A number of factors to consider when shopping for Android tablets include size, operating system, storage, and connectivity. Here’s a look at these and other factors to help you buy the right Wi-Fi or 3G tablet.
Size
Android tablets range from 7 to 10 inches. 7-inch tablets are more portable and ideal for children and students because you can easily carry them in your backpack along with your school books. The 7-inch screen makes the devices better for reading e-books than 10-inch tablet PCs because you can hold the device in one hand without wrist fatigue.
10-inch tablets are ideal for reading comics, newspapers, magazines, blogs, watching movies and playing games. However, their larger size and relatively heavy weight make them less portable than 7-inch tablets.
Operating system
If you want to use your slate PC to view flash websites, the ideal Wi-Fi or 3G tablet is one running the Android operating system. The other touch tablet PCs are those running Windows, Blackberry OS, or Apple iOS. Apple tablets don’t support Flash Player, but they do offer a more extensive app store than Android tablets.
Storage
Most Android tablets come with 8Gb to 16Gb internal storage which can hold about 12,000 books. If you want additional storage, you can use an external storage device such as a USB flash drive or microSD memory card to store your content.
Therefore, it would be a good idea to verify that the touch tablet you purchase is compatible with these external storage devices before purchasing. Another way to store your content is through cloud storage. Cloud storage allows you to store content you’re not using right away online and re-download it whenever you need it.
connectivity
If you want a ubiquitous data connection, you can invest in a slate that has 4G or 3G mobile broadband. Although Android tablets that have 4G or 3G are more expensive than Wi-Fi-only tablets, they allow you to have coverage while traveling anywhere in the world.
A Wi-Fi only model will require you to be near a Wi-Fi hotspot to connect. With companies like AT&T continually increasing their network of Wi-Fi hotspots. It’s getting easier and easier to get a seamless data connection using Wi-Fi technology.
It is also important when choosing Android tablets that you choose a device that supports short-range wireless networking. A slate PC with Bluetooth or EDR technology will allow you to remotely connect your Wi-Fi or 3G tablet PC to your mobile phone, laptop and any other device that supports these technologies.
