This article was created for eBay via Fractl in fall 2014.
A tablet offers the best of both worlds between a laptop and a smartphone, and yes, it can even be worthwhile to have all three. It falls between the two in terms of size and functionality. This category of computing has been booming since 2010, when the first iPad was released, and the number of users has grown along with the field of competitors.
Modern tablets are slim and lightweight, and contain the entire computer within a touchscreen panel. They access the internet using Wi-Fi or mobile broadband, like smartphones, and they present the ultimate in portability for activities such as browsing the internet, checking email, video conferencing, and consuming content such as videos and eBooks. They are go-to devices for both personal and on-the-go business activity.
Whether or not a tablet could replace your need for a laptop would depend on your productivity requirements and your budget. (Keep in mind that some tablets can exceed the cost of good laptops.)
Very basic tablets can be found for as little as $50, but with little functionality; more midrange tablets are upwards of $100-$200 and high-end tablets top out at more than $2,000.
Configurations
Tablets come in a variety of configurations, and generally fall into one of these categories:
1. Slate tablets have no integrated keyboard or mouse and rely on the virtual, pop-up keyboard on the screen. Physical keyboards can generally be bought separately and connected via Bluetooth or a USB port, depending on the tablet’s capabilities. The screen sizes generally range from 7 to 12 inches.
There are also mini tablets, with screens of 7-8 inches, and “phablets,” a term often applied to touchscreen smartphones with screens larger than 5 inches.
2. Convertible tablets are more like laptops that have keyboards that can fold out of the way. They are typically heavier and larger, with screens of 10-13 inches.
3. Hybrid tablets are slates with removable keyboards. They can open and close together like a laptop, and the keyboard can act as a docking station to hook up to accessories like a larger monitor, mouse, external hard drive, or printer.
Platforms
There are three major platforms for tablets, which each provide a unique experience: iOS, Android, and Windows. Here are some of the most current leading tablets of each platform, to provide examples of the variety available.
iOS
Apple’s new iPad Air 2 ($499-$829) is noted for being the thinnest tablet available and for including the Touch ID feature, which can be used to unlock the device and authenticate online purchases and logins.
It also includes a highly rated and improved 8MP camera, with features including burst mode with 10fps capture, plus time-lapse and slow-motion video.
iOS 8.1 allows it to receive and respond to phone calls and texts from your iPhone, and to use Handoff to continue tasks while switching between your gadgets.
Also, love it or hate it, it’s making a slash with the option of a gold-colored finish.
Additional iPad options include the new iPad mini 3 and the previous iPad Air, iPad mini 2 and iPad mini.
Suggested accessories: Smart Case, Smart Cover, Apple Wireless Keyboard, headphones, speaker, printer
Android
Nexus 9: Google’s new Nexus 9 ($399-$599) has an 8.9-inch screen and will be the first to ship with the Android 5.0 Lollipop operating system. It is considered comparable to the iPad Air 2, but for a lower price.
It includes dual, front-facing “BoomSound” speakers, and should therefore have excellent audio.
Additional features include notification controls, so you can allow only certain types of notifications and people to go through, and the ability to respond directly from the lockscreen.
Suggested accessories: the official magnetic keyboard attachment
Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5: Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S 10.5 ($499-$629) features a 10.5-inch screen and utilizes Google’s Android KitKat operating system and Samsung’s TouchWiz interface.
Like the iPad Air 2, this tablet includes a fingerprint reader on its home button, which can be used to unlock the device and to pay for items through PayPal.
It also offers a unique feature: its Multi Window mode allows you open two apps on the screen at once.
Suggested accessories: Cover
Amazon’s Kindle Fire HDX 8.9: The Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 ($379-$579) features an 8.9 inch screen and the new Fire OS 4 “Sangria.”
The device is known for its Mayday button for quick tech support, which brings a support rep to you via video chat.
It also offers Amazon’s Firefly service, which allows users to scan media and products and then get information or purchase them through the Amazon.com store. Additional features include translation of foreign text from photos, and Text-to-Speech, which allows Fire tablets to read English-language content out loud, when the option is available from the publisher.
Suggested accessories: Fire keyboard, Origami case, adapter for accelerated charging, waterproof case
Windows
Microsoft Surface Pro 3: This machine ($799-$1,949) aims to serve as a laptop replacement, offering a 12-inch screen, a “kickstand” and an included “Surface Pen.” Of course, it can also run the desktop version of Windows, which some tablet users require for business purposes. Features include a USB 3.0 port, a headset jack, and a MicroSD card slot.
Suggested accessories: Surface Covers, Surface Pro Type Cover, pen and mice, adapters, docking station, sleeves
Panasonic Toughpad FZ-G1: This is a rugged tablet ($2,399) intended for those in challenging conditions; think military, public safety, factories, extreme travel, etc. It is designed to withstand shock, vibration, extreme temperatures, and weather. It features a 10.1-inch glove-sensitive touchscreen and seven physical buttons for easier control in difficult conditions.
Suggested accessories: Barcode scanner, protective case, vehicle mounting
Additional accessories
General add-ons for different tablets go beyond those listed above and can include styluses; stands; chargers and cables; bags and carrying cases; screen protectors; mice; docking stations; and game controllers.
How Do I Choose?
Start by choosing your platform and price point. For many, it comes down to whether they prefer the Apple or Android experience, primarily for media consumption, or whether productivity is the name of the game and they require Windows for the full version of Microsoft Office. The technology is solid on each platform so there’s no right or wrong choice—just the one that suits you best.