If you’re a Star Trek fan, you may recall these nifty little devices called PADDs or Personal Access Display Device. They were handheld devices that Starfleet used to interact with the ship’s computer and more. Like other Trek Tech used in Real Life, the PADD has become a near-reality today with Tablets.
Some would say that Apple pioneered Tablets with their launch of the iPad, but the truth is that tablets have been tried again and again since the late 1980’s. In the late 1990’s tablets had finally taken a form near what we identify today, however their usability was lackluster and adoption failed. That’s not to give credit to Apple’s iPad, without it we would not be entering this new age of Tablets.
So why now? Apple made the iPad easy to use in many ways. You can have your data, your applications (apps), and your communication all in one place. You move around with simple gestures and the entire interface is very natural. This is something that Google is adopting in their Honeycomb (and future: Icecream Sandwich) versions. So now that you have a brief history of tablets, let’s look at the meat!
Tablets are computers. You trade your mouse and keyboard for a touch-screen display. The specifications found in computers translate over into tablets fairly easily. Unlike a desktop computer, a tablet cannot be upgraded. This means that “saving a buck” will leave you with an outdated tablet before you can blink!
Price Ranges:
I’ve seen tablets range from $100 to $1000. The differences are often in the specifications and features. Keep in mind that some of the low-end tablets are “eReaders” that have been re-branded. These are perfect for reading digital books, but lack at everything else.
Specifications:
Processor (CPU): Anything that “computes” has a processor. From your desktop to your cell phone. Tablets are pushing 1ghz (gigahertz) in speed, and often have dual cores. Dual-core is like having two processors in one and makes for easy multi-tasking (running more than one app). Some of the low-end models I’ve seen have 500-600mhz (megahertz), which are nearly half the speed of the newer ones. This means if you go cheap, you won’t be able to run some apps very well.
Memory: Like PCs, Tablets have memory. Unlike PCs, there’s two types of memory. You have program memory and flash memory. Program memory is similar to a PC and is where your programs save information when they’re running. Having a lot of memory means your apps may run smoother and you can run more apps at once. Current tablets seem to have about 1GB (gigabyte) of memory. In comparison, PCs tend to come with 2-8GB. Cheaper tablets have anywhere between 128-512MB (megabyte) of memory. If you go cheap, you will not be able to have as many apps open and some may not run.
Flash: As I mentioned above, Tablets also have Flash memory. This is much like your PC’s hard drive as it stores information that you’re not currently using. Flash is much slower than program memory, but also much greater in size. The average for current tablets seems to be about 16GB, where cheaper tablets will have much less. If the tablet has an “SD Card” slot, you can supplement the flash memory with removable cards. This means you don’t really have to spend a few hundred more on a model with more Flash. Keep in mind that the SD Card slot has an upper limit of 32GB, with some cheaper models supporting even smaller.
Display: This is a very important factor in deciding on a tablet as the display is not only what you’ll be looking at while you use it, but also your primary way of interacting with it. The screen size you choose will depend on your needs: Smaller 7” screens are good for reading books, e-mails, and viewing web pages. The larger 10” screens will display movies better and feel less cramped. I highly suggest going into a retail store and trying some of the tablets on display to see what size screen you prefer. Another important feature is the type of screen. The two main types of screen are Resistive and Capacitive. Don’t get caught up in what those words mean, just understand this:
- Resistive can be used with your finger or a stylus. This allows for “handwriting” with a stylus.
- Capacitive requires a conductor, such as your finger. A plastic stylus will not work on this screen.
The screen type you choose will depend a lot on what you plan to do with the tablet. From what I’ve read, a lot of users prefer Capacitive as it reacts better to the “swipe” gestures that most modern tablets use.
Camera: One of the biggest complaints that people had about the original iPad was it’s lack of a front-facing camera. Most modern tablets have both a rear and front camera, allowing you to take pictures and to participate in video chat. The MP (mega-pixel) of a camera determines the quality of the picture. Keep in mind that you can also get a high-MP camera for about $100.
Wireless/Ports: Having a tablet can get quite boring if you can’t communicate with the Internet or other devices. You should make sure your tablet choice has the minimum:
- WiFi (802.11b/g/n)
- 1x Micro USB port (for direct connection to your PC)
- 1x 3.5mm headphone port (for listening to music)
Other recommendations are:
- HDMI (for high-def video to your TV)
- Bluetooth (for wireless connection to your PC and other devices)
- 1x USB 2.0 port (for connecting other devices, such as USB jump drives)
Another consideration is “3G/4G”. First of all, what is 3G? It’s a means of getting online while you’re away from a WiFi hotspot. This uses the same technology that your cell phone does, and often requires a data plan through a wireless provider. The 3G/4G models of most tablets carry a considerable price increase on their own, but you also should factor in the monthly cost of the wireless contract through the provider. Alternatively, some wireless providers offer what’s called a “MiFi”.
Physical: Remember that you’ll be holding this tablet for most of your time using it. You don’t want one that’s too heavy, or too bulky. Sometimes going with a smaller screen makes for a lighter and easier to use tablet. Again, I recommend going into a retail store and trying some of the display models before you make a choice.
And finally...
Operating System: I saved this for last as there’s a lot of opinion to be had. The main Operating System (OS) choices are:
- iOS (Apple)
- Android (Google)
- Windows 7 (Microsoft)
There are other choices out there (WebOS is going to power the HP Touchpad), but those are the top three out there now. The OS is what ultimately ties all the other specifications together and provides your user experience. This is not a choice to be taken lightly, so I’m going to put this into a section below.
What OS is right for me?
Your OS choice will depend on what you plan to do and your overall experience as a user. The general opinion is that iOS (iPad) is the easiest to use for a newcomer, where as Android has more features and can be customized. Keep in mind that Android is “open source”, which means anyone can download a kit to develop on it. Apple tends to restrict development for iOS and dictate who can publish apps in their online store.
While some apps have been developed for both iOS and Android, not all have. Sometimes the features found in one version are not in the other. If you know you’ll want to use a certain app, you should check to see which OS it runs best on before deciding on a tablet.
The user experience is also important and is where some would say Android lagged behind. Honeycomb is the newest version of Android and is specially designed for tablets. Cheaper tablets will not have Honeycomb and therefore may not be as smooth and easy to use.
Windows 7 on tablets is very similar to Windows 7 on the PC. There are some tablet enhancements, however overall the reviews point to a poor user experience. If you’re an avid Windows user and you want to make sure all your apps and data will work on both your PC and your tablet, then this may be the right choice for you.
Keep in mind that these OSes are updated by their developers, so the opinions in this article may not be accurate in a few months.
Security
We’ve all heard about hackers breaking into websites and viruses infecting our PCs, but many people don’t hear about security concerns for mobile devices. Two reasons for this is how new these devices are, and the lack of need given how successful infecting PCs has been. This is changing, and there are a few security concerns to consider for your tablet as well.
A recent CNN article addressed mobile security and highlights some of the technical points. To put things simply, Android has been a major target for malware and attacks targeting vulnerabilities. iOS (iPad) has proven more secure, which some has attributed to Apple’s strict control over App Store publishing. Users can often feel a false sense of security when they see an app hosted in Google’s Android Market, when even some apps there can contain malware or malicious content aimed at logging and stealing your data. This may be a particular issue if you’re shopping for a tablet to use for business. You should always read reviews and check into things before you download them.
Another thought is encryption, which will help protect your data in the event your device is stolen. Apple’s website mentions that the iPad can encrypt data, while Engadget discovered that Android 3.0 can enforce encryption as well. I cannot comment on how secure these really are, but they are obviously an added layer of security.
There are other concerns, such as using your device at public hotspots (WiFi available freely and often without encryption). Android has since been patched after version 2.3.3, but some of the cheaper Android tablets are running versions 2.3 or older.
Final Thoughts
Your tablet needs to fit YOU. Do not get an inexpensive tablet just because you don’t want to save up for a better one, especially if it doesn’t fit your needs. On the other hand, if an inexpensive or older model tablet works for you, then you should go for it. If all you wish to do is read eBooks, then you may want to look at the Kindle or Nook. The iPad or iPad2 is a great choice for those who just want something that works. Android-powered devices are better for those who just love to tweak and play around with things.
Feel free to comment and ask for advice.
