Memory
Memory Tablets come with internal memory ranging anywhere from 1 GB (gigabyte) to 500 GB. While many tablets have a slot for adding a Micro SD Card to expand the memory, the internal memory is not changeable. If the tablet is going to be used to store lots of media files (as many are), extensive memory is essential. Yet this is the one area where many people scrimp in an attempt to keep the cost of their tablet down. Keep in mind when shopping for a tablet that a device with limited memory is going to limit the user’s ability to store photos, songs, videos, and other large files or applications.
Screen Size & Resolution
Tablets come in a variety of sizes, ranging from a low-end of 5 inches to a high-end of 12 inches. The smaller-sized tablets are essentially large smartphones, or in the case of the BlackBerry, intended for use in conjunction with a smartphone. The larger tablets provide more screen real estate, at the cost of being too big for a pocket or purse. The mid-sized tablets (7 to 8 inches) are intended to provide a compromise between being portable and still having a screen large enough to show an entire page of a book.
When referring to size, tablets screens are measured diagonally from corner-to-corner, just as computer monitors and televisions are; this measurement does not describe the overall size of the unit, but rather, the size of the screen. Tablets have a frame of about 0.75 inches around the screen.
Screen resolution is important as well, although it is not always clearly stated in the description of a tablet’s features. You may have to look at the specifications to find out the exact resolution on a particular tablet. The higher the resolution, the sharper the image will appear. If using the tablet for watching HD movies, a minimum resolution of 720 pixels across the shorter dimension is necessary. Generally speaking, the higher the native resolution (the physical number of dots the screen has), the clearer the image.
When referring to size, tablets screens are measured diagonally from corner-to-corner, just as computer monitors and televisions are; this measurement does not describe the overall size of the unit, but rather, the size of the screen. Tablets have a frame of about 0.75 inches around the screen.
Screen resolution is important as well, although it is not always clearly stated in the description of a tablet’s features. You may have to look at the specifications to find out the exact resolution on a particular tablet. The higher the resolution, the sharper the image will appear. If using the tablet for watching HD movies, a minimum resolution of 720 pixels across the shorter dimension is necessary. Generally speaking, the higher the native resolution (the physical number of dots the screen has), the clearer the image.
Wireless Connectivity
Virtually all tablets have some wireless capability. For most, this means being Wi-Fi capable. However, there are two versions of Wi-Fi. Some tablets only support the 802.11b/g specification. For streaming a lot of video and downloading large items, this may not be adequate. If those activities are part of the intended uses, it is best to buy a tablet that is compatible with the 0802.11n specification. While not all tablets’ specifications will describe their exact Wi-Fi specifications, a tablet that supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radio bands will provide the most complete Wi-Fi connectivity.
On top of Wi-Fi connectivity, some tablets also provide 3G or 4G cell phone connectivity. This provides constant connectivity to the Internet, even when the user is not at home or in a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, such connectivity also requires paying for cell phone service, either on a contract or month-to-month basis. Although a tablet will work without this service, it will not provide 3G or 4G connectivity.
On top of Wi-Fi connectivity, some tablets also provide 3G or 4G cell phone connectivity. This provides constant connectivity to the Internet, even when the user is not at home or in a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, such connectivity also requires paying for cell phone service, either on a contract or month-to-month basis. Although a tablet will work without this service, it will not provide 3G or 4G connectivity.
Camera
Most tablets come with one or two cameras. If they have two, one will be for using the tablet as a camera, and the other will be for use as a webcam, or front-facing camera. The user can switch between the two as needed. However, when looking at a tablet with only one camera, it is important to know where the camera is located, i.e., whether it is on the back or front of the device.
Camera resolution is an important issue as well. Essentially, tablets have the same types of digital cameras as smartphones. The resolution of the camera will make a huge difference in picture quality and how the pictures can be used. The higher the resolution, the more a picture can be zoomed-in and still remain crisp and clear. As a general rule of thumb, 4-megapixel (MP) is the minimum specification for printing an 8 x 10 image, without cropping or distortion.
Camera resolution is an important issue as well. Essentially, tablets have the same types of digital cameras as smartphones. The resolution of the camera will make a huge difference in picture quality and how the pictures can be used. The higher the resolution, the more a picture can be zoomed-in and still remain crisp and clear. As a general rule of thumb, 4-megapixel (MP) is the minimum specification for printing an 8 x 10 image, without cropping or distortion.
Speakers
While most tablet owners use headphones, there are invariably times when it is necessary to use the internal tablet speakers. These speakers are tiny, so they are not going to produce a big speaker sound. However, some sound better than others. If it is possible to try out the tablet before buying it, checking the speaker sound only takes a moment.
Battery Life
As tablets are portable units, tablet battery life is extremely important. There are three things which affect tablet battery life: the size of the battery, the brightness of the screen backlight, and the amount of time the tablet is on. Most users do not turn their tablets off when they are not using them, but merely put them in "sleep" mode. Therefore, there are two different battery life metrics to take into consideration when shopping for a tablet: the amount of time the battery will power the unit in sleep mode, and the amount of time the battery will power the unit while in use.
Manufacturers measure in-use tablet battery life in terms of two different activities: browsing the web and streaming video. Of the two, streaming video uses slightly more power. However, in cases where the user is playing games or doing other activities that use the touchscreen a lot, battery life will be slightly shorter than with streaming video.
Manufacturers measure in-use tablet battery life in terms of two different activities: browsing the web and streaming video. Of the two, streaming video uses slightly more power. However, in cases where the user is playing games or doing other activities that use the touchscreen a lot, battery life will be slightly shorter than with streaming video.