That's always the case: yesterday you ironically laughed at the advertising of the tablet, and said that you absolutely do not understand why this "gizmo" might be needed, but today you saw this device in the hands of a colleague at work and realized that you simply can notto live without the same.
So, it's time to go to the store for a new gadget. It remains only to decide which tablet is best to choose, because on the shelves of stores are represented not one or two, but dozens of very different models. We will try to figure out what's what, and find out how to make the right choice.
Should I buy a tablet?
At once we will make a reservation: speaking about tablets, we do not mean a graphic tablet - a device connected to the computer, allowing to draw a light pen. It's about mini-computers, which are controlled not by the keyboard and mouse, but by touching the touch screen.
The main advantages of the tablet - mobility and compact size. The user receives a practically full-sized palm-sized computer that can work autonomously for quite some time without being tied to a power outlet. If you travel a lot or, for example, often solve work issues outside the office - without this gadget you can not do.
Screen size and type
The size of the screen of the modern tablet can be from 6 to 12 inches. The most common models with screens:
- 7 inches;
- 8 inches;
- 10 inches.
Selecting a screen size is always a search for a compromise. On the one hand, the image on the big screen is bigger and better. But on the other hand - a tablet with a large screen has more weight and consumes more electricity, which reduces the duration of battery life. In addition, the tablet with a large diagonal should be held with both hands, which is uncomfortable during trips or hiking.
Based on all the above, we can draw the following conclusion: if the tablet will be used mainly at home - buy a device with a large diagonal;for trips or working outdoors, when there is no available power source - on the contrary, with a smaller screen.
The most progressive technology of touch screens is the so-called IPS-technology with a minimum screen resolution of 1024x768 pixels. Such a matrix gives a bright contrast image that does not fade at any angle of view. At the same time, it is quite sensitive.
This is very easy to check: a good tablet should respond to five touches at the same time. It is highly desirable that the screen be protected with a special oleophobic coating. This will significantly extend its service life.
We do not recommend buying a tablet with a TN-matrix. They give such a poor-quality image that even a very low cost can not compensate for this defect.
Processor
Experience shows that it is better not to save on the processor. If its power is insufficient, working on a tablet can turn into a nightmare. Best if you can afford, buy a device with a dual-core processor.
If you want to buy something cheaper - focus on the minimum clock frequency of 1 GHz. The power of this processor is enough for simultaneous browsing of sites on the Internet and listening to music or watching video files with the quality of Full HD.
RAM( RAM)
System processes during the operation of the tablet occupy about 400-500 MB.Therefore, if the volume of the RAM of your mini-computer is 512 MB, the application performance will be difficult. In order to surely protect yourself from hangs and similar "glitches", it is enough to have a RAM of 1 GB.
Hard disk
Unlike conventional computers and laptops, the tablets use not disk, but flash drives. Here the simple rule works: the more storage capacity - the better. In cheap tablets, low-capacity drives with a capacity of 4 or 8 GB are installed. If you intend to stay on one of these devices, then you should take care of the possibility of expanding the memory. To do this, choose a tablet equipped with a card reader or USB-port( for a flash drive).
In expensive models( for example, in Apple's iPad), card readers are often not provided, but the amount of internal memory in such tablets is quite enough.
Battery
When choosing a tablet in a store, do not trust the inscriptions on price tags promising 10 or more hours of battery life. Be sure to specify the battery capacity, which is calculated in milliampere hours( mAh).For a 10-hour tablet with a diagonal of 10 inches, it is necessary that its battery has a capacity of at least 8000 mAh.
Significantly increase the power consumption of Wi-Fi-adapter and 3G-modem. If your choice fell on a device that has such functions, its battery should be as capacious as possible. A tablet with a weak battery loses its main advantage - mobility. Therefore, if the gadget with a good battery you can not afford, it is better to buy a tablet with a smaller screen diagonal.
Operating system
The majority of modern tablets are running Android OS, which was developed by Google. No one doubts its quality, but the wide popularity of this system caused one drawback: because of the large number of manufacturers of hardware and software focused on Android, there is not enough coherence between them.
In addition, the software for Android-tablets is not always optimized. All this can manifest itself in the fact that your tablet will not support some applications, some programs will "slow down" or work with "glitches."
The situation with iOS from Apple is different."Apple" corporation traditionally does not allow anyone to manufacture its devices and programs, trusting only a few selected companies. As a result, it was possible to achieve almost perfect quality, all applications on the iPAD work clearly and quickly, and the battery life causes burning jealousy in the "happy" owners of Android and Windows tablets. All these magnificent advantages are marred by only one drawback: a relatively high cost.
The Windows operating system from Microsoft, installed on tablets, differs little from a computer or laptop modification. Most often it is preferred by those who are accustomed to using applications written for this OS.Important is the fact that most of the hacked, and therefore free, software is written specifically for Windows.
In conclusion, I would like to say a few words about cheap Chinese tablets. In some cases, such a purchase may be justified. For example, if you are going to choose a tablet for a child or intend to buy a new device every year to keep up with fashion and technology. In these situations, a cheap tablet is just what you need.
But if you want to have a good quality technique - Chinese handicrafts are best avoided.
Successful shopping for you!
