I have owned a lot of tablets as I enjoy technology and modding in my free time. I have own the first Ipad and the powerful first Asus Transformer T101 to the Samsung Note tab and Tab3 and most of everything else in between.
When buying a tablet one must consider a few specs and what it will be like to own the device in the next couple of years. Here is what my experience is when it comes to buying tablets.
First you have to consider the OS (operation System).
Apple IOS- Own and operate on only Apple products which is basically the Apple Ipads, Ipods. These IOS devices will be using “ITUNES” and the apple store for the main source of apps.
Android OS- This is what you find in common smart phones, tablets and third party devices. Major brand such as Samsung, Asus, Dells, Google, Amazon, HP, and ect., use this OS. Third Party tablets use this OS as well but some are limited to the “Play Store” which is only available on certified android partner devices (unless you root and use a CFW). Most third party devices will have a different source for apps and some will use the Amazon store app.
Windows OS- This is what you will see in some contract phones from AT&T and what you will get on the Surface tablets. Windows OS is a Microsoft own OS which was created to compete with the Androids. Very powerful OS but like always Microsoft tends to let their customers find the bugs for them. This is a Microsoft own OS so you will most likely only find this OS in Microsoft products. (Windows 8 interface is base of this OS)
Third Party and eReaders- There are more OS but then you get your eReader tablets and your cheap third party tablets. These will run on a cheap version or old version of android. Some will run a program just for the tablet itself. Pretty much you are looking at a low resolution and a low memory tablet.
Now after considering which OS, fun facts on these OS.
Apple IOS (Ipads, Ipods, Iphone)-
Pros- The most up-to-date devices from apple has a very high resolution of images and very clear screen. Pictures can be capture at a very high resolution and apple does a great job with both their front and back camera, great for “Face Time”. The Ipad have a very nice design with very powerful memory and speed. There are a lot of products out there for these devices which makes it easy to pick up accessories anywhere you go. If you know what you are doing the Cloud is a great use as well as iTunes.
Cons- No memory expansion slot (no micro SD). Apps has to be Apple approve apps. Everything is base on a one button. Apple always upgrades their products and that will leave you with a old one compare to the one coming out in the next few months. Very expensive though they seem to have a very nice and easy help support.
Note: Do more if you can jail break it
Android OS-
Pros- Universal which means a lot of apps and completive devices use this. Can use it as a storage device and easy to connect with a laptop or device. This OS is meant for expansion so any device that have a micro SD slot or SD slot can expand their storage memory. Friendly user as it has apps from third party and can be rooted for max experience. Can change icons, move widgets around, plays different formats of video, games, and audio depending on the power of the device and the apps install.
Cons- Universal use means Virus can get into device. If not handle properly when upgrading, installing or rooting can cause device to brick easily. Update has to be for the exact device in order for it to upgrade so not all tablets, phone, ect. will get the same android OS version. Apps can be added to the market by anyone so that means there are a lot of useless apps in the play store.
Note: Root to be able to use CFW (custom firmware)
Windows OS-
Pro- Don’t buy wait at least another year till their firmware is running at full speed.
Con- Expensive, not popular as Android and Apple.
Other OS or wannabe tablets-
Cons- Do NOT buy
Cons- Waste of Money
Now that the OS is figure out you need to get the spec below in order to enjoy a nice device for a few years before an upgrades come knocking at your paycheck for a new one. Android only as Apple has really no other choice, you have to buy the most expensive and up-to-date apple device.
For android you need at least:
• Wifi: 802.11a/b/g/n 2,4 + 5 GHz Support
• 1,2 GHz CPU Speed
• USB 2.0 support
• 1 or more DDR memory
• Dou processor or better
• microSD (up to 32 GB) External Memory Slot
• Audio Format: AAC, AAC+, AMR-NB, AMR-WB, eAAC+, MP3, OGG, WAV, WMA, AC-3, FLAC (a good app will help here as well)
• Video Recording up to 30 fps
• Full HD (1080p) Video Playback available or at least 720P
• At least Android Jelly Bean 4.1 OS or higher
Very important Battery
• 4.000 mAh Battery
• Up to 8 h
• Up to 7 h
• Up to 109 h
If your tablet meets these requirements then you are good to go. You are looking to start at a$150 plus tablet on a sale price in order to get a nice high resolution fast tablet.
