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What To Ask Yourself When Buying a Tablet?

Jul 22, 2012 Computer and Internet

I am assuming, you are looking for a Tablet to do these very basic things:

• Tablet that allows you to browse the Internet, duh!
• Watch videos on YouTube, Vimeo, and other such video sharing sites including being able to watch at least flash videos on a web page, for example a news website such as CNN
• Being able to use social networking sites such as Google+ and Facebook to stay in touch with your friends and family
• Being able to download listen to music you love.
• You like to watch some own photos or videos you took from your Camera stored on the SD Cards, MiniSD Cards etc.
• Has USB Port so you want to be able to attach external mouse or keyboard, although Tablets would have touch and voice commands enough to let you replace the actual keyboard.
• Watch your videos from HuluPlus or NetFlix or what else ?
• Any more things you want to do ? Sure, take some photos and videos
• Allows you to purchase and read e-books.
• Allows you to synchronize your contents such as music, calendar, contacts with other devices you may be using like a notebook.
• Allows you to watch multiple videos, or lets you play games for good enough hours without charging the device.

Those aren’t really hard requests, but since we live in a very complicated world where one device trying to compete with another, and Tablets have yet to take over the notebook arena, there are some shortcomings to the very basic things we listed above. Not all Tablets can do what we wrote above. Just remember that as you read on.

A few images before I write my questions. There is no ranking here, just a numbers and images listed in a random order.

You have the power to put them in the order as you learn more about them and compare them yourself. Any amount of money you throw for a gadget is your investment.
May it last long and and become a good investment.

#1 HP

HP Tablet answers all the questions here. Pros: Answers Yes to all of our questions. Cons: Pricy.

#2 Dell

Dell Tablet Answers All of the Questions Here. Pros: Answers Yes to all of our questions. Cons: Pricy

#3 Google

Nexus 7 by Google Answers Yes to many of the Questions but fails to answer some. Critics claims put this on third for me it’s outdoor screen  performance as well as Touch Sensitivity makes me want to grab this right away. Cons: no external space.  So My suggestion, go for 16G. 8G, might make you cry later!

#4 Apple

Hard to compare with others since many of the Tablets are born because Apple became the leader in this technology. Many still wonder, will it remain #1 for ever ?  Latest iPad 2 by Apple. If you can’t afford 32G, try for 16G. Pros: Same as the above Nexus 7, Cons same as the Google’s above, plus way too expensive of your investment.

#5 Samsung

Galaxy Tab 10 by Samsung, Android driven, popular among users for its display size  size. Cons : Pricy

#6 HTC

Flyer 7 by HTC, Pros: Good price, Budget one and well most budget means devices are running on older versions of the Android or any other operating system. Cons: Does not answer YES to some of the questions mentioned below.

#7 Nokia

a popular Tablet by Nokia. Pros: Budget, Cons: Design, Failing to Answer Yes to some of the questions below.

A friend of mine never had a computer in his life. Money was tight. But just the past week, he was able to get hold of a brand new Dell’s Budget Notebook and he is happy as the guys who won a lottery ticket. In fact, it’s the same story when we held  iPhone 3G back in the early days. Remember?  The reason I had to had to this paragraph is because of a Sales Rep’s statement  at the store where we had gone to purchase the notebook. He said, “I think in about five years or so, you will be seeing everything run by these tiny things we call Tablets today” . That statement has stuck in my mind like a thumb pin on a blackboard.

If tablets can do what desktops can do, the entire PC industry will change once and for all. Todays not that smart phones such as iPhone run by iOS 5.0 or so or Windows Phone or any Phones running a powerful operating system such as Android 4.1 (Jelly Beans), all compete in areas where they lack, it is only a matter of times before these Operating Systems will extend capabilities that might put an end to to the PC Market. God knows!

I’ve had fun with Apple’s Mobile Phone, but as I am looking for Tablets, I get confused. I know CNET, and so called “Videos of Unboxing  of Newly Purchased Tablets”  on YouTube and some reviews here and there I found on the forums haven’t actually helped me answer to all of my questions, so I write them down a little by little information on my notepad, then bring it here to share with you with the hope that it becomes useful to myself and others.  If anyone saves money or gets the right Tablet finding answers to these questions, Please give me back my time for all this research. Just comment below. No. I am just joking. Take your time on yout tablet and enjoy. I’m already happy that it helped your or we’ve had a good reading here together. Having copied notes from my notepad (the ugly looking application from PC!), I pasting it here and saying – good luck.

Question 0 : Is it e-book or a Tablet ?

Since the birth of e-books and Tablets, we are kind of confused. I am. Can the e-book reader do what a tablet can do ?  Certainly not all of it. It is basically for reading books. A funny video from YouTube would make a great day for a book-worm, I thought. Or it could completely distract them. I have no clue. May be that’s why you might not be able to browse a website and watch a video on e-book!

In my research, I basically put it this way: anything that says e-book is a budget Tablet, limited, won’t answer YES  to most of these questions we have below, so  Tablet is almost like medicine to our wanting to have a gadget that’s flat and amazing. It may not cure all the desires, but it will come close to it . That’s the difference between them. What’s your view e-book vs Tablets  ?

So. If you want to just read books, Kindle Fire is enough or anything that gives you tons of hours outside reading your awesome book and screen won’t bother you day or night.  Head to AMAZON.com and buy one.
The best part of this device is, it has a huge battery life and you can remain a book-worm, in a good term, really I mean it. And may you read lots of books and perhaps one day become an author. Those couch potatoes will soon realize that readers do well than those who get lost into fantasy world, the TV!

Here are few e-book readers to check out, please Google for more:

a few from the crowds of e-book readers :

• Kindle Fire 8G by Amazon
• NOOKcolor 8GB by Barnes and Nobles
• PRS by Sony

Question 1 : Will the Device be able to connect to WIFI ?

Most Tablets should have a WIFI symbol that looks like the one I am showing you below. There is no point getting a device that won’t let you go online (use the Internet). Will signal strength of these WIFI chips inside those mini tablets matter to you? Probably not. If so, you should consider finding the answer on Range? How good is the reception in terms of distance as well as data bits per second. I put the question to end, by assuming all those who carry these devices are for showing off, and they mostly use it at home where a local WIFI Router would be enough for their use. And sure enough, they would work in places where WIFI available such as Starbucks, MacDonald, and other areas.

a typical WiFi logo found on many gadgets that have built in capacity to connect to a WIFI Network such as a WIFI Router in your home.

Question 2 : How big is the screen size and Resolution ?

Not everyone likes the same size so companies are clever in their design, offering tablets from 5 inch (measured diagonally from one corner of the screen to the other side, for example, bottom left to the top right length determines their width and its often measured in inches.) Sizes have both pros and cons for people. Some like it smaller so it fits easily in their pockets, some like it bigger because they would like to keep it at home or carry with them in a bag. While size is your preference as well as determination factor for the price, resolution also needs to be addressed. If a tablet displays crisp clear 1280×720 resolution or even higher 1980×1080, you will probably be fine with that. But since, all device manufacturers don’t have the exact resolutions for consumers, it is a good idea to find out the resolution as well as how it displays indoor or outdoor. For example, the Kindle Fire Tablet works extremely well even when reading e-books on a Sunny Day, that’s largely due to screen design and resolution-something experts agree on.

Question 3 : Should I go for Apple or Android ?

This really shouldn’t be a determining factor since the birth of Apple’s iPad, Android (an open source operating system) has created its own market with equally competing products to iPad. One thing also helps you determine is, are you using any phones from any of those two ? If so, going with the same will give you more advantage, since your phone runs the same Operating System, you might be able to download purchased games or applications without any extra cost. Also, some companies such as Apple, allow you to share your purchased items with multiple people in your home, it could your spouse or kids. Same also goes with Products offered through Google Play, a store owned by Google. If I have a phone that runs Android’s 4.0 so called (Ice Cream Sandwich), I would probably like a Tablet that has the or higher OS by the same company.

Question 4 : Ask your neighbors or friends?

People have forgotten the idea that you work, then go home, then go online, and leave the rest of their life that way. Neighbors have a little meaning in this world of today. Come on now. If your neighbor has a Tablet, he or she could show you some features and learn more. There is nothing more like buying a product after you have played with it or even touched it. While there are great deals online, it’s never too late to check out local stores such as Best Buy or OfficeMax. Those who are like me, always afraid to say NO, may get hooked up with a wrong device. So a trip to such stores could be for your own research. You can always buy later. What’s the rush for ? Just take it easy.

Question 5 : Should I Fall For Ads from Newspapers?

Companies know how to bring customers on a regular basis by creating weekly ads. Don’t rush to such ads unless you know what you are getting. Many too often you will see ads without much specifications and when you get to the store, you have little chance of knowing all the details of the product. Here is how some companies trick you. Retail Price : Bla Bla  Regular Price: Bla Bla  Our Price: Bla Bla. What this means is, they have found the particular Tablet somewhere selling at very higher price which could be selling at a lower price even on popular sites such as AMAZON or Ebay, then they fool you thinking that you are actually saving 50% or so. Most of such drastic cuts means you are probably getting a Tablet thats about a year or two year old which might become a disappointment to the effort of getting it. Although many stores have a 30 days refund policy, and that you did pick one up to just check it out, it’s actually a bad way to do so. Such retails keep track of your returns and in future you might have some problems returning or paying for overstocking fees. I am just saying, but I have yet to read any terms from retailers. If you are short on money, save it, when you have enough look for a much better one rather than jumping for the Ad. That’s my advice, it’s your life, do what makes you happy.

Question 6 : Can Increase Storage Capacity ?

Think of the way Apple designed iPhone. You know. 8G, 16G, 32G, 64G. Would it really be hard for them to give the basic iPhone with ability to increase memory by yourself? If you pick up a even a basic phone, you will find a MiniSD Card Slot. Something that lets you increase phone’s memory capacity. Perhaps, apple decided that it’s best to sell all the devices in different versions simply by adding more internal storage capacity. If you are looking for a Tablet, I suggest that you look for one that lets you increase memory. Would you not like to see some of your photos from your Camera that are sitting in it’s SD Cards ? Sure. Tablets of today can do this, but some don’t have it. Those failing to have it have what’s called, the other option, buy the higher capacity one. We often tend to forget that a device with a particular Giga Byte Space will give us the full space, but that’s not the case. You will end up getting a little less than as it says because the Operating System itself will occupy certain storage space in the storage area in your Tablet. If you are planning to buy these preset storage (noway out to extend memory), think twice. Will you buy using it to storage some movies? Songs? Games? How much? If you are gamer, you will run out of space in 8G. For one thing, many of today’s hardcore games are well over the 1G Mark. Take for example, FIFA 2012, one the highly sold out game in AppStore(TM)  from the makers of Electronic Arts.Gamers or Photographers as well as those who love to carry bunches of music, tend to get the highest capacity version such as 32G or 64G.

Question 7 : Front and Back Camera and it’s Pixels ?

Nearly, all latest models have at least one Camera; either front or back. Some have duals, I have no clue why two camera or may be 3D camera tomorrow? But it does make sense to have at least one. So in a way, Tablet is becoming your camcorder as well. So instead of saving money for some budget camcorder, I suggest that you invest your money on a good Tablet that has a great camera. Take a good note of these and find answers yourself. Which Tablet’s Camera has higher resolution? Shoots videos as well? Takes great pictures in Low Light such as in the evening ?  Are pictures blurry because it does not have Anti-Shake feature? Does it record as long as you want or it stores in a tiny tiny minutes ? Does it have extra features such as optical zooms ? Having yes to all of these are advance to your side. Unless you are shooting a film for Hollywood, none of us really need even 12MB Camera. Believe it. If your work is going to shared via email or through video sharing sites such as YouTube, they all rely on what is called “Economical Model of Data  Keeping and Data Transfer”.  Take a test. If you have large file with just one photo, see if Facebook accepts it and when it does, does it really show up the entire picture you gave? Probably not.  But, why settle for less, if a device gives you a higher resolution. Don’t. Go for it. You can always be creative with a wonderful photos and who knows you could be that next person working as a Photographer for your friend’s marriage ceremony ? Make some bucks. Although, tablet’s alone won’t do it. There is no reason why you can’t carry with you along with your gadgets.

Question 8 : Accessories ?

Screen of so called high-resolution packed devices found on the Tablet’s screen are fragile.  Can you invest some money for some protection ? Can you extend warranty ? Those are two good questions. Most companies don’t cover accidental damage such as due to water. You will probably be able to get some accessories from your nearby supermarket. But it’s always best to know that you will be worried of the SCREEN of Tablet’s more than anything else. Don’t break it, please.

Question 9 : How long is the Battery Life?

This is a very important question. Many of us go for Tablets because it looks amazing to be able to browse the Internet, play games, watch videos, simply sitting somewhere or even lying in your bed. Compare with other models and see how long your Tablet’s battery life is ? If it’s short, look for another one. It’s going to rain outside everyday for you and everyone else if your Tablet is always attached to a power cord all the time you need to use it. Please don’t make me cry, I do love the rainy days though!

Question 10 : Touch Sensitivity ?

Tablets need command from us, many are based by touch from our fingers while others have extra features called Voice Command (using your voice to give command such as open an application, or find answers to a question, etc.) Does it respond easily or you have to touch hard like you are hitting a brick ? A good design should make you feel like you are barely touching it. That’s how iPhone’s 1st version was and has remained so, and others are equally in the same direction such as the newly announced Google’s NEXUS 7 offered in 8G and 16G version, same goes with a great touch feeling with HTC’s and Samsung Galaxy Versions as well as NOKIA and Droids versions of Touch Screen Based Smart Phones.

Question 11 : Do you plan to carry Two Separate Devices ?

This is a tricky question. Since you are looking for Tablet. You are really looking for a separate device because you probably already have a smart phone. If not, get a smart phone that has pretty much all the capabilities of a Tablet. You are done. It’s with you, easy to carry your want for Tablet is history. No need to ask any questions. If not, then you are still searching. Keep going.

Question 12 : Can you play videos or music and Download directly ?

Even the so called fancy iPhone has problems playing other media files. When you visit a certain website, can you play the content that which is in a say flash format ? If not, try go for the one that has built in Adobe Flash Player, because many of today’s websites offer their video contents in .flv or .swf file format (Those require Adobe Flash Player to play on your device). A device that won’t let you watch a news on a news website, could turn you off or make you want to throw it out the window. So, be sure to check this out. Pay a visit to Adobe website to see if you can find devices that have the Adobe Player Installed.  Can your tablet, let you download music or songs, movies you have purchased directly to your device ? If not, and you do not have any other alternatives, it’s going to be a tough ride.

Question 13: Does it have a USB Ports ?

Even if there is one, it extends your Tablet to help you do more. For example, what if you could actually do some of your company works by using external mouse or keyboard ? Your keyboard’s accuracy WPM(Words Per Minute) would surely be higher on a normal keyboard then on a touch screen based keyboard, plus you don’t have to worry about wiping off the device nor worry about breaking it if your WPM is about 70 or even 120 with 99% accuracy. We all can agree that some serious word processing requires hitting a lot of keys on the keyboard.  Would you like to hear it ? Go to the download section and hear some keyboard sounds (Lol, seriously). A tablet that has a USB Port is a great advantage to you. Look for it if your requirement is in that direction.

Question 14 : Will you using at home or just when you are in a cafe ?

This is something you already know. But it’s worth asking yourself. Do you have another computer at home hooked up with a Wireless Router ? If you will need to invest on getting Internet, Paying for Modem, and a Wireless Router that lets you use all of your wireless devices simultaneously.  Don’t be scared. Routers don’t cost much nor is the price of getting DSL or Cable Internet is off the roof.  Relax. Just a question that came  into my head. There is no reason to rush get a Tablet and not be able to use it immediately, that’s how I would feel. Sad. But you might feel good, if you live in the city where WIFI available every-where. In the country side ? Good luck find one!

Alright, I have given you enough questions to ask yourself and do your own research now. Perhaps you can throw some questions back at me. I wanted to leave you in vain but I can’t. Following are my recommendations, listed based the answers I found to the questions I asked myself above. Price of a product never remains the same, nor does our wants. If we can’t get one, perhaps we can save then get it or get anything that let’s you do what you want to do. You don’t need to ask yourself a question, really. If your choice is to read nothing but books, look for e-reader Tablet. But later, will you be wanting more ? If so, it’s possible there is a Tablet out there, that answers YES to all the questions above.

My Recommendation

• Slate 500 64GB by HP
• iPad2 by Apple
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1, and see other screen sizes.
• ASUS Ee Slate B121 64GB
• Nexus 7 16G by Google
• SGPT 11US/S 16GB by Sony
• Xoom 32G by Motorolla

For the rest, I suggest that you type “Computer Tablets” and then hit that shopping link on google and play with price and features to see what best fits your need. I love reading ratings and reviews because there is nothing more to learn about a product from the very ones who are using it. Thanks to all those who contribute by ratings and giving reviews by taking their times. So, be sure to learn more as you search for that great Tablet you will want to keep it for years and years, or will you ?

Something You Might Like:

• Google’s Shopping Highly Ranked and Popular Listing Based on my Search : http://www.google.com/….. Android Tablets and Most Popular as of  Today based on User’s Ratings : Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 8G
• Reviews by CNET on Tablets. Please note all these resources will open in a new window. CNET’s so called Best 5 Tablets. http://reviews.cnet.com/best-tablets/
• Reviews by TopTenReviews on E-books. http://ebook-reader-review.toptenreviews.com/ by also http://tablets-review.toptenreviews.com/ for the Tablets.
• ConsumerReports.org has very useful information, here is a link http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/tablets.htm
• Some videos from Youtube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKrcHMMAKPY | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTiXwGpb09w | www.youtube.com/watch?v=0b8sHd5BKRs

Have fun, and enjoy your Tablet search.

If you already have it and you are using it,
would you please keep that glass of water in the kitchen table for now ?