Introduced in the early 1990s, tablet computers have not enjoyed widespread popularity until recently. Bigger than a PDA but smaller than a laptop (only barely in some cases), the mass market simply didn't know what to make of this giant touch-screen device and its eye-popping price tag. Its indispensability in industries like warehousing and package delivery kept it from being retired all together.
As enhanced, feature-rich tablet computers (ultra-mobile personal computers or UMPCs) hit the market, boasting impressive power, dynamic functions and vastly improved handwriting recognition technology, consumers are finally seeing the beauty of this device.
Types of Tablet Computers
UMPCs come in three forms: slates, convertibles and hybrids. Slate UMPCs do not have a physical keyboard. Input is accomplished using a pen/stylus on the touch-screen, using either handwriting recognition technology or a virtual keyboard. These UMPCs tend to be smaller and lighter than convertibles but suffer the notable liability of slower, awkward input.
Convertibles, the more common option, are essentially undersized laptops with standard flip-up screens that rotate 180 degrees and lie down over the keyboard for tablet mode. With the keyboard hidden, you again input data via a digital pen or your finger.
Hybrids are essentially convertibles with a detachable keyboard. They are often confused with slates that come with external keyboards. Hybrids by comparison have the same flip/rotate function as convertibles.
Key Features
Processor power. Few intervals in time seemingly last longer than the delay between hitting a button on your computer and the time it takes for the task to execute. This lag is usually due to insufficient processor power and tablets are no different than desktop PCs in this regard. Super-charged dual-core processors running at 1.66GHz and higher are being shipped with the newest UMPCs and if you can afford it, you should get one.
Memory. Also known as RAM, memory refers to the amount of data your PC can be actively working with simultaneously. Tasks like heavy picture and video processing, as well as video games, will drain RAM in a hurry. If you plan to do even modest amounts of these kinds of tasks, aim for a minimum of 1GB of RAM.
Storage. A defining computer spec, tablets are now coming out with storage capacities of 100GB. Professional multimedia editors not withstanding, you'll have to work very hard to fill up that much storage space.
Drives. The top-end, top-size tablets include internal optical drives (CD/DVD) as well as memory card readers. A major drawback with optical drives is the amount of power they consume, greatly reducing battery life. External optical/memory card reader drives are also available as accessories.
WiFi/Bluetooth. Tablets without integrated WiFi and Bluetooth suffer huge usability handicaps in this ubiquitously wireless day and age. It's probably best to avoid these models, unless you're certain that your intended use won't require online access.
Screen size. Tablet screen sizes seem to have settled on a median in the neighborhood of 12 inches. Though 14-inch models are available, the increase in size and weight is significant.
Keyboards. A Tablet keyboards come in a variety of layouts and designs, ranging from virtual touch-pad keyboards to full QWERTY keyboards. Personal preferences play a huge role in the usability factor of non-standard keyboards like mini-QWERTYs and virtual keyboards. Adjustment periods notwithstanding, some people simply cannot efficiently adapt to certain keyboard plans, resulting in very slow and imprecise typing. Needless to say, numerous practical tests of non-standard keyboards are a must before you commit.
Pens. Whether you have a pen interface tablet or a pen/keyboard combo, you're going to probably be using that pen a lot. As with keyboards, test-drive several tablet pens to assess your preferences.
Navigating/function buttons. A final interface consideration is the number and usefulness of navigating (arrow keys, pointing stick) and special function buttons, like one-touch application launchers.
Fingerprint security. Tablets with integrated fingerprint readers add an additional layer of data security for those who want it.
Inputs/outputs. Like a laptop, you're going to need a bare minimum of essential inputs, such as USB, VGA (for external monitor) and printer.
Software. Like any computer, tablets come with a variety of (often rudimentary) pre-installed software programs. Additional software can be easily purchased and/or downloaded.
Batteries. The nature of tablet computers means you'll probably do the majority of your work while running on battery power. As such, even a casual user will want to seriously consider purchasing a spare and/or extended life battery, some of which will run up to seven hours. This relatively minor investment will greatly increase the time and usability of your tablet computer.
How to Choose
Tablet computers, particularly the convertibles, are only a tiny step down from laptops and are often used in a similar fashion. The device will likely spend many hours in your lap or resting on your forearm, thus size and weight can make a world of difference in comfort level. Any tablet over five pounds is going to cause some discomfort. Also, the backsides of some tablets tend to get uncomfortably hot.
Tablet durability is arguably an even more important issue. With the theoretical number of hours the tablet will spend cradled in your arms, as with cell phones and PDAs, a few bobble-and-drops per year are statistically inevitable. Knowing this, manufacturers have added motion sensors into the latest models that will lock down and protect the oh-so-delicate hard drive if the sensors detect you're being too rough with it (or it's become airborne). Like laptops, the screen hinge, when present, is arguably a tablet's weakest point. Examine this part carefully, taking into account materials and sturdiness.
