Ready for your first Tablet PC but not quite sure what to buy? The first question to ask is; how would you like to use the device. Common applications include reading, watching videos and listening to music. But tablets are also used for video recording, photography, gaming, email and so much more. Three of the most popular 8 to 9 inch tablets available today are the Kindle-Fire HDX by Amazon, the Nook HD+ by Barnes and Noble and Apple’s iPad Air. While they may all look the same from the outside, each one has its own strengths. Let’s take a look at them from a functional point of view.
Do you like the idea of downloading and reading your favorite books and magazines so they are available anytime? Then an electronic book reader may be for you and the Nook HD+ with its high definition LCD screen and 1920 x 1280 pixels per inch (ppi) resolution has its roots as an eReader. It provides an excellent reading experience and is backed up by Barnes and Noble subscription services. Running on the Android operating system powered by a dual-core 1.5 GHz chip, there is a choice of many apps. You will have 9 to 10 hours of reading time before needing to find a power outlet. However if you are looking to take pictures with your Nook you’ll be out of luck as it currently carries no on-board cameras. Prices of the Nook HD+ begin at about $179.
Perhaps you like to listen to music and watch videos, movies or other types of online media. In this case the Kindle-Fire HDX is a good choice. Its 2560ppi x 1600ppi screen resolutions with 1080p capabilities are sure to give you a good picture. The Android driven Kindle-Fire is powered by a Quad-Core 2.2 GHz processor providing you fast web browsing and makes a great gaming tablet. It comes equipped with two cameras, one HD front-facing and an 8mp rear-facing for those selfies. Depending on the activities you will have 12-18 hours of unplugged time. This family of devices starts out in the $379 range.
For the artistic type who enjoys taking photographs and creating videos there is the iPad Air. It’s delivered with a retina screen, Apple’s name for its high definition 2048ppi x 1536ppi 1080p display. The pixels on the retina screen are so small that at regular viewing distance they cannot be distinguished making it an excellent device for viewing your videos and pictures. For taking the pictures, you have a rear 1.2mp “FaceTime” camera and a forward facing HD “iSight” camera. Combined with Apple’s photography software you will have capabilities that allow for slow action to high speed pictures and built in panorama shots. And you have the option to purchase up to 128 GB of storage for all those pictures and videos you will be creating. The iPad has about 10 hours of battery life and a starting price of $499.
Each device will perform other functions so look over the specifications carefully as you go through your list of desired applications. Notice the size and weight of each one and check out what accessories are available. Finally there are many options in each family of tablets mentioned along with numerous other manufacturers. Use your favorite search engine to look for online reviews.
Ted Saul is a business coach that assists with Business Plans and Project Management. He holds a master certificate in project management and has earned his MBA from Regis University. Ted can be reached on LinkedIn, TedS787 on Twitter or emailing Ted@tsaul.com
