Tablets have become a fun technology for consumers, starting with the introduction of Apple’s ipad.  Consumers love the portability and convenience of these devices, and the many software applications provided.  You may be shopping for a tablet, but before you make a decision, you must realize they are not all the same, and some models may better fit your individual needs.  Your friends will be quick to offer an opinion ( to buy what they got ) but your ultimate satisfaction will come when you actually spend some time with a device doing just what you will do most of the time.  Here are some points to keep in mind..

Not all tablets do the same things

Some people believe the only difference in a tablet device is the price.  However, there are currently three main types of devices, and their capabilities will determine if they meet your needs.

1)  Consumption:  These devices are essentially displayers of information.  It may be just books, or may include magazines and videos.  The content is displayed by Apps which are written for the device.

2) Interactive:  These devices do use apps to display various media, but they also allow you to interact with the device, and perhaps other people.  These apps include social media, email, videos, games, and a whole lot more.  You can also use them for limited productivity, ie. writing blog posts, keeping track of expenses, maintaining calendars and contact lists, and similar tasks.

3)  Full computers:  These devices are computers which run normal software and can do any work you can perform on a larger desktop.  They often can be placed in a docking station which is connected to more storage, larger monitors, and can be used with a mouse and keyboard.

Lots of apps may not be relevant

Sales people will often state that a device has hundreds of thousands of apps, the programs that make it function on your behalf.  That may sound impressive, but most people only use a few, and the quality of the ones they select is important.  When looking for a new tablet, you will want to first decide how you will use it.  Then when you go shopping, make sure you see the apps that will allow you to meet your goals.  Many Big Box stores will show you a display of their devices, but they don’t have them loaded with any apps that you would actually use.  The exceptions are the Apple and Microsoft stores.  In both cases, you can play with their equipment as long as you wish, and their apps are live.  If you plan to use the device for preparing documents, make sure you look closely at the software available.  Much of it simply doesn’t allow for the formatting you will want, and your device will be less than what you want.

Only Apple and Windows devices are consistently upgradeable

Salespeople will love to steer you toward an Android device because they can bring higher commissions.  They may also be cheaper, making them an easier sale.  The downside is that the operating system may vary across devices, and some may not be able to upgrade to the latest versions.  Both Apple and Microsoft devices can be upgraded when new updates ( and thus new features and capabilities ) are released, and this is often done automatically, and in the background. 

Apple is the clear leader in tablets

There is no question that the iPad opened the market, and has been the clear leader.  The company carefully screens software submissions, and only allows those who pass the quality tests to be distributed in the App Store.  The iPad is a great device for information gathering ( reading news, studying curriculum, and interacting on social networks ).  It also has many fun interactive games, and of course its music capabilities were the stimulus that started the whole portable technology movement.  It is a bit more difficult on the productivity side, with somewhat inferior document preparation apps ( word processing, spreadsheets, etc ).  Also, its not yet friendly with business systems, but that is changing. 

Microsoft has some promising alternatives

Microsoft is releasing a whole new operating system, and its focused on the portability market.  For those who need to work “on the go”, it already has its full office suite working on its new RT system, and with WIndows 8 on an “intel tablet”, you have access to any software that runs in the office.  Not all of the fun apps found on the iPad have made their way to the new WIndows 8 tablets, but that is changing day by day.  Win 8 devices tend to have the larger displays, and the most computing power.  While iPad’s start at 16 GB of storage, an RT device will start at 32 GB, and Intel tablets have a solid state drive of 128 GB.  That’s a lot of capability in a very small package.

So, what should you do ?  First, don’t listen to your friends, and don’t listen to the salesperson at a typical big box store.  Go to a store where you can actually spend time using the device.  My bias is obviously that you should go to an Apple Store or a Microsoft Store.  In fact, you may find them in a mall placed very near each other.  I have found that the salespeople are usually well informed, and they will give you honest answers.  For pure consumer pleasure, you may find the iPad to be your friend, but if you are integrating this new device into your world of work, the Microsoft devices may be a better choice. 

Finally, if you read an article by someone who says “From what I’ve observed” or “People say…”, quit reading the article.  If they didn’t have time to use the device extensively, they are not a good authority.  If you have specific questions, I’m happy to help, and I’ve used the iOS and WIndows 8 systems for over a year, including the iPad and the Samsung Slate ( Windows 8 intel based computer ).

Please note:  For Auto Shop Writer 9, you must use a tablet running Windows 7, or Windows 8 Pro ( not an RT tablet ).  You cannot run ASW’s tablet software on any form of Android or iOS device !