety of applications.

Important! The main disadvantage is that the gadget will have to be cracked in order to be able to download unlicensed software and applications simply from the Internet. If you do not use hacking, then the user will have to pay for almost everything.

• Windows - an OS that is installed on almost all laptops and computers, is also popular for tablet computers. However, she immediately wants to be excluded from consideration, since her main advantage is the ability to work with familiar office programs. Nevertheless, it is believed that working in office programs and using Excel and Word is much more convenient on a laptop. In addition, the battery life of the device with Windows is only 2-3 hours, while Android is 6-12 hours, depending on the model and what you do on it.

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Highlights When Choosing A Memory

There are only three types of device memory:

• Operational.
• Built in.
• Additional.

Important! One of the very important factors when choosing a tablet is the RAM, because it determines the speed of the operating system. And of course, so that the gadget does not slow down, it needs more than 512 MB of operative.

Here are some things to note here:

• For a regular tablet, which is designed for standard functions, for example, viewing photos, movies, “fermenting” on the Internet, etc., approximately 1 GB of memory will be sufficient. Follow the link to find outhow to choose a tablet for reading and watching movies.
• Well, if you are a fan of 3D games, it is advisable to have at least 2 GB of RAM.

Internal, that is, the device’s internal memory - this parameter determines how much information you can store on the gadget. As a rule, the amount of this memory varies from 8 to 23 GB.

Important! When choosing, you need to consider that its cost significantly depends on the device’s memory. We advise you to prefer the middle ground - 16 GB, but certainly with the possibility of installing an external additional memory card on it.

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Battery life and weight of the gadget

A battery is also an important criterion to choose the right tablet. A tablet computer is, first of all, a mobile device, therefore it is necessary that the battery lasts a long time. It all depends on the power and size of the gadget. For example:

• For a 7-inch tablet, you need a battery with a capacity of at least 3200 mAh.
• As for the 10-inch models, then in this case a battery with a capacity of 7500 mAh and above is needed.

Important! If, when choosing a tablet computer, you intend to use it mainly at home or in the office, then in this case the weight of the device does not really matter. It is a completely different matter when you need to carry the gadget with you all the time or use it on the go. A tablet that weighs about 1 kg or more can hardly be called mobile, so it’s better to pay attention to a lighter and more compact device.

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additional characteristics

In addition to the main parameters, there are also additional:

• Bluetooth - allows you to transfer files, as well as connect to other devices and a headset.
• Wi-fi - allows you to connect to a wireless access point network.
• 3G - is a built-in modem for mobile Internet.
• HDMI - a connector with which you can transfer images to a close-up of the monitor.
• USB connector - for modem and removable USB drive.
• Micro SD slot - for an additional resource of an external memory card.
• Internet connector - port through which you can connect a wired Internet.
• Camera - rear view and frontal.
• GPS - for navigation.

Important! It should be noted that tablets with GPS navigation are available with a more powerful battery, which allows you to work offline for a long time. Read more in our article. “The best GPS tablet”.

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Which company is better to choose a tablet?

Most users are inclined to ensure that the device is with a “name”, but it is worth saying that Chinese tablets may be completely inferior to the products of famous companies. Today, there are several popular tablet manufacturers:

• Acer - produces a wide range of devices with different parameters, sizes and in different price categories. A wide range of products makes it possible to choose a high-quality and most optimal device.
• ASUS - the manufacturer has established itself in the market as a developer of elegant, thoughtful and multi-functional tablet computers. The company often pleases its fans with interesting, worthwhile innovations.
• Microsoft - launches modern devices under the Surface brand. The models of this manufacturer in their technical parameters do not differ much from a PC, having all its advantages. Transformer models are not uncommon for this company.
• Samsung is a well-known company that supplies a huge range of tablets in various price categories.
• Apple is a world famous manufacturer of powerful and stylish devices with all modern capabilities.

Important! If your budget is not limited, then you should pay attention to the products of Apple, Samsung or ASUS - these devices will probably not let you down, they are quite productive and high-quality.

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Stock footage

The modern gadget market provides us with the widest choice, so it is not surprising that inexperienced users can get lost in it. We hope our tips and tricks will help you choose the right tablet that will best meet all your wishes.