Types of tablet computers

Tablet computers come in two main varieties, each with their own pros and cons. The most common are slates, which lack a physical keyboard and use a touch screen for navigation. Convertible tablets, on the other hand, look like regular laptops or netbooks, but their displays swivel and lock down in place to resemble a slate computer. Some convertible tablets have keyboards that can instead be detached.

Slates are typically lighter and more portable than convertible tablets, but the touchscreen keyboard isn't ideal for writing and editing long documents, creating spreadsheets or drafting business memos. Convertible tablets are convenient because they can be used as laptops or tablets, but they usually cost more than slates. They also tend to be heavier, although most weigh less than 5 pounds.

When shopping for a tablet computer, experts say to keep the following in mind:

  • Test it in the store if you can. An onscreen keyboard might sound fine until you actually type on it. Likewise, trying a tablet in a store can help you evaluate the display and determine the responsiveness of the touch screen.
  • Not all tablets support multitouch gestures. Some tablets, especially older models designed for business users, require the use of a stylus. Many tablets recognize finger input, but not all support multitouch technology. Read the fine print so you know which type of touch screen your tablet uses.
  • Evaluate the app selection. If you are buying a tablet to be used as an entertainment device, make sure it has the apps you expect. The Apple iPad is the current leader in this category, with more optimized apps than any other tablet. Android tablets can usually download apps from the smaller Google Play Store, though reports say some inexpensive Android tablets have difficulty with this. The Kindle Fire and Nook Tablet are limited to smaller app stores curated by their respective manufacturers. Microsoft plans on launching an app store of its own when the tablet-optimized Windows 8 operating system launches in late 2012.
  • Networking options vary. Most tablet computers have integrated Wi-Fi, and many offer 3G or 4G connectivity as well. You'll have to pay extra for a 3G/4G data plan, but some tablets (notably the iPad) don't require a contract. The big advantage of 3G/4G connectivity is that it will give you better Internet access away from home. Some newer tablets are 4G compatible, although 4G coverage is generally limited to major metropolitan areas.
  • Opt for as much storage as possible. Apps, music and especially video can eat up flash memory surprisingly fast. Some tablets let you expand storage (typically via an SD or Micro SD memory card), but others don't.
  • Data rates add up. Many newer tablets are available for a cheaper price if you sign up for a two-year data contract with a wireless carrier. Make sure you will use mobile broadband before you commit, because the data rates can add up quickly. Some carriers offer no-commitment plans that let you pay on a month-to-month basis for access as needed, though not signing up for a span of months can leave you open to activation fees again if you decide you need mobile broadband access at some point.
  • Smaller convertible tablets have performance drawbacks. Convertible netbooks may be attractive for their small size and affordable price tag. Just keep in mind that these tablets have the same drawbacks as netbooks -- wimpy processors, small hard drives and fewer features.

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