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Comparing some popular tablets to find out what makes a top-tier tablet deal.
Photo via Surface on Unsplash
Tablets have had a lot of growing up to do since their inception in the '80s. That’s right—the late 1900s. The first tablet wasn’t the iPad, though those did explode in popularity after the first Apple model was released in 2010. The actual first tablet was called the GRidPad, and it weighed about five pounds. Not quite the super sleek, portable devices we know and love today.
Tablets have gone through generations of development, starting as hefty GRidPads before branching out into the smaller, more advanced Personal Digital Assistant of the early '90s. These actually performed many of the same functions you might find on a modern tablet, but the old-school PenPoint OS wasn’t quite as advanced as Android or iOS. PDAs were compact compared to earlier tablets, almost like a progenitor to the smartphone.
Tablets would transform again in 2002 with the release of the Windows XP tablet, but it was ultimately regarded as a failure because it needed constant internet access, had a poorly ported operating system, and had very little compatible software. Tablets finally settled into a more familiar landscape with the release of that ubiquitous iPad.
Image via AppleInsider
Tablets have changed a lot over the years, from bricks with a stylus to smartphones without the phone. With so much variation in what a tablet can be, it leaves a lot of room to decide what a tablet is now, particularly when touchscreen interfaces are so common.
A general definition of tablets is that they’re flat, mobile computers that have a touchscreen instead of a keyboard. That definition leaves a whole lot of wiggle room, and that gap gets even wider when you take a look at the growing popularity of touchscreen computers with tablet modes.
Sometimes! If anything, your touchscreen laptop might be closer to the original vision of tablets than something like a Galaxy Tab. Touchscreen laptops that can swivel their screen into tablet mode still keep their same operating system, so they’re almost like a better execution of the XP Tablet.
The tradeoff is that a laptop probably isn’t going to be as light as something like a Lenovo Tab or another device that isn’t tied to a full-sized keyboard, but even that has changed in recent years with the Microsoft Surface, which looks like a tablet, operates like a laptop, and sometimes even comes with a detachable keyboard.
Tablets may come in many shapes and sizes, but there are a few consistent elements to look out for. Understanding key hardware specifications is important if you want to make an informed decision about which tablet to get, especially considering how many types of tablets there are.
If you’re in the market for a tablet, retail isn’t your only option. You might have seen listings for refurbished phones and computers, and tablets are no exception to the surge in refurbished electronics.
Buying a refurbished tablet comes with the same requirements as looking for any other refurbished device. If you’re informed and keep your expectations reasonable, you might be able to find an awesome deal on a tablet.
First, it's important to recognize that while tablets have indeed come a long way, older models can still be really useful, depending on what you want to do. Many older tablets are more than capable of handling everyday activities like web browsing, email, reading, and streaming content.
If you're planning on running graphically intense apps for art or games, you might want a new model. If you just want a bigger screen to respond to emails without lugging your laptop around, then finding a deal on an affordable refurbished one could be a huge win.
Finding the right tablet is like finding the right outfit. Aesthetics, budgets, and functions vary greatly. You probably wouldn’t wear formal shoes to climb a mountain, and you might not want to get a refurbished 2012 iPad when you need to use your tablet to edit videos.
There’s a lot to consider, but pay special attention to the brand, hardware specifications, operating system, app store, and of course, if it’s new or refurbished. Spending a little time upfront can help you find one that fits your digital lifestyle like a glove.
Apple's iPads are renowned for their premium build quality, sleek design, and smooth performance. They offer a wide range of models, from the basic iPad to the high-end iPad Pro. iPad options are extensive, but you can find more information on finding the best option for you in our iPad deals guide.
Samsung's Galaxy Tab series offers a variety of Android tablets, providing options for different budgets. They are known for vibrant displays, multitasking capabilities, and S Pen support for creative tasks. Samsung's tablets often come with expandable storage options. However, some users may find Samsung's Android-based One UI skin to be less intuitive than stock Android or iOS. Updates and software support can also be inconsistent across models.
Some of our fave Samsung deals:
Lenovo's tablets combine affordability with decent performance. They are well-regarded for their practicality and good battery life. Lenovo tablets may not have the same premium build quality as higher-end competitors for a lower price. Performance can be mid-range, so they may not be suitable for heavy multitasking or gaming.
Take a look at some of these Lenovo deals:
Asus provides a range of Android and Windows tablets that often balance affordability with decent performance. Their Transformer series includes 2-in-1 devices that can serve as both laptops and tablets. However, Asus tablets may not have the same brand recognition or robust app ecosystem as some competitors.
Check out this Asus deal:
Microsoft's Surface series is known for its 2-in-1 design, allowing users to switch between tablet and laptop modes. They often come with high-resolution displays, powerful processors, and support for productivity applications. However, Surface tablets can be relatively expensive, especially when adding keyboard and stylus accessories. Windows operating systems may not be as touch-optimized as iOS or Android.
Here's a whole bunch of Surface deals:
Amazon's Fire tablets are known for their budget-friendly pricing and integration with Amazon services. They provide excellent options for media consumption, reading, and basic tasks. Amazon's app store offers a selection of popular apps. However, Fire tablets use a customized version of Android, which means they don't have access to the full Google Play Store. Performance may not be as robust as higher-end tablets.
Image via Android Authority
Huawei's tablets offer a mix of affordability and performance. They are known for their sleek designs, good displays, and long battery life. Huawei's high-end models may compete with premium tablets from other brands. However, Huawei's tablets may not have widespread availability in some regions, and access to Google services may be limited.
There are so many quality tablet options to choose from—make sure you check out their individual features before you start shelling out big (or small) bucks. Your new (or new-to-you) portable touchscreen awaits!
Prices subject to change.
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