Tablet Buying Guide

What is a tablet?

Tablets are medium-sized touchscreen computers: bigger than phones but smaller than laptops. They work just like big versions of smartphones, and often run the same apps.

Their bigger screens and longer-lasting batteries means they’re better suited to playing videos or browsing the internet than phones, while their smaller size makes them more convenient to travel with than laptops.

 Popular uses for tablets

  • Watching videos from YouTube or BBC iPlayer
  • Writing brief emails or documents
  • Reading ebooks and magazines
  • Quickly performing a search or checking a website

What kinds of tablets are there?

Tablets can run one of three operating systems: Apple’s iOS, Google’s Android or Microsoft’s Windows. Apple’s iPads are the only tablets to run iOS, but Android and Windows are used by many manufacturers.

Apple iPad:

  • The most popular and iconic tablet
  • Available in small (iPad Mini) and large (iPad Air) models
  • Well made, with good screens and durable metal bodies
  • Have an easy-to-use operating system with many good apps available
  • Combines well with iPhones and Mac computers
  • More expensive than other tablets and are less customisable

Android tablets:

  • Made by Samsung, Sony, Google and Amazon & more
  • Many different models available, which vary in size, style and capabilities
  • Popular models include Nexus 7, Kindle Fire HD and Galaxy Tab S
  • Have the most features and are the most customisable
  • Many apps available, but some aren’t well suited for tablets

Windows tablets:

  • Made chiefly by Microsoft and subsidiary Nokia
  • Well suited for work with Microsoft Office
  • Available with Windows 8 (as used by laptops) or Windows RT (mobile)
  • Windows 8 models can run the same apps as laptops and desktops
  • Windows RT models are less popular and can only run special apps

What size tablet is right for me?

Once you’ve chosen an operating system, the next thing is to choose a screen size. The most common sizes are 7 inches and 10 inches.

7-inch tablets are more portable, fitting easily into bags or even larger pockets. You can use a 7-inch tablet in one hand, and they cost less as well.

10-inch tablets offer a larger screen, allowing you to read, watch videos and play games more easily. 10-inch tablets often come with larger batteries, letting you last longer between charges. They do cost more and require two hands to wield, though.

Should I get a tablet with mobile internet?

Some tablets come with a cellular connection, letting you access the internet without needing to find a wireless network. This is helpful when you’re out and about. Tablets with mobile internet cost more money up front, and require their own mobile contract – so you’ll have to pay for internet access each month.

How much storage space do I need?

Most tablets come with 16GB of storage, which is more than enough for standard use. If you want to install many apps and games, or keep HD videos on your tablet, then consider a 32 or 64 GB model.

Some Android and Windows tablets include microSD card slots, which allow you to add storage cheaply after your initial tablet purchase.

Tablets that run Windows 8 require more storage space. For these, 64GB is a good minimum and 128GB provides some room to grow.

What accessories are available?

Like smartphones, there are accessories that protect your tablet or make it better.

Any other questions?

Any other questions? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll try to help. You can also reach us via our website or Twitter @mobilefun.

Thanks for reading!