Buying a Tablet? Get to know it First

Mainly Tablets offer productivity, entertainment, adaptability, a longer battery life along with a host of new features on the go and these USPs become the device’s prime growth drivers. Developers are also reacting on the feedback for this device and are building creative applications.

Tablet is an interesting concept and arguably the fastest growing device in terms of user engagement, in India and globally. However, there are a few things that users should consider while buying a tablet.

1.      Know your needs

Tablets are a combination of computing and portability and come in a wide range of options in terms of Size, Screen resolution, Price, Connectivity, build quality and weight. It would be easier for the consumer to choose a perfect tablet if he is aware of his needs. Consumers look for a tablet which they could probably use for their day-to-day office use, for high end gaming, for music, Internet, etc. And as the device is portable, they can do so quite easily, on the go.

2.      Price and Brand

There is wave of brands offering multiple tablets at multiple price points in the Indian market. However, the buying decision should not only depend on the pricing but also the brand that is offering the product. If there are problems, one has to make sure that he has chosen a vendor that will address the given issues. For example, ASUS tablets like the Fonepad and the world bestseller Nexus 7 have gained the user’s trust mainly because of a strong customer support and its classic value for money features. Even HP's slate convertibles are awesome.

3.      Screen Size

The screen size starts from 7-inch to around 10-inch and the apt size depends on the user’s usage. Smaller tablets are usually low-priced and underpowered as compared with larger tablets. However, they are portable and can double as an e-book reader, storage device, a phone, etc. Most of the Large screen tablets offer higher resolutions than their smaller counterparts. Larger screens are better suited to movie watching, and certain games will benefit from the increased real estate as well. Medium-size tablets by and large sport faster processors, and because of their larger screens, they provide a unique experience that isn't quite matched on smaller tablets. Games feel more interactive; movies and TV shows feel more immersive.

4.      Screen quality

The only part of the tablet that the eyes are glued to, is its screen. The clarity of this screen decides how much the eyes need to strain to understand the content being displayed. Sharpness, Brightness, Contrast ratios, resolution, viewing angles all matter while reading e-books, mails, playing games etc.

5.      Build and Operating System

Apart from Apple, there are globally reputed brands like Samsung, ASUS, Acer, HP, etc. that offer both, Android and Windows operating systems on the tablet range. There are pros and cons in all the available OS and the user has to know what suits him the best. Windows 8 is what is rampant in most of the Windows based tablets and there are many versions of Android too, which are available in the market. Additionally, the build of the tablet is what completes a user’s experience. The Texture, plastic, metal, colors and weight are the elements that can make or break the user’s expectations from his tablet.

6.      Storage option

Content is an integral part of the tablet experience and storage is most important for users that need to carry more data on the go. Whether its movies, music, games, or books, for many people, content is the only reason to own one of these slates. Some tablets include storage expansion options like microSD cards, which can allow users to increase your storage capacity at a fraction of the cost. Others include a limited amount of free cloud storage with purchase.

7.      Balanced Design

Tablets are extremely tactile devices, and you'll want to make sure that they feel great in your hands. Balance, Weight and dimension play an important role while going for a tablet. Two different tablets can share the same weight, yet one somehow feels lighter. Thanks to care being taken to evenly distribute its internal components from the very beginning of the design stage, well-designed tablets can feel better in your hands. If you can touch a tablet before you buy, you'll greatly increase the likelihood of making an informed purchasing decision.

@vaistorm