5 Key Tips for Picking the Perfect Tablet

The tablet computer market has evolved significantly since Apple launched the iPad in early 2010. Although not the first tablet ever created, the iPad's innovative design and effective marketing quickly turned it into a must-have gadget for tech enthusiasts. The overwhelming success of the iPad and iPad 2 played a major role in making tablets the fastest-growing segment of the personal computer market [source: Indvik].

Nowadays, there are numerous tablet models from at least a dozen different brands. While the abundance of options is a positive, it can also make choosing the right tablet feel like a daunting task. With so many choices available, there's undoubtedly one that matches both your needs and budget. But how do you know which one is the perfect fit for you? Keep reading for our five essential tips on selecting the right tablet.

5: Consider Your Intended Use

If your main use for a tablet is browsing the web, checking e-mail, or watching movies and streaming content, nearly any model on the market (or even a smartphone for that matter) should suffice. However, once you start considering the specific ways you'll use your tablet, narrowing down your options might become easier.

Will you primarily use your tablet for work, school, or personal activities? Will it replace your laptop, or will it complement your existing devices like a laptop or desktop? Are you planning to use it for gaming and movies, or is it for more general tasks like browsing the web, checking e-mail, and staying on Facebook?

Your answers to these questions will help you decide on everything from the best operating system to the right screen size. Start by listing the tasks and activities that matter most to you, and keep those priorities in mind as you explore the features of various tablets.

4: Compare Apps and Operating Systems

One of the initial decisions you’ll need to make is selecting the operating system that fits your needs. The most common options are Android, Windows, and Apple's iOS, which powers the iPad and iPad 2. The BlackBerry PlayBook uses QNX, a unique operating system developed by BlackBerry's parent company, Research in Motion. While iOS is exclusive to the iPad and QNX is exclusive to the PlayBook, both Android and Windows are used by a variety of tablet manufacturers.

In general, if your primary use for a tablet involves a lot of work, especially editing documents and spreadsheets, a Windows tablet might be the best choice. While you can read Word documents on an iPad, you’ll need a paid app like Quickoffice to edit them, and even then, the experience can feel a bit clumsy [source: Wilson]. Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) tablets can manage Office files with the help of apps like Documents To Go 3.0, which allow users to view, create, and edit Word documents, Excel sheets, and PowerPoint slides [sources: Brent; Dolcourt].

The iPad remains the top choice for gaming and media playback, though Android tablets such as the Samsung Galaxy and Motorola Xoom now offer comparable or superior screen resolution and processing power to the iPad [sources: Bell; Tablet PC Comparison]. However, Apple still leads the charge when it comes to its app store, boasting more than 140,000 iPad apps as of November 2011. If there are specific apps or programs you need for work or school, make sure they are available for the tablet you're considering.

3: Compare Features

Once you've chosen an operating system, your list of options becomes more focused (and if you've opted for iOS, your options will be quite limited), allowing you to zero in on the features you want your new tablet to offer.

If you decide to go with the iPad 2, you can choose between a basic Wi-Fi model, which requires a Wi-Fi network to access the Internet, and a 3G model, which connects through 3G when Wi-Fi isn't available. Both models offer options for storage: 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB. After that, your only choice is the color, as all iPad 2 models have the same screen size and include front and rear cameras for still photography and video recording.

If you’re opting for an Android or Windows tablet, it’s essential to compare features across different brands to see how each one measures up. Look at specifications like battery life, Wi-Fi vs. 3G or 4G connectivity, storage options, and processing speed. Also consider extra features such as cameras and accessories. Many tablets, including the iPad, now come with both front and rear cameras, allowing you to check your screen during Web chats or preview your look before snapping a selfie. Accessories like stands, wall mounts, remote controls, speakers, and external keyboards can turn your tablet into a media hub or a more effective workstation.

If you've been gathering tablet information online, now might be the time to experience them in person. Keep reading to discover why this step is important.

2: Compare Size and Appearance

Even if you're planning to buy your tablet online, it's worth visiting your local Apple store or another electronics retailer to take a closer look at the models you're interested in. Before you go, think about the size of the tablet you're after, if you haven't done so already.

Are you aiming for the largest screen available, or do you prefer a tablet that fits easily into your purse or backpack? Do you need something durable enough to handle fieldwork, or do you want a tablet that's as lightweight and slim as possible? Will it be used solely by adults, or do you plan on letting your 3-year-old use it to learn the alphabet?

You may already have a sense of whether you're after the largest, smallest, or something in between, but there's no real substitute for physically handling the tablet to see how it feels. Tablet screens typically range from 7 to 10 inches, and the weight can vary from just under 1 pound to more than 2.5 pounds. However, you'll likely find that one model feels just "right" for you once you hold it.

How do the case and controls feel in your hands? Are they comfortable and sturdy? Is the touchscreen responsive? How is the virtual keyboard? If possible, compare a few models side by side to evaluate their screen brightness and resolution. Once you’ve found a model you like, or at least narrowed it down to a few, there’s still an important factor to consider before making your purchase. We'll go over that next.

1: Consider Price

If you've established a budget for your tablet and your preferred model fits within that limit, you're in a good position. However, sometimes you might find yourself torn between a more expensive model that you don’t really need and a more affordable option that feels like a compromise. Before making your final choice, ensure that you're comparing the same specs (or Android models to Android models) in terms of storage, processing speed, Internet connectivity, and size, since even tablets within the same brand can have different versions and performance capabilities.

In addition to the tablet's price, don't forget to factor in the cost of any necessary accessories or components to ensure the tablet meets your needs. Also, for 3G or 4G connectivity, you will likely need to sign up for a monthly wireless data plan, which may require a long-term contract. Consider any apps or software you might need to purchase as well. Be sure to check the tablet’s warranty period, what it covers, and what it doesn't. Finally, take a look at impartial online reviews to gauge how your chosen tablet fares in terms of reliability and performance.