Choosing the Best Tablet PC That Suits Your Needs

Cover of "Kindle Wireless Reading Device,...

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You’ve decided that it’s time to invest in a tablet PC. You’ve experimented with tablets that belong to family members and friends. Now, it’s time to choose the one that will best meet your needs. Here’s a list of factors you need to consider as you narrow down your list.

Cost

The prices of tablet PCs vary widely. You can pay as little as $139 for an e-reader such as the Kindle or north of $800 for the Fujitsu Stylistic Q550. By establishing a realistic price range, you can create a short list from which you can select your tablet.

Applications

If there are very specific tasks for which you want use your tablet that require applications, this may quickly help you identify which device is your ideal. While many think the iPad is unrivaled when it comes to available apps, tablets that run on the Android operating system are quickly catching up.

The Operating System (OS)

The Google-developed Android OS is extremely popular and is found on many devices. Many see it as an ideal alternative to Apple’s IOS. Those who are die-hard Microsoft fans might prefer one of the devices running on a Windows platform such as the HP Slate 500.

User Integration

Thanks to the ubiquity of Apple mobile devices, many people are now used to touchscreens. If that doesn’t meet your needs, there are other technologies available. Some tablets on the market such as the HTC Flyer Android tablet, are compatible with a stylus.

Reading customer reviews, experimenting with a variety of devices, and comparing prices will ensure you end up with the perfect product that will suit your needs.

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The Latest and Greatest Accessories for Your iPad

iCade Cabinet

Image by Rob Boudon via Flickr

If you’re looking for the latest in iPad accessories (just in time for the iPad 2 release), you’ve come to the right spot. From practical to green to downright fun, these are the most-talked-about accessories to come out for the iPad.

iCADE

Looking for a fun gift idea for your geeky game-loving iPad user? Look no further than the ThinkGeek iCADE. This miniature arcade-shaped accessory brings the fun of vintage arcade games to your iPad. The iPad clips directly to the “screen” of the arcade game and the control panel hosts a joystick and several arcade-style buttons. Though the iCADE does bring the joy and nostalgia of Atari, it doesn’t act as a charging dock for your iPad (making gameplay limited). Too bad, too, because the iCADE would make an excellent novelty docking station. Expect the iCADE to run around $100.

Voltaic Spark Solar Tablet Case

Your iPad is great, but it does make you feel guilty about its negative environmental output. Wouldn’t it be great if you could use less electricity and more Mother Nature? Worry no more with the Voltaic Spark Solar Tablet Case, which uses solar power to charge smart tablets such as the iPad. For every hour the Voltaic Spark Solar Tablet Case is left in direct sunlight, it’ll provide about an hour of iPad run time. This could be incredibly useful for frequent travelers (find that patch of airport sun), green enthusiasts, or those who are simply sick of high electric bills.  The case can also be used to charge other electronics such as smartphones or digital cameras. Average pricing is yet unknown.

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What’s New About the iPad 2

SAN FRANCISCO - MARCH 02: An attendee holds t...

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While the world is still reeling from the release of the original iPad, Apple is already releasing the next generation in its smart tablet offerings: the iPad 2. What makes the iPad 2 different from its predecessor? Let’s take a look at the differences between the two generations.

Size

The iPad 2 is a lot thinner than the original iPad. At its thickest point, the iPad 2 only measures .34 inches. It’s a little shorter and a little less wide than the iPad 2, too. It weighs 1.3 pounds, whereas the original iPad weighed 1.5. Don’t let its small size fool you, however: the iPad 2 packs a bigger and faster punch than its predecessor.

Speed

The iPad 2 comes equipped with an A5 dual processor. This generation works nearly twice as fast as the previous generation and the graphics are heartily improved.

Color

The iPad 2 now comes in both white and black, unlike the iPad (which came only in black).

Battery Life

This generation slightly improved battery life, even with the faster speed, better graphics handling, and more intense applications. Even if you’re using it nonstop, expect to go several days without having to plug your iPad in.

Cameras

The iPad 2 now has two cameras, one in the front (perfect for conferencing use, such as Skype) and one in the back (for standard picture-taking).

Case Options

Forget the standard case offerings. The iPad 2 accessory offerings include a plastic or leather “smart case” that attaches to the iPad 2 via magnets. When the case is closed, the iPad 2 goes to sleep.

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