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Picking the Perfect Tablet: 10 Must-Have Features
by Don Reisinger
1. A Big Display
When Dell announced its 5-inch Streak tablet, most consumers cringed. The device just isn’t big enough to be productive. And it certainly won’t appeal to those who want to be entertained. The iPad’s 9.7-inch display effectively hits the sweet spot of viable screen sizes. That’s why it’s better to opt for the larger screen.
2. A Viable Operating System
So far, Apple’s iOS platform has done a fine job of appealing to consumers in the tablet space. But with Android 2.2 on its way to the Samsung Tab and several other devices in the coming months, it will surely give Apple a run for its money. Either platform should satisfy most consumers. But venturing into unknown territory to buy a Windows 7-based tablet or a webOS-based tablet might not be the best idea. For now, iOS and Android OS are the top software platforms in the tablet market.
3. Tablet Applications
Applications are a must-have for any consumer. They extend the functionality of a device and they typically help folks enjoy more productivity and entertainment. When choosing a tablet, customers should keep that in mind and only opt for those tablets that deliver a large number of viable applications.
4. The Right Price
Pricing can make or break a tablet. That’s precisely why Apple offers six different versions of its iPad for customers looking for different price points. Consumers should be careful to evaluate the prices of different products. Some might be expensive, while others might be cheap for what they’re getting. In either case, determining a budget and finding the best product that fits within that budget should be any customer’s first step.
5. A Clear Value Proposition
As important as price is, value could mean the difference between buying one tablet over another. After all, two tablets might boast the same price, but which product will give the consumer the best experience? In many cases, Apple’s iPad will likely win out, but not in all cases. It’s important for consumers to figure out what they value most before they plunk down hundreds of dollars for a tablet.
6. Two Cameras
With the help of dual cameras, users can have video chats, quickly snap images and more. Two cameras add considerable value to a product. And there is little reason to opt for any device that doesn’t have them.
7. An Outstanding Virtual Keyboard
Since tablets rely upon a touch screen to help users type, finding a device with a viable virtual keyboard is extremely important. Apple’s iPad has a fantastic virtual keyboard, while other devices tend to lag behind. Tablet customers should try out a device’s keyboard before purchasing it. If the keyboard doesn’t respond well or it causes an inordinate number of mistakes, it’s time to move on.
8. 3G Connectivity by Default
One of the biggest problems with the RIM PlayBook is that the device won’t include 3G connectivity out of the box. In other words, folks that are traveling and quickly want to check their e-mail or surf the Web outside a WiFi hotspot won’t be able to do so on the device. Tablets are expected to be mobile companions and 3G connectivity is integral to achieving that.
9. Flash Support
Adobe’s Flash has been panned by Apple as a potential security risk that the company’s iOS platform doesn’t need. But further inspection of Flash running on Android OS reveals that iOS does need it. And for tablets, which can be computer replacements, it’s an absolute necessity. Because of that, consumers should expect every Website to work. That won’t happen on the iPad. That’s a major mark against Apple’s tablet for any consumer who wants the best browsing experience.
10. A Reliable Name
The last thing a consumer should do is buy a tablet from an unknown company. That’s not to say that unknown firms can’t develop great products–they can–but with so many viable options reaching store shelves, choosing a cheaper alternative from a company that might or might not be trusted isn’t worth it. Stick with the big names. It’s safer that way.
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The tablet market is heating up. Currently, Apple’s iPad is capturing the allure of most consumers, but it’s soon going to be vying with the Samsung Tab, the Cisco Cius, new Dell Streak models and the RIM PlayBook. When that happens, Apple’s device will be forced to prove why it deserves to stay atop the tablet space. Ultimately, it will be consumers that decide the fate of the iPad’s and every other tablet on the market. If a product delivers the right value, consumers will buy it. If a tablet fails to match consumer desire, it will fail. There is no in-between in the tablet market. Now consumers are starting to determine exactly what they want to see in the tablet design of their dreams. For some it may be a larger screen size, for others it might be the right set of Internet connectivity options. Overall buyers will be looking for the right set of features for an attractive price. But for those folks who need a little help determining exactly what they should be looking for in their first tablet purchase, read on to see the 10 must-have features in any tablet.