Tablet Deals

What is a tablet?

Tablets such as the best-selling iPad and Android tablets are the next-generation of mobile devices that are changing the way we work, rest and play.

Choose a tablet and you’ll get the easy to use touchscreens, apps and messaging capabilities of a smartphone. But you’ll also get gorgeous large displays with laptop-style dimensions for enjoying media and working while you’re on the go.

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Why buy a tablet?

Tablets larger dimensions of a tablet compared with a smartphone makes them much more suitable for certain functions, such as composing lengthy emails. They’re also great work tools, particularly for presentations.

But tablets aren’t just for productivity. They’re great at entertainment too, thanks to their larger high resolution displays that are terrific for enjoying movies in high definition while you’re on the move.

Tablets in detail

Tablets come in all shapes and sizes. In general, dimensions range from around seven inches to ten inches. However there have even been some models that come in at just five inches, meaning that they’re not too much bigger than modern-day smartphones.

As the term ‘tablet’ and its allusion to the tablets of stone from Biblical times suggests, the standard tablet form factor is generally flat and long with the display dominating the design and look. That said, there have also been some radical attempts to experiment. For instance, some tablets feature slide-out physical keyboards which tuck away when not in use, meaning that users can switch between using a tablet or a laptop as when they need to.

Choosing a tablet

It’s perhaps not unsurprising that since tablets have surged in popularity, the range of slates available has exploded too. Here we talk you through the main types of tablet and give you a brief breakdown of their big selling points.

Android tablets

Android tablets are those using Google’s famed Android operating system for smartphones – or more specifically, Android tablets run a version of the platform that’s been adapted to take advantage of slates’ larger screen size.

Android tablets are made by a number of companies, including Motorola, Dell, HTC, Samsung and LG – each of which has put their own stamp on them, with features such as 3D or stylus support and handwriting recognition technology for easy text entry by allowing users to write directly onto the handset with their virtual pen.

One of the great things about Android tablets is that they are compatible with apps produced for Android smartphones. This means that if you choose one you’ll get access to a massive array of applications, including games as well as practical business tools. Just head to the Android Market and you’ll find there really is something for everyone. Better still, many are completely free to download.

Android tablet owners also get regular operating system updates, each of which promise to bring with them a brand new set o features to breathe new life into your tablet.

iPads

Apple products are renowned for the smooth and intuitive user experience they offer as well as sleek looks and design. The company’s iPad range is no exception.

iPads are the tablets with the largest range of apps available, with buyers able to choose from hundreds of thousands of titles created for the iPhone and iPod as well as more that have been developed specifically for the iPad.

Newer iPad models also stand out for being super light, so they’re easy to hold for long periods of time. The more recent iPads are also equipped with the Facetime HD app and dual cameras to enable you to make video calls.

One crucial thing to know about iPads is that they use a different SIM card to most UK mobile devices, specifically a smaller card called a microSIM.

BlackBerry tablets

In keeping with the business-focussed phones from BlackBerry, the company’s PlayBook tablets are specifically designed for enterprise users. Choose a PlayBook and you’ll get the superb email experience and security for which BlackBerrys are famed, as well as the option to synch all your contacts with your BlackBerry phone.

PlayBook tablets are compatible with specially created apps from the BlackBerry App World as well as Android applications. This means there’s a fine selection of both business apps and entertainment titles on offer.

Wi-Fi or 3G

Some tablet models can only connect to the internet via a fixed line wireless broadband network. These tend to be cheaper than those that offer 3G and Wi-Fi support and are a good choice if you think that you’re principally going to use your tablet at home or at work where you’ll have access to Wi-Fi.

Tablets with 3G connectivity are more flexible, allowing to get online anywhere there’s a 3G signal. 3G tablets can be bought as a standalone product, but are also available on 3G contract deals that entitle takers to a pre-determined web usage limit every month.

Want to know more about tablets? Take a look at the latest models here: Tablet deals family page