Tablet Computers

Selecting your next tablet computer
Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive! Able to leap tall buildings in a... well OK, maybe not that last part. But for anyone looking for a fast, powerful, portable solution to their computing needs, today's tablet computers offer a super solution.
Tablets are surging in popularity among consumers who are looking for less expensive alternatives to laptops, and they're especially popular among the large demographic that relies on computing primarily for email, social networking, browsing the 'net, online shopping, and downloading books, music and movies.
In fact, they're becoming so popular the sales of tablet computers are expected to top PC sales in less than two years, according to market research company International Data Corporation (IDC), which predicts tablet sales will reach 332.4 million in 2015 compared to 322.7 million PCs. Part of the reason for the growth of the tablet market is the continual emergence of new Android-based tablets that compete directly with the popular iPad but are less costly.
As the popularity of tablet computers has grown, so has the market, and choosing the best tablet for your needs can be daunting. Both iPads and Android-based tablets have loads of apps, so you need to look beyond programs when making your decision. Here are a few guidelines to make sure you pick the right tool for the job:

• Manufacturer: Don't be fooled by super-cheap tablets by unknown companies; unless you choose one from a reputable manufacturer, you likely won't get much as far as customer or technical support are concerned and updates to operating systems and software may not be made on a timely basis or at all.


• Size: Ranging from about 7 inches to more than 10 inches, the size you choose will affect its portability and also its ease of use; many people are not comfortable using tiny screens while others prefer them because they easily fit in a purse or backpack. Larger tablets tend to have more power while smaller tablets are ideal for e-reading.


• Weight: Lighter tablet computers aren't always the better choice; in some cases, heavier cases may have better balance than their lighter counterparts. The best way to know which is better for you is by handling them. Even if you order online, going to a store to handle several tablets and see how they feel during use is a good diea.


• Screen resolution: Generally speaking, higher the pixels equal better resolution. Today, the Nexus 10 leads the pack with 2,560x1600pixels, followed by the iPad at 2,048,x1,536 pixels. Also look for a screen that offers either Plane-to-Line Switching (PLS) or In-Plane switching (IPS), technologies designed to support image viewing on liquid crystal displays.


• Storage: Although tablets come with some onboard memory, depending upon your storage needs and how you use your tablet, it can be handy to find a tablet that offers storage expansion options like microSD card slots.

Once you make your selection, you might want to add a screen protector to avoid scratches that can affect performance as well as a waterproof sleeve to add protection from water and humidity while out and about.