Tablet Features
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Product Information
Buying a tablet these days is a challenge as there are so many models out there. A few years ago, you only had one choice and that was the Apple iPad and you had to live with it’s features.
Today, you are faced with models from different companies. We present what you should look for in terms of feature when deciding on a tablet:
- The OS or operating system. The iPad runs on iOS which is the same as the Apple iPhone. Actually, the iPad is a glorfied version of the iPhone. The two main popular OS is iOS from Apple and Android from Google. There are others such as WebOS from HP and the new MeeGo (based on Linux) OS. To be on the safe side, you can’t go wrong with either the iOS or Android. Android is currently the leading iOS contender
- Size – Sizes range from 7 inches to slightly over 10 inches. For a perfect fit in your palm, go with the 7 inch tablets.
- Screen resolution – go with anything larger than 1280 x 800 pixels
- Front Camera – Go with at least 2 megapixels. Front cameras are cameras that faces you.
- Rear Camera – Go with at least 5 megapixels. Rear cameras are located on the backs of the tablets. They should also come with eith a single or dual LED flash, auto focus and GEO tagging (record the location where each picture is taken)
- Video Camera – Should be recording in 720P HD
- GPS – Some tablets requires that you subscribe to a 3G/4G service
- Internal Memory – Some models come in 16, 32 and 64 Gig. size. This represents the internal memory to store your applications, movies and music. You cannot upgrade the memory so make sure you buy the tablets with enough memory capacity for your needs.
- Expandable Memory – Some tablets come with a memory slot that takes MicroSD memory stick. This allows you to easily transfer data to your tablet. If your tablet does not have a memory slot, you’ll need to use a USB cable or wireless connection to transfer data.
- Processor – There are so many processsors (CPU – Central Processing Unit) that powers the tablets. It’s impossible to list them all here. The thing to look out for is that they should be running at 1 GHZ or faster.
- Wifi – All tablets should have this feature as it allows you to connect to the internet using a wifi hotspot. More and more public places provide some form of wifi hotspot (free or fee). Even some eReaders come with wifi. Note that wifi connection is not secure.
- 3G/4G LTE/?G – Some tablets come with a private network connection through a telecom carrier such as AT&T/Verizon/Bell/Rogers. If you will be in locations where wifi is not available or need a secure network connection, you will need to go with the 3G/4G LTE/?G route. Note that you will need to purchase a data plan with the carrier.
- HDMI Connection – This allows you to connect your tablet to a television set to playback movies and games.
- Full Size USB 2.0 Port – This feature will allow you to connect your tablet to your PC/laptop to transfer data