Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on Living on the Cheap.
Tablet computers have come a long way since their introduction. Modern tablet computers are powerful devices that can handle many computing needs, and may even replace your old laptop or desktop completely.
Tablets, such as the iPad and Amazon Fire, may offer some budget savings compared with a full computer. If you’re just looking to handle email, web browsing, social media and videos, a tablet can likely handle all you need.
Here’s a guide to choosing your own tablet computer focusing on the most important features, specifications and, of course, price, to help you make the right choice.
What is a tablet computer?
A tablet computer is a small device typically smaller than a laptop and larger than a smartphone. Many people think of them as big smartphones, though some hardware and performance differences make a tablet more useful for some situations.
Popular tablet computer brands include Apple’s iPad, Amazon’s Fire Tablet, and many other computer brands, including Samsung, Dell, Lenovo, Acer and others.
Tablets give you a much larger screen than you would get from a phone, but they’re much more portable than a traditional computer. That makes them a good choice for many households.
Key factors when choosing a tablet
When choosing a tablet computer, the first big decision is the operating system and tablet type. Here are the four main families of tablet computers that make the most sense for typical users, with consideration for cost and performance:
- Apple iPad: High performance, high cost
- Android and Chromebook: Varying price points and performance
- Amazon Fire: Low performance, low cost
- Windows: Varying price points and performance
If you already love your iPhone or Android, sticking with the same family for tablet computers makes getting started easy, as you already know how it works, and there are good integrations with existing devices during setup.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to save money, Amazon’s Fire tablets offer a lower cost. You may also prefer your current Windows computer and want to pair it with a similar Windows tablet.
For many people, it’s wise to stick with what you know to avoid future frustrations.
Is there one that is stronger than the other?
I’ve had them fall and not crack — so it’s hard to say. I know that Apple Support really does have great customer service options and is great at helping, so that is a bonus.
That being said, I know that Amazon also does a great job of getting you replacements if anything were to happen.
The bottom line is that people will choose what they want to choose because of how they like the tablet.
Other important details to consider
Within each operating system, you have multiple options. These will typically give you different screen sizes, storage, memory and processors. As you pay more, you’ll find higher-quality components with faster performance. Lower-cost tablets typically have less storage and run slower. Other features come down to your preferences.
- Screen size: Screen size is a personal preference. Larger screens are fun but take up more space in your bag and weigh more. They may also cost more, depending on the device.
- Available storage: Storage space allows you to download and keep apps, videos, photos and other information. Similar to a hard drive in a computer, more storage enables you to store more and larger files.
- Memory/RAM: RAM, short for Random Access Memory, allows you to do more at once. Devices with little RAM are usually sluggish and can’t handle high-performance games and apps. I personally don’t mind spending more on upgraded RAM on a device I’ll use regularly.
- Processor: A processor is the brain of your tablet computer. Newer processors are faster and can do more at once. Pairing a good processor with enough RAM is the best way to get good performance from your device from the start.
- Camera: Tablets often carry one or more cameras these days. Similar to your smartphone, newer cameras offer higher-quality photos and videos. The quality of digital photos and videos is measured in megapixels. More megapixels are better for quality.
- Network connections: Tablets generally connect to the internet using wireless internet at home, a coffee shop, on a plane or similar. Some tablets also include a cellular data chip, where you can sign up for a service like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile so your tablet is always connected, just like your phone.
- Price: Last but certainly not least is price. You can find the cheapest Amazon Fire tablets for less than $100, while the highest-end iPad Pro costs around $2,300. That’s clearly a huge range, and you have many options. For most people, pick a brand or operating system you’re comfortable with, then compare prices and features to find the best device for your unique needs.
The bottom line
In my house, the kids have Amazon Fire tablets, I have an iPad, and my wife doesn’t have a dedicated tablet of her own. Even within my own family, our needs are different.
That means what you want and need may be different than your friends and family.
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