Introduction
Tablet computers were once a novelty item restricted to only hard core technology geeks. With the sales success of the Apple ipad, tablet computers have proven to be a versatile and quick way for users to gain access to the internet for their daily consumption of internet material. Nearly all internet based activities can be performed on a tablet including checking email, reading online articles, playing games, and even watching movies. While there are a number of different tablet operating systems to choose from ranging from Apple's Ipad OS to Blackberry's proprietary OS, the Android Tablet offers the widest range of product designs and choices. This guide serves as a quick reference so you can buy an Android tablet that will meet your needs.
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Choosing the Right Android Version
One of the most important decisions in choosing any Android device is picking the correct Android version. Android versions are all given a number designation such as 2.0 and also the name of a sweet such as donut or gingerbread. It sounds confusing but the important thing to remember is that it is best to choose a higher Android version. Version 2.2 (Froyo) is the bare minimum that an Android tablet should carry in order to be adequately functional though Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) is the preferred version.
The 2.0 versions of Android were developed specifically for use on modern cell phones though they adapt pretty well to tablet use. More recently Google released Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) which is the the tablet optimized version of the operating system. Honeycomb spans upto 3.2 and proves to be the most suitable and perferred OS for an Android tablet. It provides tweaks that are specific for tablets and it appears more refined than 2.3.
In 2012 Google is set to release Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwhich). Most tablets that are running 3.2 (Honeycomb) should be able to upgrade to 4.0 though most Gingerbread devices will not be able to upgrade.
The 2.0 versions of Android were developed specifically for use on modern cell phones though they adapt pretty well to tablet use. More recently Google released Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) which is the the tablet optimized version of the operating system. Honeycomb spans upto 3.2 and proves to be the most suitable and perferred OS for an Android tablet. It provides tweaks that are specific for tablets and it appears more refined than 2.3.
In 2012 Google is set to release Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwhich). Most tablets that are running 3.2 (Honeycomb) should be able to upgrade to 4.0 though most Gingerbread devices will not be able to upgrade.
Choosing the Right Processor
Though Google is responsible for the operating system that drives Android tablets, the hardware is unique to each manufacturer. As a result different manufacturers utilize a variety of processors that can have a significant impact on your tablet experience. At a minimum an Android tablet that runs 2.3 (Gingerbread) should have a 600 mhz processor with 1 Ghz preferred (such as a Cortex A8). If the tablet is running Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) or higher than it will benefit from a dual core processor such as the Nvidia Tegra 2. If you stick with a higher speed processor you are likely to have a much more fluid and experience when surfing the net or playing games.
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Choosing the Right Type of Screen
Screen Type:
Basically there are two types of screens available on a tablet. Resistive screens are an older type that requires a firm press and usually a stylus to register taps accurately. Capacitive screens are a newer variety that offer a very smooth and sensitive touch screen experience. In addition, most capacitive screens offer multi-touch capabiliites which means you can pinch to zoom etc. Since the screen is going to dictate the user experience it is important to spend a little extra and buy a tablet with a capacitive screen.
Screen Size:
Most tablet computers come in 10 inch screen sizes with a squarish appearance (4:3 ratio). There are newer tablets that are arriving in the 7 inch range and feature a widescreen appearance (16:9 ratio). The choice of which size to purchase largely rests on your intended purpose for the tablet. Ten inch screens make for clear video and easy web browsing but are not comfortable to hold in your hands for extended periods. 7 inch tablets are a lot easier to hold and carry but they will require you to scroll and zoom to view information on its smaller screen. One other consideration is that 7 inch tablets tend to be cheaper than their 10 inch counterparts so the choice depends on your needs and your budget. One caveat that I do want to mention is that the 4:3 sized tablets (the more square screens) tend to be a lot easier to use for web browsing. They definitely don't look as cool as the 16:9 tablets but their ease of use more than makes up for that!
Basically there are two types of screens available on a tablet. Resistive screens are an older type that requires a firm press and usually a stylus to register taps accurately. Capacitive screens are a newer variety that offer a very smooth and sensitive touch screen experience. In addition, most capacitive screens offer multi-touch capabiliites which means you can pinch to zoom etc. Since the screen is going to dictate the user experience it is important to spend a little extra and buy a tablet with a capacitive screen.
Screen Size:
Most tablet computers come in 10 inch screen sizes with a squarish appearance (4:3 ratio). There are newer tablets that are arriving in the 7 inch range and feature a widescreen appearance (16:9 ratio). The choice of which size to purchase largely rests on your intended purpose for the tablet. Ten inch screens make for clear video and easy web browsing but are not comfortable to hold in your hands for extended periods. 7 inch tablets are a lot easier to hold and carry but they will require you to scroll and zoom to view information on its smaller screen. One other consideration is that 7 inch tablets tend to be cheaper than their 10 inch counterparts so the choice depends on your needs and your budget. One caveat that I do want to mention is that the 4:3 sized tablets (the more square screens) tend to be a lot easier to use for web browsing. They definitely don't look as cool as the 16:9 tablets but their ease of use more than makes up for that!
Summary
In summary, Android tablets allow you to have quick access to your online life without the need to fire up your laptop or desktop. They are far more portable than even a laptop computer yet they are able to quench the browsing and surfing needs of most users. When choosing an Android Tablet it is best to pick one that has the latest operating system (Android 3.2 or higher) and a processor that is a 1.0 ghz dual core or greater. The screen can be either 7 inch or 10 inch depending upon your needs but be sure that it is a capacitive multi-touch screen for the smoothest experience. In the coming weeks I will review a couple of tablets I have picked up to give more insight into the differences between low end and high end tablets.