2012 Tablet PC Buying Guide

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A cross between a notebook computer and a PDA.

A flat-panel portable computer accepting user input by taps on the screen with the finger or with a stylus, or a stylus to write on the screen. A tablet PC can wirelessly connect to the Internet and other computers. The term "tablet PC" originally referred to a specific brand or tablets that were compatible with certain operating systems, but any tablet-sized computer has come to be referred to in some instances as a tablet PC.

Probably the most widely known tablet "PC" on the market (reference to termonology / PC) is the iPad.

A device that bridges the gap between what PCs do and what mobile phones do.

Are eBook Readers Tablet PC examples?

E-book readers such as the Barnes and Noble Nookcolor and the Amazon Kindle Fire are seeking to compete with the tablet. The Nookcolor runs Android 2.1 but is optimized for reading and for apps that B&N chooses to offer.

eBook readers are very specific in purpose and do not fit the definition as they do not perform the wide range of functions that a table pc perform. However, some of the new eBook readers are becoming more feature rich, and thus more like a general purpose tablet pc. It can be argued that the Amazon Kindle, for example, is a tablet PC. However, it can be argued it is not.

The Kindle Fire does run Android apps. It is not clear as to whether you are required to go though Amazon's app store, or if you have the freedom of installing any Android App. (research required)

If you have a Table PC that is not an e-book reader, you can use an ebook application to make it behave as one. Amazon's Kindle app, Barnes and Noble's Nook app, and Kobo.com's eBooks app can be installed on many table pc models.

Popular Tablets

  • Apple iPad
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab
  • Kno

Platforms / Operating Systems

  • Apple iOS
  • Google Android
  • HP webOS
  • Blackberry QNX
  • Microsoft Windows 7

Apple's opaque and restrictive policies with regard to app approval remain a disincentive for many iOS developers. Google's apparent aloofness over fragmentation and device standards in Android makes it difficult for app creators to support the growing variety of screen sizes and hardware specs that Android comprehends; and by Google's own admission, Android 2.x and even the forthcoming Android 3.0 are not optimized for use on a tablet. For its part, Micro­soft's Windows 7 isn't optimized for touch as Android and iOS are, and that deficiency will make it harder for users to select appropriate software to use on their Win 7 tablets.

Shop

Read Top 21 best tablet PC iPad alternatives.

Look for some Key Features

  • expansion slot - for more storage
  • access windows shares (and file transfer via tcp network)

Budget Tablet PC Specific Examples

Merchant product lists

  • //www .newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=2557&Tid=13681&name=Tablets&Order=PRICE&Page=2 Newegg Tablet PC by price update: we do not recommend newegg.com - unreliable reseller with poor customer service.

Keywords: Android Tablet PC Samsung Galaxy Tab Two 2 iPad Kindle Amazon Nook

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