With every new technology comes a new learning curve in the marketplace and tablet PCs are no different. So, due to the large selection of models available from a growing number of manufacturers, how do you know which one is going to give you the best bang for your buck? Let's go through five simple questions to point you in the right direction.
1. What Will You Use Your Tablet PC For?
This question seems obvious, but it's worth answering right up front in an honest way. Are you going to use it to just check email now and then and play a few games? If so, then you probably don't need one! If you already own a smartphone, you have access to emails and games. If it's the games, buy a Playstation Portable or Nintendo DS and save yourself a few hundred dollars. If you insist on buying a tablet, just choose a cheap one because that's all you'll need.
Tablets are just outside the range of "impulse purchases" for most people, but they're cool enough -- and the buzz is so positive! -- to make you really, really want one. Just be sure you know what your needs are before getting sucked into paying more than you wanted to for something you won't really take full advantage of.
If, on the other hand, you think you'll use it for study and/or business (e.g. to take notes, give presentations, read reports and papers, do research online, etc.), then look for one with good processing speed, expandable memory, a large display, and good connectivity. There's always a balance with tech "toys" between not missing out on some of the cool functionality and spending too much for things you'll never use.
2. How Much Are You Willing to Spend?
And that brings us to money. You'll be pleased to know that there is a very large price range in the world of tablet PCs. At the bottom end of the price ladder you can get a very basic tablet device with very few bells and whistles; which nonetheless gives you the benefits of portable tablet computing. At the top end, you get full-blown awesomeness with more features than you can shake a stick at!
The trick is knowing what's good value. And that's where knowing your needs is critical. Hopefully this article can help you get clearer on that.
As a basic guideline -- once you've determined your needs -- I'd recommend buying the best one you can afford without overstretching yourself financially. This gives you the functionality you'll use today as well as allowing for plenty of good service before your needs grow (which they always do as you get more familiar with technology) and you become due for an upgrade.
3. Which Operating System Do You Prefer?
Actually, another way to ask that question is "What kind of apps do you think you'll want to use?" That's because the operating system will dictate which apps and other functionality are available to you. Apple was first to market and had the iPhone App-Store already established so currently there are more apps available for the iPad than other models. However, the uptake for Android-powered tablets has been massive (and is growing) so don't be surprised if Apple lose their edge in the apps market.
What it means for you is that before making a decision, you should take a look through the two marketplaces ( iPad App Store and Android App Store ) to see if there are any "make or break" apps for your purposes. Also, be sure to compare the built-in apps that come with each model you're considering. Having said that, most apps are quite inexpensive and many are free to download and install.
4. Do You Need Heavy-Duty Internet Connectivity?
Almost every tablet PC comes with built-in wi-fi connectivity. The thing you need to consider, though, is whether wi-fi is going to be enough for your needs. Wi-Fi "hotspots" are everywhere these days in most urban centres. However, if you need to stay connected all the time -- even when outside of a wi-fi hotspot -- you should probably consider looking for a model that has 3G or 4G network access. Also, if you don't live in a big urban centre, basic wi-fi connectivity is most likely not going to be good enough.
Just remember: Needing a 3G or 4G connection means you will also need to purchase a data-plan (just like your mobile phone uses). I'm sure I don't need to tell you to be careful when choosing a data-plan because if you're not careful, the costs can add up really fast!
5. What Other Features Do You Want or Need?
Now, if you're completely new to the world of tablet computing, you may not even be aware of what other features there are. That's okay, it just means you need to do a bit more research. Here are some typical features that people consider when choosing a tablet:
* screen size and resolution
* dimensions and weight
* amount of base memory, e.g. 8MB, 16MB, etc.
* whether you can increase the memory and how cameras: front only or front and rear?
* quality of the camera (in megapixels)
* number of USB ports
* other ports available, e.g. HDMI
* other accessories available (case, adaptors, keyboard, etc.)
Know what to look for when shopping for a tablet: Download TechGadgetRecon's free 32-page guide & checklist and take a look at this Tablet PC Comparison Chart.
You might also be interested in these detailed, independent tablet PC reviews: http://techgadgetrecon.com/category/tablet-pcs.
