Tablets are extremely popular and it’s not hard to see why. They are convenient, easy to use, and very mobile. However, buying a tablet is not easy. Some popular options include Surface Pro, iPad, Kindle Fire HD, Google Nexus 7, Dell XPS, Asus Transformer Pad Infinity TF700, Lenovo tablet, and Samsung Galaxy Note tablet. Also, there are some inexpensive Android tablets that you might want to consider.

Before choosing a tablet, you should know a little about the most common features and amenities. Here is a guide to some of the features that are included in the most popular tablet models.

Operating system

The four main operating systems are Android, iOS, Blackberry, and Windows. These operating systems have their own display panel and programs. Most applications are designed to be compatible with a single operating system.

If you use certain applications regularly, you will want to make sure that these applications are compatible with the operating system of the tablet you are buying. You can jailbreak some tablets so they can use applications that are generally not supported by the system, but doing this voids the device’s warranty.

Connectivity

Almost all tablets come with Bluetooth. However, there are three forms of Internet connectivity to choose from: Wi-Fi, 3G, and 4G. Wi-Fi is standard connectivity and comes with most tablets. Unless you really need to be online every minute of every day, Wi-Fi is probably good enough for you.

Those who really need to be online all the time will want 3G or 4G connectivity, but it is important to note that this form of connectivity comes at a very high price. At the same time, 3G or 4G connectivity is a must for those who rely on GPS applications.

Processor

The processor is very important. Determines how fast the system will charge and operate. Simply put, the faster the processor, the better the tablet. Common processing speed ranges from 1 GHz to 1.6 GHz.

Screen size

The screen size of a tablet ranges from seven to eleven inches. However, 7-inch and 10-inch tablet screens are the most common.

7-inch tablet versus 10-inch tablet

There are pros and cons of each size. A 7-inch tablet is lightweight and fits easily in a pocket, purse, or purse. These tablets weigh about 14 ounces. The ten-inch tablets weigh from 1.3 pounds to 1.6 pounds and can be a bit bulky for a small bag. At the same time, a larger screen makes it easier for a person to use the on-screen keyboard to type.

Touch sensitivity

Tablets are designed to respond to touch. However, some tablets respond faster and better than others. It’s a good idea to buy a tablet that has a high level of touch responsiveness, just as you’d like to invest in a regular computer keyboard or mouse that does what you want to do, when you want it to.

Battery duration

The reason you are buying a tablet in the first place is because you want a mobile mini computer that you can use while on the go. A tablet with low battery life is pretty useless, to say the least. If you intend to use your new tablet a lot, then invest in one that has a long battery life.

At the same time, keep in mind that it is impossible to predict how long a battery will last. Much depends on what you do with the tablet. Watching a video or listening to music consumes a lot more battery than browsing the Internet or reading an e-book.

Memory

Memory determines how much stuff you can store on your tablet. Some tablets come with 16GB of memory space, although many have 32GB and some models have up to 64GB.

Having as much memory as possible is ideal. However, the more memory the tablet has, the more it is likely to cost. If you are not storing video, audio, or graphics files on your tablet, then a 16GB tablet can perfectly suit your needs. If you need to store large files on the machine, buy a device that is at least 32GB.

Camera

All tablets now come with a camera that can film and take pictures. You just want to make sure the camera has zoom, autofocus, and flash so images and videos are sharp. If you really like filming and taking pictures, consider a device that has both front-facing and rear-facing cameras. They can be a lot of fun to work with, although a dual camera is certainly not one of the most important features to look for in a tablet.

Warranty

Always check the terms and conditions of the warranty to see how long the warranty lasts and what it covers. Most tablets don’t last as long as regular computers because they pull out and tend to wear out faster than a desktop or even a laptop. The average warranty time for a tablet is one year.

You should check the warranty conditions to see what is covered and what is not. In some cases, the manufacturer will simply replace a defective part. In other cases, the entire device can be replaced if it is not working properly. Other terms and conditions cover what types of damages are and are not covered, who can do the repair work, etc.

Must have tablet features

As you can see from the list above, there are many features to choose from. However, some are imperative, while others are just nice to have. A decent tablet should have Wi-Fi connectivity, a minimum processing speed of 1 GHz, a built-in e-reader, decent speakers, a decent camera, and a battery life of at least 8-10 hours. A minimum one-year warranty is also essential.