Many tablet brands share the same layout, design and media features across devices, which can make navigation and organization easier as you work and play. Whether you prefer to use the same operating system as your other devices, or you don’t mind a little variety, you can learn more about the different features each brand has to offer below.
Apple.
If you’re familiar with the iPhone, you’ll feel comfortable with Apple’s iOS for iPad. iOS is easy to understand right from the start and offers smooth interactions and intuitive menus. Select iPad models also come equipped with the Siri voice-activated assistant for convenient navigation of the browser and operating system. iPad is linked with Apple’s App Store with their huge selection of apps for the iPad, plus an extensive selection of music, books and movies. If you’re into customizing the look and feel of your tablet, you may find fewer customization options with Apple iOS than with other operating systems.
Samsung.
The Samsung Smart Hub feature allows users to watch movies and listen to music on their tablet, plus sync contacts and media with their smart TV. Using Smart Remote, users will also be able to control their Samsung TV directly from their tablet. Google’s popular Android operating system, with its food-inspired versions (KitKat, Jelly Bean, Ice Cream Sandwich), offers an ever-improving interface and a ton of customization options, so you can tailor the look and feel of your tablet. Plus, this makes Samsung tablets compatible with other devices that utilize an Android operating system. You’ll find a wide array of tablet-enabled apps, plus a good selection of your favorite music, books and movies in the Google Play store.
Microsoft.
Enjoy the power and flexibility of Windows 10 with a Surface tablet. You’ll be able to access desktop apps, like Word, PowerPoint and Excel, in a small, convenient package. Microsoft Windows users can retrieve files from Microsoft Office and sync contacts, music and more across their Windows tablet, phone and PC. Microsoft tablets connect to other devices with a convenient USB port, and can even connect to the TV through an Xbox. You can also choose from a variety of accessories designed to offer a full computing experience on the go.
Amazon.
Fire tablets use the Android OS combined with the Amazon.com ecosystem for easy buying and downloading of books, movies and music, so you’ll always have your favorite entertainment on hand. Fire tablets allow users to separate profiles for each individual, and see character, artist or other content with X-Ray for music, movies and TV. With the exception of Fire HD, a mayday button provides free on-demand device tech support when it is needed.
Android.
A variety of tablets utilize Google’s Android operating systems. There’s a reason this operating system is so popular, and it’s because it offers an ever-improving interface and a ton of customization options, so you can tailor the look and feel of your tablet.
Screen size: Smaller 7" or 8" tablets are great for a bus or airplane commute. For immersive experiences, you’ll also find tablets as large as 12.9".
Resolution: Resolution refers to the number of dots (pixels) on the entire screen. You’ll see greater detail on a high-resolution screen like 1080p, 1440p or 4K, which is important when viewing HD movies and playing graphic-intensive games.
Storage: You’ll find a variety of options for customizing your tablet to store all the photos, movies, music and documents that you need. Cloud storage like OneDrive, Google Drive and iCloud Drive are available, as well as tablets with built-in device storage or the option to add a memory card.
Processors: Your tablet’s processor is like its brain. Working in combination with system memory, the power of the processor determines how smoothly apps will run, how much multitasking your tablet can handle and the graphics capabilities. Tablet processors typically have between two and eight cores, with more cores capable of handling a heavier workload.
Memory: Random-access memory (RAM) — also called system memory — is important because it helps your processor tackle multiple tasks at once. A minimum of 2GB is required for basic tasks, but 8GB or more is recommended for games and photo or video editing.
Accessories: Make the most of your tablet with an accessory like a stylus, keyboard or mouse that turn your tablet into a full computer on the go.
Tablets designed for kids have fun and colorful designs with protective bumpers and rugged designs to withstand active users. These tablets also come preloaded with a variety of fun games and educational activities, which you can tailor to your child’s age or grade. Although they are designed for younger children, parents can also use the tablet by switching from kid mode to a parent mode.
With most tablets, you need to be within range of a Wi-Fi hotspot to connect to the internet. Connected tablets let you access the internet using a cellular network (such as 4G or 4G LTE), similar to the ones cell phones use. No need to try to find and pay for Wi-Fi hotspot access. Connected tablets offer a data plan similar to cell phone data plans. Many carriers now have plans that let you combine your devices into one shared data plan so you can add your tablet to your existing plan for a low monthly fee.
You can turn your tablet into a full computing experience on the go with a variety of accessories. A case will not only protect your tablet from bumps and scratches but can also be used as a stand for comfortable viewing. Get a laptop-type experience by adding a keyboard to your tablet. Some attach to your tablet while others use Bluetooth so you can work wirelessly. Add some app-enabled devices and keep track of your health and fitness level, collect credit card payments, control your home’s temperature, play interactive games and more.
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When you add a device to your home, keep in mind that your home Wi-Fi network will need to keep up. The more devices you add, the more bandwidth and speed you’ll need. Not sure what you’ll need? Here are a couple of helpful hints:
- You’ll need at least 5 Mbps download speed when using a single device
- Upgrade to 25 Mbps download speed for 4K streaming content
Learn more about internet speed
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