Tablet PCs trace their roots back to pen computing technology in the 1960s, with the first commercially successful model being the GRiDPad 1900 in 1989. Early models, like Cambridge Research’s Z88 and Linus Technologies’ Write-Top, set the stage for modern tablets.
Looking back, Apple’s iPad launch in 2010 was a significant milestone, popularizing touch-sensitive screens, portability, and a vast app ecosystem. Today’s tablets come in various designs and have become essential tools in many professional fields, continually evolving with more powerful features.
In 2023, the market for tablet PCs is more diverse and advanced than ever. But before we talk about the best tablet models of 2023, let’s see why a tablet is perfect whether you want a device for work, play, or both.
What Are the Different Ways to Use Tablet PCs?
Tablets are known for their versatility. Here are some of the different ways you can use them.
Second Monitor: You can use your tablet as a second monitor for your computer. That way, you can accomplish tasks to boost your productivity.
Remote Control: Nowadays, tablets can use apps to remotely control various home appliances such as TVs, home security systems, and other electronic devices.
Gaming device: Tablets are great for playing games, especially ones that benefit from a touchscreen.
Reading E-Books: With a tablet, you can carry an entire library in your hand. They’re perfect for reading e-books, comics, and news articles.
Watching Movies and TV Shows: More and more people today use their tablets for entertainment, like watching their favorite Netflix movies and TV shows, especially when they often hit the road.
Video Conferencing: Tablets are portable and often have high-quality cameras, making them perfect for video calls and virtual meetings.
Digital Art: With a stylus, a tablet can become a helpful handy tool for digital artists where they can draw, paint, and edit photos directly on the screen.
Productivity Tasks: Tablets today can perform word processing, simple spreadsheets, project presentations, and more. Some tablets even support a keyboard attachment for easier typing.
Learning Tool: PC Tablets are helpful for educational purposes, from interactive learning games for children to online courses for adults.
Cooking Assistant: A tablet can be a handy companion in the kitchen, displaying recipes or instructional videos while you cook.
Music and Podcasts: Tablets are great for streaming music and podcasts; some even have high-quality speakers for better audio.
Why Use a Tablet PC Over a Laptop?
Tablets offer a variety of benefits that make them a versatile and convenient tool for many tasks. Here are some reasons why people prefer to use a tablet over a laptop.
Easy to Carry: Tablets are smaller and lighter than laptops, so they are easy to pack and carry during travel, a short commute or just moving from room to room at home.
Ease of Use: Tablets with a touchscreen interface are typically easy to use. They’re handy for browsing the internet, checking and replying to emails, and engaging in social media.
Interactive Multimedia Experience: Tablets are excellent buddies for watching favorite videos, reading the latest e-books, playing games, and listening to music. Their high-resolution screens and quality speakers can provide a superior multimedia experience.
Versatility: Many tablets can also function as laptops when paired with a keyboard. They can run several apps for work or play, making them versatile devices.
Affordability: Generally, tablets are less expensive than laptops or desktop computers.
What Computer Tablets Are In the Market Today?
You can choose from a variety of computer tablets available on the market. Here are some popular options:
iPad: The iPad is a line of tablets developed by Apple. They run on iOS, the operating mobile system of Apple. All iPad series offer many features, apps, and accessories. Until today, iPads are well-known for their top quality, including sophisticated appearance, brilliant screen, and speedy performance.
Android Tablets: The Android tablets run on Android OS, a Google-created platform. They offer flexibility in terms of customization and access to the Google Play Store for apps that users can enjoy using by downloading both apps for entertainment and productivity.
Windows Tablets: They are products of Windows that run on the Windows operating system, providing a more PC-like experience. They offer compatibility with Windows software and can be used for productivity tasks like word processing and running desktop applications. Microsoft’s Surface Line is a famous example of Windows tablets.
2-in-1 Tablets: 2-in-1 tablets are convertible tablets with the functionality of a laptop. They typically come with detachable keyboards or have a 360-degree hinge that allows them to convert between tablet and laptop modes.
What Features Should Be Considered?
When picking a tablet, some features can make your experience much better. Here are a few you can consider.
Retina Display: A tablet with an excellent High-Resolution Screen or Retina Display will make everything look sharper and more vibrant, from text to photos and videos.
Powerful Processor: A fast and powerful processor will ensure your tablet runs smoothly, even when you multitask or run several apps.
Faster Performance and Expandable Storage: Look for tablets with sufficient processing power and RAM to do the tasks like exploring the web, watching videos, playing games, or using apps to get work done. So, storage with a bigger capacity is best. Some tablets offer expandable storage options via memory cards or a microSD card slot.
Wider Screen and Display: The average tablets measure 7 to 8 inches, while the largest reach 12 to 14 inches. For drawing or other creative work, a good rule of thumb is to choose a tablet size that fits the size of your screen and lets you draw without putting too much strain on your arm or wrist. Also, consider the screen’s brightness, resolution, and whether or not it can be used with a stylus or touch input if those are important to you.
Larger RAM: Depending on how you use your tabs, you can look for versions with a microSD card slot that lets you add more space to store apps, documents, photos, and videos.
Quality Battery: Tablets usually have a long battery life of 9-10 hours. To enjoy longer use, look for a tablet with a strong battery so you won’t have to charge it multiple times daily.
Latest Operating System: Ensure the tablet supports the latest OS version for better security, performance, and access to the latest apps and features.
Good Cameras: If you love taking photos or videos from your tab, good front, and rear cameras suit you better.
Connectivity Options: Tablets typically offer Wi-Fi connectivity for internet access. Other models use cellular connectivity options, similar to smartphones, which allow you to use them with a data plan. Additionally, consider the availability of ports like USB-C, HDMI, or headphone jacks if you require specific connectivity options.
Lightweight Design: A light and thin design can make a tablet more portable and comfortable to hold for extended use.
Durable Build: A tablet with a robust build quality will be more likely to withstand drops and other potential damage.
Are Accessories a Must?
You can get by without using any peripherals with your tablet, but doing so limits the device’s potential. Here’s what we can suggest that can add to your device’s usability.
Keyboard and Mouse: A keyboard can be extremely helpful if you use your tablet for work or typing long documents. A mouse can also provide more precision than a touch screen in some cases.
Protective Case: A case can protect your tablet from damage and may double as stands, allowing you to prop up your tablet for easier viewing.
Stylus: A stylus can be a great accessory if you enjoy drawing or taking handwritten notes.
USB On-The-Go (OTG): The USB On-The-Go (OTG) has dramatically expanded the functionality of modern tablet PCs. A device with this feature will enhance its functionality by enabling direct data reading without a PC, enabling use with flash drives, external hard drives, and detachable keyboards. It also supports USB-C hubs and dongles, making tablets versatile tools for various tasks.
What Connectivity Types Should a PC Tablet Have?
Tablets can connect to the internet and other devices in several ways. The major connectivity types for tablets are:
Wi-Fi Connectivity: The most common ways tablets connect to the internet. Through Wifi, a device can connect to any Wi-Fi network you can access, like your home network, a network at work, or a public network at a mall, coffee shop, park, or library.
4G and 5G: Some tablets also have the ability to connect to mobile networks, similar to smartphones. This means you can still access the internet even if you’re not in the wifi range using 4G or 5G. However, the speeds and capabilities will depend on whether the tablet supports 4G or the newer, faster 5G standard.
Bluetooth: Some models of tablet devices often link to accessories like keyboards, headphones, and speakers and share files with other devices using Bluetooth connections. Having this connectivity, everything will come easy in accessing files, sharing notes, and more.
USB: Most models of tablets have USB ports that allow them to connect to different devices, including external hard drives, printers, or a computer, which can help transfer or share files.
NFC (Near Field Communication): Few tablets come with NFC, allowing wireless data transfer over short distances like making contactless payment systems.
GPS: Many tablets also have built-in GPS, which can be helpful in navigation apps.
What Are the Best Tablets in 2023?
Apple iPad Air 5
Considered the finest tablet overall. It has lived up to Apple’s tradition of producing high-quality, user-friendly devices, offering the best performance that every gadget lover needs for excellent features over cost.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
When Apple is not your choice and If you’re an Android user, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is a top contender. With its large 14.6-inch screen, it’s best-loved for multimedia consumption and productivity tasks. Samsung remains to be the top Android tablet available in the market today.
OnePlus Pad
Another great Android option is the OnePlus Pad. Although a newer player in the tablet market, OnePlus has quickly garnered attention and praise for its well-designed and affordable devices.
Amazon Fire 7
Amazon Fire is the best option tab for under $100. Unlike its competitors, which have high-end specifications, Amazon Fire still provides excellent value for money and access to Amazon’s vast content ecosystem.
Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2022)
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2022) model defines benchmarks for tablet performance and features with its stunning display and powerful M1 processor. It can be considered the pinnacle of Apple’s iPad lineup and a strong contender for a laptop replacement.
Microsoft Surface: For people adept in Windows, the Microsoft Surface series offers a range of options, from budget-friendly to high-end. The device’s ace is its similar Windows interface and compatibility with PC software.
What Are the Future Trends in Tablet PCs?
Here are some of the advancements and innovations in Tablet PCs that we can expect by 2030.
Increase Market Size: The Tablet PC market will likely grow significantly, surpassing USD 95 million by the next ten years, indicating that the demand will continue to rise.
Higher Processing Power: With technological advancements, tablets will likely have improved processing power comparable to traditional computers.
Increased Connectivity Options: Future Tablets will offer more enhanced connectivity options to cater to the needs of a mobile and interconnected world.
Industrial Use: Industrial tablet PCs will become more portable, integrated, and independent, suggesting a trend toward using tablets in various industries.
Expanding Android Tablets: Android Tablets will have a bright future, indicating potential advancements and innovations in Android-based devices.
In conclusion, the most modern models of tablet PCs have the best features and functions that make them suitable for different users. High-end tablets are more suited for professionals who require advanced functionalities, while some prefer budget-friendly options with basic needs of simple browsing and streaming capabilities.
Some specifications to consider when choosing a tablet are its operating system, screen size, storage, battery life, camera quality, and connectivity. It’s best to identify your needs and preferences first before making a purchase. Remember, the most expensive model isn’t necessarily the best for everyone, and sometimes a less costly option may provide all the functions you need.
