Smartphones like the iPhone and Android offer some convenience to the tablet PC user. Tablet PCs were not even considered a possibility just five years ago. The idea of having something that could do everything that a notebook did was way beyond our reach. Thankfully, all kinds of tablet PCs have appeared on the market in just a few short years. The latest, best tablet for you is out today, and you can find it with a little research. But which one should you buy? There are two main types of tablet PCs: those that you can use with their keyboards or those that come with a keyboard dock. Some tablets are placed as multimedia content-consuming devices, like the Amazon Fire tablet and the relatively inexpensive entry-level iPad (that just received a nice upgrade), while others are meant to replace your desktop or notebook computer. Heck, even the new iPad Air may be powerful enough for your next primary machine. But you do need to decide which type of tablet you need, and what apps you want to run on it. For example, what media apps will you be using?
Most tablet PCs fall into one of two categories: convertible or detachable. A convertible tablet PC is one that can be used with its keyboard or the stand-by pen (with a pen-cover) and used like a paperback book. Tablet PCs with detachable keyboards are generally cheaper, but they tend to either have no keyboard at all, or one that can be bought as an add-on. Tablet PCs with keyboards are the best for anyone looking for a tablet PC that doubles as a desktop replacement.
The first thing you'll want to think about when buying tablets is the processor speed. All recent tablets use an ARM processor, which are much faster and much less expensive than their Intel brethren. Plus, ARM tablets typically have twice the memory and twice the hard drive space, making them great for streaming movies, playing 3D games, or running more complex apps. However, the newer, higher-end quad-core AARM tablets, like the iPad and the Google Nexus S, use an ARM processor. If you're looking for performance, go for the higher-end tablets with twice the memory and twice the hard drive space.
One of the most important features in buying a tablet PC is battery life. Both the newest Android tablets and the Windows alternatives all have very long battery lives. Of course, the higher-end Android tablet PCs have a lot more features and plenty of software that can keep your mind entertained while you're waiting for your tablet to kick off. The real power of a tablet PC comes from the long battery life it has, so look for a good tablet PC with at least ten hours of battery life.
Another factor in determining what type of tablet PC to buy is how easy it is to get accessories for your tablet PC. For example, many tablet PC buyers are opting for a keyboard with their tablet. Why? With a keyboard, you can attach it to your computer without having to deal with a separate keyboard dock. If you often use a tablet PC but don't like the way it looks or feels because it's not your usual desktop computer, a USB-C keyboard may be just what you need. Just make sure that your keyboard has a long warranty and is compatible with the actual tablet you want to use.
Another big consideration when buying a tablet PC is what type of screen and touch input devices you would like. Tablets typically offer only a touchpad or a stylus. If you'd prefer to use an actual keyboard with your tablet, you'll need to look for a USB-based one instead of a Bluetooth device. Most tablet PCs will support most common Android apps, but some, especially the older and cheaper versions, will require specialized software for use with certain types of apps. Some tablet PC manufacturers also have special apps that are designed specifically for their tablets.
Whether you are looking for a full-featured tablet or simply want something smaller and easier to use, like an ipad mini, there are many tablet PC options available in the marketplace. The biggest decision you'll face is whether to go for a brand-new tablet from a major manufacturer or opt for an inexpensive tablet PC that you can use while waiting for your current tablet to break down. Tablet PCs are expected to grow in popularity as they offer a portable and simple alternative to larger, more expensive desktops.