The popularity of tablets has exploded. These ultra-portable devices combine the functionality of many different pieces of technology into one machine. Different manufacturers install various features and operating systems vary with each device, leaving consumers with a great deal to consider while shopping.
Consumers may be confused by all the available options and specifications, but learning what each tablet offers and figuring out if it meets a user’s needs is essential, as it results in a more informed purchase.
The new iPad from Apple is considered by some to be the best tablet available. The manufacturer has included a 2,048 x 1,536 pixel screen for clarity and detail. However, by comparison to the iPad 2, the new model is slightly heavier and its battery lasts for about two hours less.
The Google Nexus 7 may be a smaller tablet but it still delivers powerful performance. The device has a 7-inch screen and only weighs about 0.74 pounds. Unlike some tablets, there is no rear-facing camera or 3G support. Running on Android 4.1, the device has been optimized for easier customization. Users also have the ability to choose between landscape and portrait viewing regardless of which way they are holding the Nexus 7.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 has been viewed by many as the most serious competitor to Apple’s iPad for tablet supremacy. This tablet weighs in at 1.25 pounds and features 1280 x 800 resolution. However, the device has a tendency to oversaturate colors, making the device difficult to look at for extended periods of time.
Amazon’s newest tablet is 7 inches, making it the Google Nexus 7’s biggest competitor. The Kindle Fire 2 HD that features a physical volume button and camera, a low price at $199 for the 16GB version, a reduced-glare screen and eight hours of battery life. However, the Amazon app market is not as developed as the Apple app market, and the ad-free versions of the tablets cost an additional $15.
These tablets represent a small fraction of the devices available on the market. While the iPad is considered to be the industry standard, users should not limit themselves solely to Apple’s product based on its reception and popularity.
Do you own any of these tablets? Which ones would you recommend to your friends?
