How to choose a tablet that’s right for you
From battery life constraints to long-term durability to your personal budget, there’s a lot to consider when purchasing a new tablet. Luckily, there’s no shortage of options!
Since Apple introduced its revolutionary iPad more than 12 years ago, years ago, tablets have come a long way, simultaneously getting more advanced while also becoming cheaper. But if you’re in the market for a new tablet—an increasingly popular choice compared to traditional laptop computers—there are a few important factors you should think about, because not all tablets are created equal.
Below, Quick Mobile Repair breaks down some of these critical selling points that can help you decide which make, model and size of tablet is best for your needs, whether you plan to use it at home, at the office, in the classroom, or on the road.
Are you using it for work?
If you’re looking to purchase a tablet to use at work, a top consideration should be its processing power. Does the tablet have the built-in hardware and storage space necessary for complex apps and web programs to run smoothly, for example?
Whether you’re an architect whose profession requires the use of advanced drafting software or an entrepreneur tasked with putting together a slick business presentation, you’ll likely want a tablet that features both a large screen and the ability to use even the most high-tech apps.
A top contender in this category would be Apple’s iPad Pro, a tablet geared towards professional usage—now in its fifth generation—that has both 9.7” and 12.9” screen options, and includes the company’s M1 processing chip, which is traditionally reserved for desktop Mac computers. Another key benefit of the iPad Pro is its compatibility with the Apple Pencil, allowing users to seamlessly sketch, arrange and pinpoint fine details in a way that our fingers simply can’t.
Will children be using the tablet, too?
Whether you’re a parent looking to keep your child entertained, or a school district considering implementing tablets in the classroom, there are a special set of considerations that should be taken into account when purchasing a tablet that’ll primarily be used by children.
Durability is one of the most important factors to weigh when shopping for a childrens’ tablet, though you should still expect at least a few housing chips, screen cracks and even liquid damage now and then. (Word to the wise: invest in a tough protective case if you’re buying a tablet for a child, too.) Additionally, think about how the tablet will be used: if it’ll mainly be used for playing games, watching YouTube videos and finishing school assignments, then you likely won’t need a top-of-the-line model with lots of bells and whistles.
For home use, consider an Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids, which is specifically tailored for childrens’ usage with a detailed set of parental controls, two durable case options, and a budget-friendly price point. If you’re looking for something with a bit more processing power, or if you value an easy user experience, also consider purchasing a base model iPad from Apple, which can deliver powerful performance without all of the extras found in most higher-cost iPad models.
What’s your budget?
No matter what you’re looking to spend on a new tablet, there is some good news: tablets have only gotten cheaper over the past decade, leaving consumers with many viable and affordable options that don’t sacrifice functionality, storage space or design.
Base model or previous generation iPads are always a popular choice for consumers on a budget, particularly if they already use an iPhone or other Apple device. However, if you want a tablet that can double as a laptop, consider the Lenovo Chromebook Duet, which includes a detachable keyboard and computer-level battery life. Or, if you’re simply looking for the absolute cheapest tablet on the market, look no further than the Amazon Fire 7, which can be had brand new for a cool $59.99.
If you’re simply not sure which budget-friendly tablet is right for you, come visit your nearest Quick Mobile Repair where a Tech Guru would be happy to answer all of your tablet-related questions. We carry a wide selection of refurbished tablets at our stores nationwide from top brands like Apple, Samsung and Amazon, saving you as much as 30% compared to buying the same model directly from the manufacturer.
Will you be traveling with your tablet often?
If you plan to take your tablet on the road, you may want to research some important travel-related aspects of the device before purchasing it. For example, does it have a high-quality camera that you can use to take photos on your trip? Is the tablet a Wi-Fi-only model, or does it have 5G or LTE capabilities, allowing it to be used internationally with a local data plan? Is it big and bulky, or is it a lightweight model that can easily fit into a purse, pocket or carry-on suitcase?
The best camera in a tablet these days can be found in Apple’s iPad Pro, but if you don’t want to carry around this bulky tablet—which can cost upwards of $1,000—consider an iPad Air 10.9”, which also includes a high-definition camera setup but with a much slimmer, lighter frame and more affordable retail price. Additionally, depending on how you plan to use your device, a smaller screen size may be ideal for a travel tablet; the iPad Mini, for example, is more comparable in size to a traditional e-reader and typically costs much less than a full-size iPad, alleviating some stress when it comes to traveling with it.