The Operating System And Apps Available

The main reason why it’s so important to know a little about the operating system is that it’ll dictate which apps are available to you. Although the Apple App Store currently has the biggest selection of apps available, other stores (such as Android Market) are catching up. The best tablet PC for you must have access to the kind of apps you’re personally going to use, so check out the various app stores of the tablets you’re interested in buying.

Other things to keep in mind about the operating system include what you’re already used to. For example, if you’ve already got an Android smartphone then you may naturally choose an Android tablet to go with it. And make sure you try out a few of the various tablets to see which OS you find the most intuitive to use.

How It Connects To The Internet

Pretty much all tablets are going to be able to connect to the internet via Wi-Fi, so you don’t really need to worry about that. What you do need to consider, however, is whether you need to stay connected even when Wi-Fi isn’t available. If the answer is yes, you’re going to limit your choices by looking for a 3G or 4G tablet (and remember you’ll also need to pay extra for a mobile plan to pay for your connection).

Extra Features

Are there any extra features you need from a tablet computer? There is no best tablet PC in terms of features. For example, one tablet may have two cameras, whereas another could have a USB port. The one you pick is down to what you specifically need to use it for. If you have no use for a low quality camera (which is all you can get with a tablet computer these days) then having a camera is irrelevant! If, however, you want to be able to slot in your camera’s memory card then it’s vital you choose a tablet with that function.

The Price!

Unfortunately for most of us, price is a factor into what we choose to buy. Tablets in general are more expensive than laptop computers. They’re a newer technology, and they’re extra portable, and this comes at a price. However, there is a broad range of prices within the tablet world.

Remember, you do generally get what you pay for. Lower end tablets won’t work as fast, and they usually don’t have access to the best apps. Tablets with 3G connectivity are higher in price, as are those with bigger storage options. The general rule of thumb should be to get the very best tablet you can afford at the time, reducing the chance of having to upgrade as your needs grow.

What Will You Use It For?

You may have noticed a theme throughout this article: the best tablet PC is not an arbitrary decision based on the number of features, the price tag, or even the most impressive specs. It all comes down to what you’ll use it for. If you’re a light user that’ll only check your emails and surf the web now and again, then pretty much any tablet will do that for you. If, on the other hand, you know you want to play the latest tablet games then an iPad might be right for you. Unfortunately, you’re the only one who can make the right decision for you!

1) They’re Fast

When it comes to using your tablet to quickly look up something on the web, or quickly show your friend a few photo snaps, the main benefit of a tablet PC is that it is far faster than loading up a laptop or desktop computer. Although the apps themselves may not work as quickly as a more powerful PC, the speed of loading up the tablet makes it hugely convenient.

2) They Take Up Very Little Space

Not only are tablets some of the most powerful computers you can buy considering their size and weight, but this size also makes them the device of choice for situations where you don’t have much space to set yourself up. Commuters tend to favor tablets over standard laptops for this reason – they’re easy and comfortable to use even in the limited space of train or plane seats, and can slip into a bag or briefcase with ease.

3) They’re Perfect For Meetings And Presentations

iPads and other tablets are now becoming a common sight in meetings and presentations. Unlike laptop computers, tablets are small and completely flat so they won’t get in the way of you connecting with your audience. And you can easily make notes in your own handwriting (using a stylus), available to search through automatically at a later date.

4) You Can Write And Draw Directly Onto The Device

Aside from meetings, the ability to write and draw directly onto the device with a stylus is a huge bonus for anyone into art and drawing. The main benefit of a tablet PC vs. a standard computer in this case is that tablets come with this feature built in from day one, whereas computers require more expensive extra equipment.

5) They Provide A New Gaming Experience

The world of gaming is quickly changing thanks to the growing popularity of tablet computers. Games developers are now creating very advanced yet affordable games for the biggest tablets, and functionality is improving all the time. Most importantly, tablet games are 100% portable and mean you can keep yourself occupied when you’ve got any spare time!

6) They Take The Place Of Many Physical Items

Owning a tablet will help you avoid the need to carry around a whole load of physical items: books, notes you’ve made before, pens, paper and so on. You can use your tablet as an eBook reader, a note taker, a way to put together presentations and more! They will save you effort and space in your bag.

As you can see, there’s no one main benefit of a tablet PC – there are many! It all depends on what you’ll use it for, but there’s no doubt that the tablet computer has found a firm place in the lives of many people over the last couple of years.

What Do You Want To Use It For?

First things first let’s get one thing straight – an eReader is just that: an electronic book reader. Although it has some extra functions, such as note-taking capabilities, dictionary, MP3 player and maybe even a basic web browser, it’s still really only designed for reading digital books.

A tablet, on the other hand, is designed to be a portable computer. It connects to the internet, lets you send emails, play games, watch movies, or download hundreds of apps that do all kinds of different things.

So, when you’re trying to decide between an eReader vs. tablet PC, bear in mind that they have distinct markets. The former is designed for people who really love to read. It makes the reading experience as natural as possible by using e-Ink (the closest you’ll get to “real” paper in any digital screen). The tablet, on the other hand, is not as comfortable to read (with its more traditional computer display), but it can do a lot more and can display videos and color.

How Much Money Do You Have To Spend?

In the battle of the eReader vs tablet PC, the former wins based on price. eReaders are far, far cheaper than most tablet computers. Yes, you can get tablets for the same price as an eReader, but these are the lower end options with far less powerful processors and less impressive stats. For the big boys, such as the iPad, you’re looking at $500 minimum. This is a lot of money if you’re really not sure you need one!

An eReader on the other hand, can cost as little as $100 for even high quality models. They are simpler to use, and the battery lasts for weeks on end. As mentioned above, this is down to the fact that they’re designed for one main purpose rather than many.

It ultimately comes down to the question: “How much do you love reading?” If you truly love it, or are planning to read a lot with your new eReader, then you’ll definitely want a dedicated eReader. It just isn’t the same reading of a tablet computer screen.

That said, if you’d rather have an all-round gadget that you can use to read sometimes, but you can also use for movies, browsing the web, emails and more, then the tablet wins the eReader vs tablet PC debate!

Key Specs For The Motorola Xoom

• Roughly $588 – $799
• Released in 2011
• Android 3.0 Honeycomb OS
• 9.8 x 6.6 x 0.5 inches in size
• Weighs 1.61 lb. / 0.73 kg
• 10.1 HD screen
• 1280 x 800 resolution
• 32 GB storage
• NVidia Tegra 2 Dual 1 GHz Processor
• Wi-Fi & Bluetooth connection as standard – can also buy 3G/ 4G model
• Two cameras: 5MP & 2MP
• 10 hours battery life

What’s Great About The Motorola Xoom…

Processor: The processor is among the best in the world of tablet computers today. The Xoom features a Tegra 2 Dual Core processor, up with the best of the Android tablets with regards to speed.

Connectivity: The Xoom comes in two main forms. You can get the Wi-Fi only option for around $600, or you can opt for the Wi-Fi + 3G/4G option for $800 (both also come with Bluetooth). The latter option is an excellent addition for anyone looking to connect to mobile broadband on the move, though you’ll have to sign up with a Verizon Wireless contract to do so.

Note that 4G is not yet available but will be added with a free upgrade in the coming months. This is something not yet featured on many tablets (the iPad, Samsung Galaxy and others don’t yet have it) so is a real plus point for the Xoom. It’ll mean that you can download large files, such as movies, within minutes. Verizon currently advertises speeds of around 5-12 megabits per second. And songs will take just a few seconds to download!

(Remember, the 4G network currently reaches around a third of Americans but is expanding all the time)

Motorola Accessories: Although the accessory market is not as developed as those for the iPad, there are still a good number of useful accessories available to expand the power of your Xoom. Some notable accessories include the speaker dock and other stations used to charge the tablet. The dock can even send content from the Xoom directly to your television. Motorola have also developed specific cases, though remember that tablet sizes are pretty standard and you can use a whole range of generic cases to keep the device protected.

Camera: The Xoom comes with two cameras. The rear-facing camera is suitable for taking photos and recording videos, coming in a 5 megapixels (very impressive when compared to other tablets on the market) with a dual-LED flash, auto-focus, and digital zoom. You also have the ability to capture HD 720p videos, and see them in all their glory on the Xoom’s HD display!

The front-facing camera is there so you can make video calls when connected to the internet. This camera comes in at 2 megapixels, which is more than adequate for its purpose.

Flash Support: Unlike the most famous iPad, the Motorola Xoom does support Flash. This means you have the added flexibility of being able to watch Flash movies and videos, play Flash games and view Flash websites. This is a massive benefit for users who know they browse a lot of Flash content – but do bear in mind that non-Flash supporting devices such as the iPad can still let you view YouTube and other online videos in a different format.

Battery: The advertised battery life is 10 hours – impressive in the world of tablet computing. This is up with the best of them. Of course, you’ll see the battery drain if you’re using more intensive operations such as games or playing movies, but the device charges very quickly which also comes in handy.

Micro-SD Card Slot: Some people are disappointed by the fact that the Motorola Xoom doesn’t come with any storage options beyond the default 32GB. If you’re the kind of person who needs more space for your music, apps and videos then don’t worry, because the inclusion of a Micro-SD card slot means you can expand your memory up to another 32GB, matching the iPad’s top 64GB option.

Ports: The Xoom trumps the iPad in terms of ports, including a micro USB port (not used for charging). It also features an HDMI audio/ video port to allow you to connect up to a big screen via a separate HDMI cable.

What’s Not So Great About The Motorola Xoom…

Cost: The price of the Motorola Xoom may put some people off. The cheapest Wi-Fi only option is still almost $600, which is a lot compared with other tablets on the market. However, the 3G/4G option is more cost effective given that it will include 4G functionality that other tablets don’t have, and you can save up to $200 when you purchase the tablet on a Verizon contract.

Weight: Although there’s very little in it between the biggest tablets on the market, you will notice that this tablet weighs more than other big names. This is something you’ll notice in terms of how comfortable it is to use and carrying it around with you wherever you go. The screen is also thicker than tablets such as the iPad 2, but it isn’t noticeably thick. The Xoom does, however, feel solid in your hands (in a good way).

Operating System/ Ease Of Use: Whether the operating system is a pro or con does really depend on what you’re used to. If you’re used to iOS on the iPhone then you may find that Honeycomb isn’t as easy to get your head around. Of course, the Android store still doesn’t match up to the iPad App Store in terms of sheer numbers of apps available, but the choice is still more than good enough for most users.

Charging: Many users have complained that the Xoom doesn’t charge via its included micro USB port. This is down to how much charge is required, so you’ll need to use a separate charger.

Conclusion

When it comes to the inclusion of 3G and 4G technologies on an Android tablet, the Xoom is pretty much your top choice available (until Samsung release their 3G Galaxy). It has some notable features, looks sleek and performs well. You can’t really go wrong with this tablet.

Key Specs For The Acer Iconia

• Costs $449
• Released in 2011
• Runs on Windows 7
• 7.48 x 10.83 x 0.63 inches in size
• Weighs 2.14 lb. / 0.97 kg
• 10.1 inch screen
• 1024 x 768 resolution
• 32GB storage space
• AMD C-50 1 GHz processor
• Wi-Fi & Bluetooth connectivity
• 1.3 MP cameras
• 6 hour battery life

What’s Great About The Acer Iconia…

Screen: The Acer Iconia looks and feels surprisingly good, with bold colors. Although it’s not an HD screen, HD videos look great. You do have to make sure your finger touches are very precise, however, which could take a little getting used to.

Sound: As far as tablets go, the Iconia features a good set of speakers. That said, no tablet speakers are designed for perfect sound quality, so you’ll want a good quality set of earphones if you want to enjoy your music or movies in all their glory.

Ease of Use: The screen works well to get to where you want to go, and many users will be happy that a more high-end tablet finally features Windows 7. If you’re used to using Windows 7 and its applications then you’ll be glad to find a tablet that provides some continuity between tablet and your standard computer.

Keyboard Attachment: One of the real benefits of the Iconia comes from the add-on that’ll turn your tablet into a small laptop. It attaches to the base of the device and makes it extremely easy to type on your keyboard. Perfect for anyone who’d like to work on their tablet like a laptop computer, typing emails or documents with ease (though bear in mind that the accessory will cost you more money).

SD Slot: Having a full-sized SD slot is a great addition for many. Most of the tablets that do feature a slot choose to include a micro-SD slot instead. Although the latter is good for adding external memory, it’s not compatible with most camera memory cards. Having a full SD card slot means you can transfer photos from your camera directly (and you can purchase an adapter if you’d like the ability to use micro-SD cards, too).

USB 2.0: There are two USB 2.0 ports on the Acer Iconia, which is useful for connecting external peripherals or storage (this is especially important for users with a lot of files – see below).

What’s Not So Great About The Acer Iconia…

On Screen Keyboard: Although no on-screen keyboard is perfect, and it’s always easier to type on a physical version, there have been many complaints about the Iconia’s virtual keyboard. This is bad news for people who can’t afford the extra keyboard attachment!

Storage Space: 32GB is by no means a bad option for hard disk size, but you need to know that Windows 7 takes up a lot of space on the tablet – far more than Google Android or Apple iOS. You’ll only really be left with just over 19GB of space for your own files!

19GB will be enough for some music and a lot of apps, but if you like to store movies or have a particularly big music library you’ll probably find this very limiting (especially as there are no higher storage options available to buy). The good news is that you can expand the storage space with an SD card, or by plugging in a USB storage device.

Cameras: The camera quality isn’t the best on this device, with both the front and the rear-facing cameras coming in at 1.3 megapixels. This is unusual since most tablets go for a higher quality camera at the back.

Battery Life: Unfortunately, the battery life isn’t great on the Iconia and it simply can’t compete with the best competitors on the market. The advertised six hours still means you can get a lot of out of the device, but many testers have confirmed that it usually lasts for more like four hours.

Size/ Weight: This really isn’t a lightweight tablet, and there’s no getting around it. There are far lighter and slimmer tablets on the market. As such, this doesn’t feel as comfortable in your hands. Again, this is another situation where the added keyboard dock is going to make the tablet a lot easier to use.

Conclusion

The best thing that this tablet has going for it is that it’s a relatively high-end Windows 7 tablet – the only one available. If you’re looking for other Windows tablets, you’re going to find it difficult to find many decent options. Unfortunately, there are some big disadvantages to the Acer Iconia. If you’re looking for something more user friendly and still good value for money then you might consider an Android tablet, such as the Xoom or Galaxy Tab, instead.

Can’t You Read The Kindle In The Dark?!

Some people are shocked to learn that you can’t read a Kindle in the dark – just like you can’t read a book in the dark! The main focus of the design of the Kindle was to create a screen that didn’t strain the eyes like computer screens do. This meant using “e-ink” technology. It doesn’t use a backlight, which is why you won’t be able to read it in the dark without the use of a book light.

Although some people may view this as a downside of the Kindle, it’s actually one of the things that has made it as popular as it is. After all, it wouldn’t be easy for people to give up their beloved books if the Kindle reminded them of reading off a computer screen. Not to mention the fact that you can’t read traditional backlit screens in the sun! With the Kindle, you’ll almost think you’re reading from real paper, and you can still see the page in full sunlight when you’re away on vacation!

Clip On Kindle Reading Lights

The simplest lights you can get for the Kindle are ones designed to be the right size to clip right onto the Kindle. You won’t have to hold the light separately, it’s bright enough for you to see the screen clearly, and not so bright that you’ll wake up your partner who wants to sleep next to you! Here’s a selection of the most popular clip on lights for Kindle:

Cheap LED Book Lights: Your first option is to take a look at cheap stores in your local area to see if they sell any clip on LED book lights. Although these won’t be powerful, and are originally designed for paperback books, many of them will work perfectly with the Kindle.

Kandle For Kindle: This light is specifically designed to clip onto the top of the Kindle without obscuring your view of the screen. It’s one of the most popular Kindle reading lights out there with many happy customers reporting a good amount of light and long battery life. You can also adjust the position of the Kandle, making it useful to get the perfect angle.

M-Edge e-Luminator Kindle Booklight: This is a more affordable yet still sleek reading light for your Kindle. Still very well received on the whole, it has a few more mixed reviews than the Kandle with some users stating that the light isn’t bright enough.

Other Kindle Lighting Options

Until Amazon decide to add a light to the device (which may never happen – they want the Kindle to stay like a “real” book) then your only other options are to buy a case with a built in light, or to turn on the nightlight when you fancy some bedtime reading!

1) You Only Use It To Read

There are many people out there asking why buy a Kindle when you could buy something fancy like an iPad? For a start, the Kindle costs far less. Secondly, you may not want all the bells and whistles that come with devices such as the iPad.

The truth is that the Kindle focuses on one thing: reading. Because of this, Amazon do their best to bring you the best reading experience possible. Sure, you could read eBooks on the iPad, but you wouldn’t get the benefit of the e-Ink screen, you’d find that your eyes quickly get tired out, and that you can’t read the screen out in bright sunlight.

If you love reading and want a device that won’t ruin the experience of reading physical books then the Kindle is definitely the option for you.

2) You Want Something Easy On The Eyes

The advanced e-Ink technology for the Kindle screen means that it’s extremely easy on the eyes. People who have tried the Kindle have said that it really isn’t much different to reading a book, and you can even read it clearly in bright sunlight (unlike other gadgets such as the iPad). The downside is that it doesn’t display color, and doesn’t light up in the dark, but most users are happy with this if it keeps it more like a “real” book.

3) Free 3G Around The World

If you buy the 3G version of the Kindle you’ll benefit from 3G connectivity around the world, for life! There’s no plan to sign up to, there are no data limits and you can use the 3G connectivity to buy from the Kindle store or even use Amazon’s experimental web browser. All included for the one time price of the Kindle device!

4) You Can Access Your eBooks On Other Digital Devices

Amazon offer free Kindle apps for the iPad, iPhone and your home computer. This means that you can have access to your eBooks from a huge range of locations, even when you don’t have your Kindle with you at the time. Although other eBook readers such as the Nook do offer apps for third party devices, others like the iPad are way behind in this respect.

5) You Have The Best eBook Store At Your Fingertips

Although you can buy eBooks from other eBook stores if you own a Kindle, there’s no denying the fact that the Kindle bookstore is the best in the world. No matter where you are, you can access the Kindle store from your device and browse free samples, the latest releases, or read user reviews. When you do decide to buy an eBook, it takes mere seconds to pay, and you’ll have it ready to read on the Kindle in under a minute! You can’t beat that!

Main Features of the Nintendo Wii

• 15 x 10 x 4.5 inch console,
• Sensor bar and wireless controls,
• Motion-sensitive input and buttons,
• Wii Sports game included,
• Compatible with Nintendo GameCube games and controllers,
• Built in Wi-Fi access,
• Built in channels for news, weather, photos and the Wii shop.

Pros of the Nintendo Wii

The revolutionary design of the Wii controllers mean that game play is based on motion-sensors. Where traditional games consoles were limited to ‘button pressing’, the Wii incorporates these standard controls alongside the ability to make gestures that can control the action in games – heightening the fun and making games more intuitive even for beginners.

On top of this hugely popular feature, the Wii is also one of the most affordable consoles available, and is playable right out of the box with the included Wii Sports game.

Cons of the Nintendo Wii

The main drawbacks of the Nintendo Wii relate to the fact that it doesn’t allow for the same level of graphics as its rivals, the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. It is also unable to play DVDs, like many of its rivals, and the controllers require new batteries on a regular basis.

Conclusion

With the Nintendo Wii, emphasis really is on the fun of games. The unique concept of the Wii, featuring motion sensitive controllers, means that even simple games, such as Wii Sports, are fun for the whole family – whether you’re a gaming geek or someone who is completely new to the world of gaming.

This helps to explain why, as of the end of 2009, the Nintendo Wii is still outselling its biggest rivals: Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. The Wii has also set a precedent for fitness games, that aim to make exercise more fun – such as the Wii Fit and EA Sports active. As of yet, the Wii is a tough act for any other manufacturer to follow.

If you’re not sure which console to buy, and want something that’s great to enjoy at parties as well as on your own, then the Nintendo Wii could be the right choice for you.

An Overview of the Difference Between PSP Versions

Compared to previous versions, the PSP 3000 has improved video output support, with an improved screen that has caused problems for some users. Compared with the newer PSP Go, the latter is more compact, with additional features such as a slide design, built in Bluetooth, and is the first to have a completely digital design that doesn’t make use of discs.

Pros of the Sony PSP Go Over the 3000

1) Internal Storage:

The PSP Go has done away with discs, and instead uses an internal memory to store any games downloaded from the Playstation store. This new method of storage may be seen as more convenient than discs, allowing users to download whenever they want and not have to worry about where to keep the discs – and memory can be extended if it ever fills up. This is particularly useful for those who have never owned a PSP in the past and, therefore, don’t need to worry about what to do with their old format games.

2) Game Download:

The ease of downloading games is also a major advantage of the PSP Go – they can be downloaded from the PSP itself, by connecting the PSP to a Playstation 3, or by using a PC or Mac.

3) Bluetooth:

The PSP Go also comes with the advantage of new inbuilt Bluetooth functions. This allows the Go to connect to a number of Bluetooth devices, including controllers and speakers, which can help to improve the gaming experience.

4) New Design:

The Go comes with a new slider design to help make it more portable. It is 43% smaller, which could be a major selling point for those who found the PSP 3000 wasn’t portable enough. It is also 15% lighter than other PSP models.

Pros of the Sony PSP 300 Over the PSP Go

1) UMD Slot:

For those who are already into PSP gaming, the fact that the newer PSP Go is missing a UMD slot may be seen as a drawback – meaning that UMD titles will no longer be playable on the Go version. However, downloadable versions of older games are becoming more available all the time.

2) Cost:

The PSP Go, being a newer version, costs more than the PSP 3000. For those who already own a PSP 3000, or are watching their budget, there would be little reason to spend the extra and buy a PSP Go unless you specifically wanted newer features, such as Bluetooth.

Conclusion

As you can see, the PSP Go offers a number of added features to the standard PSP and PSP 3000. However, the availability of games (rather, lack of ability to play tangible games on the Go version) may leave some users sticking with their old PSP. For others, the 50% extra cost may just be worth it for a sleeker, lighter and more portable design.