Tablets

Tablet overview

A tablet computer, more commonly referred to as a "tablet" is a mobile computer system that has distinguishing characteristics that make it unique from laptop computers, desktop models, and even smartphones. More specifically, a tablet includes a full operating system with a touchscreen interface. The device includes rechargeable batteries and comes in a thin, flat platform and can have screen sizes that range from approximately 7 to 10 inches (measured diagonally). These devices are designed to be smaller than the laptop with similar function. However, they are also intended to be larger than smartphones to add productivity while remaining highly mobile, light, and agile.

Hardware

All computing devices have a processor. The processors (measured in gigahertz) affect the speed at which processing occurs over the device. The larger the gigahertz (GHz) the faster and better performance. Performance and processing speed can also be affected by the amount of memory on the device, both hard drive and random-access-memory (RAM). As with the processor, the larger the better. Hard drive space can be as little as 16GB and increase from there to as high as 64GB or 128GB. Of course, I/O ports can extend hard drive space. As it relates to RAM, tablets can range from 512MB to at or above 2GB.

Operating system

All tablets come with an operating system like those installed on laptops. They are scaled down versions that conserve battery life due to the smaller processors required to run apps. Google's Android®, Apple iOS®, Chrome OS®, and Windows® operating systems dominate the tablet market and is in large part the feature that effects the tablet's capabilities the most. The ability to update the operating system is critical to allowing the tablet to use the newest apps while improving the security of the device. There are other operating systems depending on the tablet. There is a direct correlation between operating system and available apps that a device can use

Others

As the evolution of tablets continued to find unique consumer demands, other forms of tablets were developed. While less common now, there still exist other forms of tablets that target gamers. Gaming tablets may include peripheral devices that interface a much more functional gamepad or thumbstick to provide a better gaming experience for the user. Other designs included the booklet or clamshell designs that include an integrated gamepad or thumbstick. These are designed specifically for gaming experiences and are less functional when it comes to web browsing, multimedia viewing, apps or other diverse uses.

Accessories

As with most consumer products, there generally more accessories available than devices. They include Bluetooth I/O devices, covers, skins, stands, screen covers, and more. Some of them add to the functionality of your tablet, while others prolong their life. Some just make the device more fashionable. Regardless of the accessory, consider how the accessories add or detract from the value of your tablet.

Battery

Depending on the frequency and time a tablet is in active use, battery life can be a considerable factor. By design, tablets are smaller, lighter, and more efficient than laptops. Tablets can range from 7 to 10 hours of battery life. That time can vary even within the device's expected range. It all depends on active use, brightness of screen, use of WiFi and processing demand among a few variables.

Ports Input and Output

Input and Output (I/O) ports can be an important feature in a tablet depending on its use by expanding its capabilities. The most common ports found include USB, Thunderbolt, and DisplayPorts. There are other ports available. A port can be used to expand a device's memory or connect an accessory as with gaming tablets. Some tablets include a slot for microSD cards which also serve to expand memory. The are a multitude of adapters and accessories that can be used with tablets to expand their capabilities using an existing port.

wireless connectivity

Most models offer WiFi connectivity as a standard feature. This allows the device to connect wirelessly to a local area network (router). The connectivity allows for downloading, livestreaming, and updating the operating system or applications. Although connecting to WiFi is most common, that does not work for all when connectivity is required but there is no available WiFi. Many models include cellular network connections. These models tend to be more costly and may add charges to your cellular network bill. However, it remains a valuable feature for those where WiFi is not enough. Keep in mind that some cellular plans allow the use to share smartphone internet service with their tablet.

Display characteristic #1

One important factor in evaluating tablet displays is resolution. Higher resolutions make images and text appear sharper. Resolutions at the 800x600 level will present lower quality viewing than HD resolutions or even 3180x2160 UHD screens. However, UHD resolutions on a 7-inch screen may not be visibly better than lower resolution screens.

App Market

One the key features of most apps is that they are proprietary to the operating system. Depending on which OS is being used, the availability of apps is limited to those offered within that platform. Many developers create apps that are available on the largest platforms, Apple iOS® and Android®. Some apps come pre-installed on the tablet's operating system; all others must be downloaded. Hard drive space and operating systems can affect the availability and use of apps on any tablet.

Display characteristic #2

Some displays have an anti-glare coating that makes it easier for viewing in bright light. Shiny, uncoated screens can require higher screen brightness settings to view clearly which uses more battery power than lower screen brightness settings. Be aware that some anti-glare coating may require special cleaning products that the shiny glass uncoated screens require.

Display characteristic #4

Tablets can include ambient light sensors that adjust display brightness and contrast automatically. This helps viewing ability and also can prolong battery life

Multiple Users

The ability for a single device to be used by multiple users varies considerably. Some Android® models can allow the user to login with their own credentials. This is especially valuable for parents who want to limit and monitor apps used by children. Apple iOS® models do allow different users to login to their Apple account differently but not in the same way as the Android®.

Screen size and shape

The standard tablet screen size is about 7 inches, however, variations including the phablet and mini tablets might be as small as 5.5 inches. The measure of a screen, like televisions, is determined by the diagonal length of the visible screen and does not include the actual size of the device or its frame or chassis. When held in landscape mode, most modern tablets have the short, wide shape of a widescreen television (16:9 aspect ratio). It is important to note that not every model has the standard size screen. Screen sizes that are squarer in design may provide a smaller viewing screen when watching HD video that is formatted for the 16:9 aspect ratio.

Detatchable laplet

This form of laplet has a keyboard that can be detached from the actual laplet and stored separately. While other forms of tablets can include a keyboard as an accessory, the detachable laplet includes and integrated keyboard as part of its original design.

Convertable laplet

This form of laplet has a keyboard that folds or flips back and is hidden or concealed by the screen frame when not in use

Mini-Tablet

This type of tablet generally weighs less than slate tablets and are typically have a smaller screen size as well. It is designed to be more portable than its larger version, but specifications can be different. Functionally, it is like the larger tablet and typically includes a touchscreen interface. Due to its smaller size, this type of tablet may be a bit more affordable than its larger version. Screen sizes are typically around 7 inches.

Phablet

This type of tablet gets its name from "smartphone" and "tablet" as a crossover between the smaller smartphone and the functional attributes of tablets. This type is also known as a hybrid. With screens in the 5-inch range, the typical phablet is around 5.5 inches. These tablets are designed for screen-intensive interaction with many having or including a stylus typically stored within the frame of the device for notetaking or sketching. These devices are typically used for mobile web browsing and multimedia viewing and like smartphones include a touchscreen interface. As the size of smartphones increases to even larger models than the phablet, what differentiates a phablet from a large smartphone is the 16:9 aspect ratio unique to the phablet. Some smartphones may be "longer" than the phablet and do not hold to the 16:9 aspect ratio.

Slate

This type of tablet is typically in the smaller range of tablets. Their screen sizes can be as small as 5 to 6 inches, a bit below the standard 7 to 10-inch range for tablets. However, some slate tablets can be as large as 10 inches. The primary feature, or lack thereof, is that slate tablets do not come with a keyboard. Although you can typically add a keyboard as an accessory, the slate tablets are small, sleek, and are designed primarily for touchscreen interface (including on-screen keyboards) for accessing entertainment apps, watching videos or playing games that use the touchscreen interface. The touchscreen can be used using the finger(s) or even a stylus (likely not included at the time of purchase).

Laplet

This type of tablet is uniquely identified as being equipped with a keyboard as part of its original design. This tablet typically includes on-screen keyboards that can also be used to interface with the device. These models run full-featured desktop operating systems like Windows® and Apple iOS® that allow them to run software (or apps) like those found on laptops/desktops. In addition, many models can be found to have I/O ports like USB or DisplayPorts (VGA, DVI, etc.). However, the laplet's most prominent feature is the keyboard. Within this type of tablet, the laplet can be categorized as either a 2-in-1 Convertible or a 2-in-1 Detachable.

Display characteristic #3

Viewing angles are another important display feature. Wider viewing angles allow the device to be held in different positions for viewing. This may also affect multiple viewers ability to see the screen clearly from different angles. This may be a benefit or not, depending on the circumstances. Users may not want the person in the seat next to them to be able to see their screen

Printing

a tablet's ability to print via WiFi adds a valuable function to the device. Those using Apple iOS® and Android® operating systems include the capacity for printing.

Camera

now standard in most portable devices, tablets can feature forward and rear facing cameras. The key to cameras is the quality of images. Two-camera devices may include cameras with different quality image capture. Also, the ability to record video/audio is a key function of many tablets. The higher the pixel value, the better the picture and video quality. For video, some models support and record in 720 HD or Full HD quality.