What is a Tablet PC? Tablet computers: a tablet for the healthy.

At the moment, tablets are used for different purposes, some surf the Internet during long subway rides, and others read books and watch movies when they are in a cafe or sitting in line. I am very pleased that the cost has dropped significantly; if you wish, you can find a high-quality model for 6,000 rubles, although it was developed in China, but this in no way affects the quality. The tablet can also be used for work when there is no access to a computer, since all office applications run on it without problems. But before we talk about choosing a model, you need to decide exactly what it is and what it is used for in most cases.

So, the article will consist of the following points:

What is a tablet

The most common tablets are classified as internet tablets, or, more simply, tablets for the Internet. This is a simple tablet computer model without complex functions, which was created exclusively for working on the Internet, this is what you see most often in cafes where there is access to Wi-Fi. Of course, you can also read books and watch movies in high quality through them, but these capabilities are classified as additional functions. The design of this tablet resembles newest smartphone with an incredibly large display, however, the display supports many functions and is made of very high quality, almost all displays have multi-touch function and gesture control. If you are not satisfied touch control, you can always buy a mouse and keyboard with a USB connection, and the cost is very low.

Tablets have similarities with smartphones, for example, in the operating system. Most models run on only three OS: Android is the most common system, iOS for models from Apple, Windows 8 or RT for many models, for example, from Asus.

How to choose a tablet computer

Models with a large screen look very attractive, but they are also much more expensive. They are much more convenient, because there can be many small icons on the screen, and while working on the Internet you need to click on one of them. The picture quality is also much higher, making photos and movies much more enjoyable to watch. The smallest screen resolution is 1024x600 pixels.

But it's not just the screen size; there are other nuances that you need to pay attention to. The operating time of the device is one of the decisive factors when choosing. Battery operation depends on its capacity and power consumption. For example, if the battery has a capacity of 1000 mAh, then you will not be able to watch movies or play games on it even for 2 hours. low performance. Models with a battery capacity of 2000 mAh or more are much preferable. You also need to take into account that the same manufacturer tricks apply to tablets as to other devices. They indicate very for a long time operation of the device, because testing is carried out in comfortable working conditions. When purchasing, you need to reduce the time stated by the manufacturer by about 30%. If both models have the same characteristics, then the choice should be given to the one that works longer.

After that, take a look at the software specifications, including the tablet's operating system. In stores you will find tablet computers with iOS, Windows and Android, but what is the difference between them? Firstly, each model has standard set programs through which you can listen to music, watch movies and access the Internet. If you have your own goals for using the device, you need to download additional programs. Of course, the choice of programs depends on the operating system. The most inconvenient and impractical option is a tablet with iOS, since everyone knows about the Apple Store and the high prices for programs. Choose a model with Android OS, because through the Android Market you can purchase a lot of programs for every taste, and many of them are completely free. Installation also does not take much time - download the file and install in a few seconds. For those who are used to using Windows, this OS will be very convenient, because there are no differences between the tablet and computer versions.

1. Processor (frequency) – affects video viewing; it is advisable to choose a model with a frequency of at least 1000 MHz for watching HD movies. If you watch movies in low or medium quality, then 600 MHz power is quite enough.


2. RAM (volume) - just like a computer, it affects the ability to run several programs. How more memory, the better, do not skimp on this characteristic.


3. Information storage (capacity) – if you want to store a lot of files on your tablet, then you need to choose a model with a large capacity. But do not forget that the cost of flash drives has now dropped significantly, so it is more convenient to buy several additional drives than to spend money on a model with a large storage capacity and an inflated price.

Well, at the very end, you can choose a case for the tablet, because you can damage it without any problems. The case protects against unpleasant scratches and cracks on the screen, since the device is very fragile and any awkward movement can lead to damage.

Which tablet to choose in 2013

Google Nexus 7 with 3G support (cost at least 12,000 rubles)
This model is cheap in the US, so you're very lucky if you can order it through EBAY or have a friend bring it. Tablet characteristics: gigabyte of RAM, NVIDIA Tegra 3, 7 IPS screen, 4,325 mAh battery and Android JB operating system. The tablet is especially relevant among fans of the Android OS, since it is the latest development that brings together all the best. If you are confused by the price and you cannot order a model from the USA, you can choose budget option without 3G, the cost of which does not exceed 9,000 rubles.

Laptop or tablet, which to choose?

Entering information on a laptop and tablet
You can immediately notice that there is no keyboard on the tablet, unlike a laptop. Not everyone is used to entering information using touch keyboard, so it will take longer. Of course, this is much more practical and convenient if you need to drag files from one place to another, but if you want to communicate with friends through sending services instant messages– you will spend too much time, which will cause discomfort. You will be typing slowly while your interlocutor has already sent several messages. That is why sooner or later the question arises about choosing a keyboard for a tablet, but will it be convenient for you if you carry an additional keyboard with you? If you often communicate on the Internet or your work is somehow related to texts, you need to choose a laptop.

Size difference
A laptop is much larger than a tablet, so people who just want to watch movies while long trip prefer a tablet. The weight and size of the tablet is the same as that of a regular book - no more than a kilogram. At the same time, laptops are several times heavier and larger; if you look closely at the smallest laptops, you will notice that the weight is more than 2 kilograms and the size is slightly larger than that of the iPad 2. All this is due to the keyboard and the latest video cards with a cooling system, it takes up a lot of space and increases the size of the device. Therefore, for those who often fly by plane or travel by train, it is much more profitable to buy a tablet, because it practically does not take up space in your bag and is very easy to use.

Tablet and laptop operating time
Due to the fact that the tablet does not consume much energy, it is small in size. Any laptop has a modern video card, processor, RAM and much more, which increases energy consumption. Without additional charging, the tablet can last about 10 hours, which is twice as long as a laptop. Regular laptop with the most standard characteristics it works from 3 to 5 hours, of course, the most best models can work for 8 hours, but this is less than a tablet, and the cost of such a laptop is much higher. If you want to watch movies and play games all day long, for example during a long train ride, then it is better to prefer a tablet.

Quality software
The software capabilities of a tablet and a laptop are very different, and for many this can be a deciding factor during the purchase. For example, tablet models running Windows 7 can perform the same functions as laptops running the same operating system, however, the operating speed is noticeably lower. But you can still use the same programs, the discomfort will only arise in the speed of downloading applications and the quality of work. Models with iOS and Android have other programs that can easily replace the same software installed on the laptop. But due to the reduced performance and the lack of many features - the quality of the programs is lower, you still have to accept the fact that this is a tablet and it cannot work like a laptop. If you often work in office applications and you need programs to get your work done, you need to buy a laptop, since a tablet is much inferior to it.

Which tariff to choose for a tablet

If you are used to the Internet that is connected to your home, then you need to take a closer look at unlimited tariffs. With their help, you can download games, movies, music, communicate with friends on forums and social networks, and even watch movies in DVD quality. This tariff is available to all residents of Russia, but has not yet been connected to far east. It is provided by Beeline and it is called “ iPad unlimited Internet". There are several tariffs:

• Unlimited Internet 400 – speed no higher than 256 kbps and a monthly fee of 400 rubles.


• Unlimited Internet 600 – speed no higher than 512 kbps and a monthly fee of 600 rubles.


• Unlimited Internet VIP - speed no higher than 2048 kbit and monthly fee of 1000 rubles.

In this article we will tell you abouthow does a tablet computer work? (aka tablet or tablet PC). Nowadays, quite a lot of novice users do not know what a tablet is. After all, this device appeared on the shelves of our supermarkets relatively recently. It is for this reason that not everyone understands how to use it. Therefore, in this review we will tell you,what is a tablet computer and why it is needed.

What is a tablet computer?

Tablet PC ( tablet) isa new type of modern computer mobile type. The main distinguishing feature of any such device is the touch screen. It takes up most of the tablet's area. In addition, the screen serves as an input device. Since tablets are not equipped with a mouse and a hardware keyboard, controlling various programs and typing is performed exclusively with your fingers. touchpad.

What are the operating systems of tablets?

Now in stores electronic technology You can find tablets that run on the following operating systems: Windows 7, Android and Apple iOS.

1. Apple iOS is the OS that runs the iPAD 2 and iPad tablets.

2. Android is the OS that runs most of the devices that compete with the iPad. For example,most popular tablets with this OS - Acer Iconia Tab A501, DELL Streak 5, Samsung Galaxy Tab P1000 and HTC Flyer.

3. Windows 7 - there are not many tablets with this OS. The main advantage of such devices is compatibility with all applications that were developed for this OS. The most popular tablets with Windows 7 are ASUS Eee Slate, Archos 9 PCtablet Atom and Acer Iconia Tab W500.

What is a tablet computer for?

First of all,tablet isa device designed to work with digital content. Using a tablet is convenient for reading e-books, view various sites, photos and videos, presentations and documents. In addition, you can play on the tablet. Hundreds of games have been developed now high quality especially for tablets. One of the main advantages of a tablet over conventional computers is its compactness. You can take this device to work or on vacation without any problems.

In addition, it consumes less electrical energy and in offline mode works more than a laptop. And finally, a low price compared to the same laptops.

So we talked about what a tablet computer is. We hope that you have made the right conclusions for yourself and decided whether you need this device or not.

Consumer electronics stores are filled with a variety of tablets. At first it seems that they all differ only in size and price tag. Even externally the devices are very similar! How to choose suitable model? The answer is simple - read this article. We promise that after reading the material you will easily choose the most suitable tablet for yourself.

Sometimes, when choosing a tablet, a consumer focuses on secondary parameters. We wish you to avoid these mistakes. This article does not mention some characteristics precisely because they are not worth paying attention to. In a word, we will be glad if this guide helps you!

Choosing an operating system

An operating system is a collection of utility programs available on any sufficiently complex electronic device. It is its presence that allows “regular” applications to use the hardware capabilities of the gadget, ensures interaction with the user, etc. Modern tablets are equipped with one of three popular operating systems: iOS, Android or Windows. There are also “tablets” on store shelves that have a couple of operating systems installed at once. But this is more of an exception to the rule and concerns the Android/Windows combination.

iOS

The most stable operating system is iOS. It is maximally optimized, due to which it does not require large volume RAM. When choosing an iOS tablet, you get a user interface thought out in detail and a huge number of diverse applications. But be prepared for the fact that many of them will be paid. This OS is the property of Apple, so it is installed only on its iPad tablets, the cost of which is higher than devices with Android or Windows on board. But Cupertino products have the longest technical support, and the performance of even outdated generations of Apple gadgets is not inferior to competing offerings built on modern hardware platforms. A huge advantage of the entire family of iOS devices is the presence of a convenient ecosystem. Of course, to take full advantage of it, you need to be the owner of more than one device with an apple on the lid. The downside of closed iOS is the difficulty of direct exchange user files and limited ability to customize the interface. Well, the inability to expand the available memory capacity scares off many potential buyers.

Pros: easy to use, easy to learn, has a developed and convenient ecosystem.

Cons: closed platform, memory cards are not supported, problems with exchange third party files, the impossibility of customization (installing themes and other utilities that change the interface).

Android

The Android operating system is open and free, which is why most tablet manufacturers choose it. The software is developed by Google. The system is regularly updated, but owners of budget devices may not feel this. Some manufacturers are simply too lazy to update the firmware for those tablet computers that have been replaced by new models. The openness of Android means for users the ease of replacing “standard” applications: player, browser, keyboard, dialer, etc. Another thing is that changing really fundamental things requires the presence of “direct” hands and often entails a loss of warranty. The most unpleasant feature of this operating system is the growing appetite for system resources and the tendency to become overgrown with digital “garbage”. If a couple of generations of Android ago a sufficient amount of RAM was considered whole gigabytes, then in 2018 they are already talking about 2 Gb total. As for “garbage,” the built-in OS tools have not yet learned how to successfully deal with it. In particularly advanced cases, only a complete reset with the loss of ALL user data allows the device to return to a comfortable operating speed. Fortunately, this is required radical method extremely rare.

Pros: rich functionality, the ability to change the interface at your discretion, a large number of free applications.

Cons: rare system updates on budget tablets, increased resource requirements for stable operation.

Windows

Tablet computers with Windows on board have existed for a long time. But it wasn't until a few years ago that they started getting rid of fans and processors that drained battery power. And with the release of the tenth version of this operating system, the interface of such devices has become much more user-friendly. On the one hand, Microsoft programmers creatively adapted many necessary things, for example, quick display of active applications, implemented a back button and a notification center. On the other hand, Windows 10 has learned to automatically switch to more convenient mode when working with the keyboard, and the corresponding algorithm is configured. Compared to Android, this system is better optimized for low-power hardware platforms. But this same feature has become an indirect reason that current Windows tablets are either high-performance solutions or downright weak, but with a keyboard. Well, the main advantage of the Microsoft operating system is the ability to use almost any “adult” applications. Some of them don’t even have a keyboard, as long as the hardware capacity allows it.

Pros: the most convenient environment for full-fledged work with a variety of content, support for third-party peripherals.

Cons: extremely limited number of offerings with average performance levels.

Let's figure out what size tablet to choose

Photo: planshetclub.ru

7-8 inches

Portable tablets are well suited for use at home, work or educational institution. This is facilitated by their minimal dimensions and weight. It is with the help of such “tablets” that people read books, listen to music, watch movies or play games on the go. Compact tablets are convenient as car navigators, as well as tools for mobile surfing. Finally this optimal size for children's hands.

Pros: compact dimensions, minimum weight, low cost.

Cons: The resolution most often turns out to be low, and the filling is not powerful enough.

10 inches

The best choice of tablet for home use. At the same time, modern tablet models have become so thin and light that no difficulties arise when transporting them. Large sizes allow you to place it in the body of such a device sound system better and a battery with a higher capacity. At the same time, many manufacturers believe that such a large tablet does not need a conversational GSM module, even if the circuit design provides support for 3G technology.

Pros: display size suitable for solution large number tasks. Both in mobile and stationary use cases.

Cons: V budget models Due to insufficient screen resolution, graininess is noticeable; many tablets lack a telephone module; Windows devices are not distinguished by their productive hardware.

More than 10 inches

Larger tablet computers are now available. They are equipped with a screen with a diagonal of 11 to 13 inches. Usually these are “tablets” with installed iOS or Windows, equally large devices with Android are produced much less frequently. It is clear that with mobility similar devices not very much and, as a rule, they are focused on professional use.

Pros: best size for comfortable work both with keyboard and stylus. Good for watching movies.

Cons: too large dimensions and considerable weight.

Choosing the best processor for a tablet

Photo: paulov.ru

Strictly speaking, the “motor” of most tablets consists of several specialized nodes, technologically combined on a single substrate, and it is called a single-chip system (System-on-a-Chip or SoC). The only exceptions here are high-performance professional-level solutions built on Intel Core M or ULV processors, but we will not consider the features of the latter.

Number of cores

So, a typical SoC contains a number of computing units (cores) that have an ARM architecture. Again, the exception is single-chip systems of the family Intel Atom, working with x86/x64 instructions. Cores can be combined into so-called clusters and this is done to optimize energy consumption. Let's say, half of them operate at a high frequency and are turned on when necessary to service requests at a higher frequency. computing power. The second “works” the rest of the time, and since the nuclei in it are relatively low-frequency, significantly less energy is consumed. It is impossible to give unambiguous advice on what number of cores is optimal in a particular case. For example, the 6-core A11 Bionic chip (from Apple) will tear the latest 8-core Helio P40 (from Mediatek), as they say, to shreds. The most we can recommend here is to pay attention to the “freshness” of the kernels. When choosing a processor for a tablet, it is best to focus on the Cortex A55/A75 generation, or at least on the A53/A73 combination (energy efficient/fast, respectively), as well as their custom versions.

Video subsystem

The second component of the mobile processor is the accelerator - a kind of built-in video card. If the tablet is not intended to be used for gaming or working with complex graphics, you don’t need to pay much attention to the performance of this unit. Otherwise, you have to take into account the speed at which the video accelerator is capable of performing floating point operations (Flops). In addition, screen resolution also matters here. Everyone has their own idea of ​​a comfortable refresh rate, as well as requirements for graphics quality settings. However, we would venture to say that tablets with SoCs delivering about 100 GFlops have sufficient gaming performance.

SoCs and their manufacturers

Development itself ARM architecture was handled by a company of the same name, which licensed its solutions to everyone. IN present moment the rights to this intellectual property were acquired by the Japanese corporation SoftBank. There are about one and a half thousand licensees in total, but we are interested in the following products:

APPLE Ax

Based on licensed ones, the Cupertino team is developing own version cores. PowerVR accelerators from Imagination Technologies are used as the graphics subsystem. The A11 Bionic single-chip system already has its own GPU, but tablets based on this SoC are not yet available. Very powerful chips in every sense, even the outdated A9. There are fewer cores, lower frequencies, and they beat all competitors.

Pros: Apple tablets have really high gaming and general performance, and also support all the most advanced features.

Cons: overpriced.

Samsung also prefers to modify stock cores. Its SoC series 7870, 7880, 7885 and all eight-thousand series are currently relevant. To process graphics, they use older versions of Mali accelerators (T830, T880, G71). What can I say - the power of such a system is enough for all the needs of the tablet and its owner. If necessary, South Koreans install third-party SoCs in their devices.

Pros: Samsung tablets characterized by excellent performance and the presence of all modern bells and whistles.

Cons: price, sometimes unoptimized firmware.

INTEL ATOM

The feature of this single-chip system is its extremely low power consumption. The company managed to “shrink” its thermal package to a couple of watts, and Intel now does not want to change this situation. Accordingly, we are not even talking about any performance records. Unfortunately, low-budget Windows tablets are based on the Atom platform.

Pros: tablets on Intel chips Atom is different affordable price and decent autonomy.

Cons: The power of a single-chip system is only enough to perform simple tasks.

This SoC family is produced by a subsidiary of Huawei for some mobile devices of the parent brand. The Chinese do not bother with upgrading stock ARM cores, so their single-chip systems usually work a little slower than their classmates. Just like Exynos, Kirin chips have graphics accelerators Mali. The trouble is that HiSilicon engineers (or management) like to save money. Where Samsung's SoC uses a 12-core version of Mali, Huawei mobile processors often make do with 4-core ones. With all the ensuing consequences.

Pros: a brand with very decent flagship-level chips.

Cons: Mid-budget single-chip systems have good overall performance and mediocre gaming performance.

MEDIATEK

The brand of the same name is more fully represented than all its competitors in the segment of low-cost solutions. The company uses ready-made cores and graphics (PowerVR and Mali). It does not engage in optimization, does not have its own production, and its financial capabilities do not allow it to invest in partners. As a result, MediaTek single-chip systems lag behind alternative offerings because they are manufactured according to outdated technological standards. On paper, such SoCs may look great, but in real life, not so much. But the company’s chips simply work perfectly with GPS.

Pros: a huge range of entry-level and mid-level single-chip systems.

Cons: noticeably inferior to industry leaders in technological terms.

SNAPDRAGON

The most popular and most widespread single-chip systems. They are developed by Qualcomm based on deeply redesigned licensed cores and their own Adreno accelerators. Such SoCs are characterized by excellent general and gaming performance, good energy efficiency, and other goodies. The main disadvantage is the increased cost.

Pros: are produced on Snapdragon chips great tablets different levels.

Cons: are relatively expensive, the most available solutions inferior to their direct competitors on other platforms.

RockChip, Spreadtrum and the like

They specialize in ultra-budget solutions. Stock cores and accelerators, the most “rough” technological standards possible at the time of production - you can’t expect any miracles from such single-chip systems.

Pros: the corresponding tablets have tempting price tags.

Cons: suitable for the most undemanding users. As a rule, they have an outdated set of wireless interfaces and are not at all impressive in terms of autonomy.

Process

We have already mentioned this term several times, it remains to explain what the standards used to create the SoC influence. Everything is very simple, the smaller the chip topology, the higher its operating frequencies (performance) and the lower the power consumption. The most technologically advanced mobile crystals are now manufactured at 10 nm standards. The 14-16 nm process technology is also still quite modern.

RAM

Photo: acunnstatic.cdn1.sadececdn.com

It is a storage device with quick access to content that requires constant “maintenance” of the stored information. When the power is turned off, the latter simply disappears. During tablet operation, the kernel of the operating system is located in the RAM. various services, running applications, as well as most of the data they use. If there is not enough space for a priority task, some user programs running in the background may stop and move to the so-called cache. With a more rigid option, only important data remains there, and the applications themselves are completely “unloaded”. The bad thing is that a significant lack of “RAM” leads not only to slowdown of the device, but also to active use of the built-in memory, i.e. its accelerated wear. How more applications you are going to use simultaneously (for example, a social network client, instant messenger, music player, game), the more impressive your tablet should be in terms of this characteristic. For hardcore gamers, we generally recommend focusing on the amount of memory with an “extra” gigabyte. At the same time, a clear excess of this resource entails increased battery consumption.

1 GB

A critical minimum, sufficient for the system to operate and one or two simple user applications. In principle, such a volume is provided by low-power devices that are not suitable for anything else. It is best if the operating system of a tablet of this class has a lightweight user shell. Ideally, “naked” Android.

Pros: affordable price.

Cons: serious restrictions on the number of programs running in the background.

2 GB

Normal amount of memory for most applications with a moderate appetite for system resources. It's enough for several background applications, five or two open tabs in the browser and display the image on the screen with a resolution no higher than Full HD. “Heavy” games will work, but almost all other tasks will have to be stopped. This applies to Android and Windows. The iOS operating system will not experience any problems with 2 GB memory.

Pros: The lack of RAM is almost never felt.

Cons: insufficient volume for particularly demanding games and resolutions above Full HD.

3 GB

A comfortable amount of RAM for the vast majority of situations and scenarios for using the tablet. Guarantees stable work systems with a 2K resolution screen. Noticeable delays can only be observed when running two resource-intensive applications in parallel.

Pros: There will always be enough memory, with the exception of specific cases.

Cons: practically none.

4 GB or more

More than three gigabytes of RAM is still relatively rare in tablets. This volume does not limit the user in any way; it is enough for any number of applications and all three-dimensional games.

Pros: absence of any restrictions.

Cons: high cost.

Additional functionality

Photo: i-cdn.phonearena.com

Memory card slot

Any tablet computer has some amount of non-volatile memory. It is also called constant. It stores the operating system and user data (applications, music, videos, documents and other files). A microSD card slot helps expand the available space. Unfortunately, Apple products do not have it, so you will have to decide right away which iPad with how much built-in memory to buy.

Wi-Fi, 3G or 4G

Before buying a tablet, be sure to familiarize yourself with what modules are used to connect to the Internet. Budget devices They offer data transfer only via Wi-Fi. A little more expensive devices There is a slot for a SIM card. In this case, you can connect to 3G networks. Modern models capable of working with mobile networks fourth generation. It would be a good idea for you to clarify which LTE bands the tablet supports. Domestic operators can communicate on bands B3, B7, B20, B38 and B40. But there is no particular variety in terms of high-speed Internet connection capabilities among 4G tablets yet. Returning to Wi-Fi, let us recall that this wireless interface can operate at frequencies of 2.4 and 5 GHz. If you frequently use your tablet in an apartment building or a large business center, you should opt for a dual-band model.

GPS navigation

Most tablets can successfully perform navigator functions, but there are individual models, built using a universal radio module. Those. The device supports cellular networks - there is GPS. An example would be the “simply” Wi-Fi and Cellular versions of the iPad.

Cameras

The last thing you should pay attention to when choosing a tablet is the camera. Nowadays, it’s a rare manufacturer that integrates decent optics and a sensor into a tablet. The resolution of the main module matrix is ​​most often five or eight megapixels. The photo quality does not exceed that obtained when using a mid-priced smartphone. There is nothing to say about budget tablets - they produce blurry or too noisy pictures.

Keyboard support

In general, there are no fundamental restrictions for using a Bluetooth keyboard in any tablet. And many models with the Windows operating system have full-size USB ports, which makes possible connection a manipulator or input device via a radio channel through an appropriate adapter. The peculiarity of the listed options is that such methods do not guarantee the stability of the pairing, and they are also accompanied by increased energy consumption. If you plan to use the tablet for active work with text, choose a tablet with a supplied or optional keyboard connected via a mechanical connector.

Photo: cdn.funkyspacemonkey.com

When choosing a drawing tablet, first of all we pay attention to:

• stylus- it must be included in the kit.
• display— resolution and diagonal should be as high as possible.

Additionally, look at the operating system. A huge number have been created for Windows graphic editors, but not every tablet will run Photoshop. Therefore, in some cases it is worth looking towards Android, which is much better optimized for use on a portable device. Professional models on iOS are ideal for digital creativity, but they also have a corresponding price.

Tablet computer for the Internet

Photo: u3.s.progorod76.ru

If you buy a tablet primarily for surfing the Internet, when choosing, pay attention to:

• display— its diagonal should be large enough so that small print can be easily read.
• 3G or 4G support- thanks to it you can access the Internet via mobile networks.

It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the amount of RAM. The larger it is, the more stable the browser will work, the more tabs you can open. The operating system is of least interest. Surfing the Internet is the same for both iOS and Android or Windows.

Tablet computer for games

Photo: img.inforico.com.ua

If you are choosing a tablet for gaming, then pay attention to:

• CPU— you need to focus on a model with a powerful graphics subsystem.
• RAM- many modern games are demanding on its volume, they need at least 3 GB.

Additionally, you should familiarize yourself with the battery capacity. Even a tablet with a fairly solid battery will not allow you to play for more than four hours at a time. What can we say about Chinese devices with tiny batteries...

Tablet computer for a child

Photo: gursesintour.com

If you are going to give a tablet to a child, then pay attention to:

• availability of children's mode— there is absolutely no need for a child to go to “adult” sites, and the user interface of the device should be colorful and extremely simple.
• accessories— the device will have to withstand increased loads, so a thick protective bumper will be very useful.

Pay attention to the possibility of the tablet “growing” along with the child’s development. Specialized models are good in terms of ease of access to children's content, but they do not have much potential.

Many people are interested in what a tablet is. This device appeared in our stores quite recently and not everyone understands how to use it.

So, what is a tablet? A tablet or tablet computer is a new subtype of modern computers. The main distinguishing feature of the tablet is the touch screen, which occupies most of the device's area. In addition, the screen acts as the only input device.

Since tablets are not equipped with a mouse, typing and program control is performed exclusively using your fingers on the device’s touchpad.

The history of the development of tablets, in the form in which we can see them now, began in January 2010. Then Apple introduced its tablet called iPad. The device was a huge success and quickly gained popularity among users. This did not go unnoticed, and a large number of computer equipment manufacturers began to produce their tablet computers. This is how the tablet market appeared, which is growing and developing very quickly. More and more manufacturers are releasing their solutions on various operating systems.

Tablets received a new round of development after the release of the second generation iPad tablet. This device further cemented Apple's dominance in the tablet market and increased competition.

What is a tablet: operating systems

Nowadays you can find tablet computers on the market that run on operating systems: Apple iOS, Android and Windows 7.

• Apple iOS is the operating system that powers iPad tablets.
• Android is the second most popular operating system on the tablet market. Most of the devices that compete with the iPad run on the Android OS. The most popular tablets based on this OS are: HTC Flyer, Acer Iconia Tab A501, Samsung Galaxy Tab P1000, DELL Streak 5, Viewsonic ViewPad 7.
• Windows 7 – There aren’t too many Windows 7 tablets, but they do exist. The main advantage of Windows tablets is their compatibility with all applications developed for this operating system. The most popular tablets based on this OS are: Acer Iconia Tab W500, Impression ImPAD 0111, Archos 9 PCtablet Atom, MSI WindPad, ASUS Eee Slate

What is a tablet and why is it needed?

A tablet is primarily a device for consuming digital content. Using a tablet is very convenient to read e-books, documents, websites, watch videos, photos, presentations. In addition, the tablet is very convenient and fun to play games on. To date, hundreds of high-quality games have been developed for tablets, regardless of the operating system.

But creating documents on your own or working on a tablet is quite difficult. The lack of a keyboard and mouse greatly limits the tablet in this regard. Therefore, if you need a computer primarily for work, pay attention to laptops; a tablet most likely will not suit you.

However, the tablet has a number of advantages over.

• The tablet consumes less electricity, which means it can work offline much longer than a laptop.
• Tablets are much more compact and lighter than laptops. This makes using them on the road much more convenient.
• Most often, tablets are cheaper than laptops.

I hope this article helped you understand what a tablet is, and you have already decided whether you need this device.

Bonus video review of the tablet Apple computer iPad

It's a rare gadget that can boast such a rapid rise in popularity as tablet computers have. Responding to demand, manufacturers offer a range of tablets in a huge range of prices and capabilities, and externally very similar models can differ in price by tens of times. How can you not get lost in the maze of characteristics and choose a tablet that will become a truly useful assistant without overpaying for unnecessary functions? First of all, you should understand what is hidden behind the characteristics of tablets and determine which of them will be important to you and which will not.

Characteristics of tablet computers.

A small tablet is easier to operate and easier to hold in your hands – especially in cramped conditions. 7-8 inches in this case will be quite enough.

Tablets with a diagonal of 8-10 inches can be considered the most versatile - such a screen is already comfortable enough for most tasks.

Tablets with a diagonal of more than 10 inches are convenient for viewing detailed images and videos, but their mobility is already noticeably reduced - for example, holding such tablets with one hand is already completely inconvenient.

The resolution must correspond to the diagonal of the screen - if the resolution is too low, the image will become grainy, and too high an image will lead to a noticeable increase in the cost of the device without a noticeable improvement in the “picture”. In addition, with increasing resolution, the load and, accordingly, energy consumption increase.

The working distance of tablets is much smaller than that of monitors, so a comfortable value pixel density(PPI) is much higher - about 160, with lower values ​​the pixels will be clearly visible. To make your choice easier, you can use the following table:

Screen manufacturing technology has a direct impact on the quality of the “picture” - on the viewing angle, color rendition and brightness of the image.
- TN+Film– the cheapest technology for manufacturing liquid crystal screens. Unfortunately, its picture quality is also the lowest - in terms of color reproduction, contrast and, especially, viewing angle, such screens are inferior to all others. At the same time, if color rendering is not so important and the tablet is not intended to be used under bright sun, then choosing a TN screen will help save a lot of money.
- IPS– the most advanced technology for manufacturing liquid crystal screens. Provides good color reproduction (full sRGB coverage) and a wide viewing angle.
- PLS- a type of IPS technology from Samsung, has the same advantages and disadvantages.

To prevent this from happening, you can simply change the screen operating mode in the settings - this will narrow the color space to standard sRGB.

Video processor, like the video card on a computer, has a decisive influence on the speed of image formation. This is especially important when using 3D graphics and, of course, games.

You shouldn’t choose a tablet based on the video processor model, but you can use information about it to refine your choice. Of the video processors presented today, the most productive is the Adreno series. Mali video processors are not far behind them - they are cheaper, but also much more widespread. Intel HD and PowerVR video processors are comparable to Mali, but are not so common, so they may show lower speeds in real applications due to the lack of application optimization specifically for this series. Of course, all these comparisons are relevant only for devices of the same class - with the same frequency and the same number of cores.

Operating system.
The choice of OS should be approached with all responsibility - a tablet in this matter is very different from a laptop or computer: changing a “don’t like” system is not possible on every tablet, and even on those on which it is possible, this is associated with considerable difficulties and risk completely "ruin" the device.

Tablets with three operating systems are currently on sale: Android, iOS and Windows.

But knowing that Android is installed on the tablet is not enough to make a choice - you need to find out which version is installed and whether it is possible to update it. Many inexpensive tablets contain an outdated version of Android and do not have the ability to update it, and modern applications This version may no longer be supported.

Pros of Android:
- A huge number of applications, including free ones. In addition to the official store Google applications Play, there are a large number of unofficial ones offering applications of various functionality.
- Rich possibilities for customizing the system.
- Easy to connect your tablet to your PC to share files.
Cons:
- Difficulty obtaining full access (root) to some settings and operations. However, most users will not need this access.
- High power consumption – tablets under Android control“eat up” the battery much faster than under other systems.
- An abundance of viruses, Trojans, and other malware. The openness of the system has led to a noticeable decrease in the security of Android devices. It is clear that applications from third-party sources should be installed with caution. But the virus can be “caught” even on Google Play, and some cheap tablets even carry system applications with intrusive advertising, which cannot be removed without obtaining root access.

Pros:
- High stability and performance.
- Practically complete absence viruses (isolated cases do not count - what is in App Store There’s not even an antivirus app, that says a lot)
- Rich selection of applications
- High functionality and thoughtfulness of applications - thanks to Apple’s strict policy regarding the content of the App Store, there is practically no “garbage” in the official store.
Cons:
- Much fewer free apps than Android.
- Third Party Applications, firstly, it’s not enough; secondly, their installation is generally impossible without obtaining full access (jailbreak) - which is also not easy.
- Transferring files from a PC is much more difficult.
- iOS does not support all video formats - to view some video files (for example, mkv), you will first have to convert them to a format available for iOS
- Difficulty connecting external memory and other external devices - to be able to fully connect a flash drive, you will need to purchase a special adapter and gain full access to the device (jailbreak).

When choosing a CPU, you should pay attention to the number of cores, frequency and manufacturer of the processor.

Number of cores determines how many instruction threads the processor can work with simultaneously. The conclusion suggests itself is that the more cores, the more productive the processor. In the general case, this is true, but the frequency of the processor, its architecture, the number of functional units and much more also matter. Therefore, one 8-core processor may be noticeably faster than another 10-core processor.

Core frequency The CPU determines how many operations it performs per unit of time. The higher the frequency, the faster the core will cope with the task. The downside is that as the frequency increases, power consumption also increases.

On processor manufacturer You should also pay close attention. All other things being equal, it is better to prefer a processor from one of the leading manufacturers: Qualcomm (Snapdragon), Samsung (Exynos), Huawei (HiSilicon), Intel (Atom), MediaTek (Helio).

There are two popular brands missing from this list: Apple and Spreadtrum, but for completely different reasons. Apple processors They are installed only in Apple tablets, so there is really no choice. In terms of performance, if they are not at the top of the pedestal, they confidently share it with top-end chips from Qualcomm.

But Spreadtrum processors, although they are installed in Lenovo, ZTE and Samsung devices, still stand out from the rest only by their low price. Perhaps this is a temporary phenomenon - a few years ago MediaTek was also an outsider, but today they are inexpensive processors are seriously fighting for first place. But for now, it’s better to prefer one of the five above to a processor from Spreadtrum.

Many people confuse the concepts of RAM and built-in memory - even consultants in stores: when asked “how much memory is on this tablet” you can hear very strange answers. In fact, there is nothing complicated here.

Today, for solving everyday problems, the optimal amount of RAM is considered to be 1 GB. To use office applications and resource-intensive games, it is better to choose a tablet with 2 GB of RAM. 3-8 GB of RAM may be required for professional tablets with a large screen for working with graphic applications.

Built-in memory (« hard drive») – long term memory, designed to store the applications themselves and their data. It affects how many applications can be installed on the device and how much data (photos, videos, documents, etc.) can be stored on it. We must also not forget that at least 1GB of the tablet’s internal memory will be used by the system.

When choosing, you can focus on the volume of typical files, so on a tablet with built-in memory of 4GB there will be free space only for two full-length films in 720p format. You should also pay attention to the presence of slots for memory cards. If you can install memory cards in your tablet, you can save on the amount of built-in memory by choosing a model with a small capacity (8-32GB) and installing only applications there and storing the data on the memory card.

An important characteristic of a tablet is its communication capabilities - most tablets are capable of accessing the Internet, but the method of connecting to it may be different:

The term " 3G" implies not only 3rd generation mobile communications according to ITU regulations, this term combines a family of technologies with maximum speed data transfer up to 42 Mbit/s. But the actual speed depends on many parameters and stays on average at 2-8 Mbit/s - enough to watch video in not too high quality.

Under 4G This means support for LTE and WiMAX with support for speeds up to 100 and 40 Mbit/s, respectively. In practice, speeds in these networks rarely exceed 30 Mbit/s for LTE and 5 Mbit/s for WiMAX.

When choosing a tablet with LTE support, you should keep in mind that in Russia the LTE band used is not the same as abroad and, quite possibly, a tablet with LTE support simply will not “see” the network.

Some tablets can be used as a cell phone, i.e., for talking and exchanging SMS messages. If the tablet is intended to be used for conversations, you can pay attention to models with support for two SIM cards– one for Internet access, the other for cheap “talk” tariffs.

2. Wi-Fi support . In large cities, free Wi-Fi is available in many public places, so the lack of a cellular module today is no longer an obstacle to accessing the Internet. Moreover, most tablets support the 802.11 b/g/n standard, providing speeds of up to 600 Mbit/s.

Presence of flash will help you take a decent shot in low light, but, of course, you shouldn’t seriously count on it - as a rule, flash on tablets is implemented using one bright LED.

Number of megapixels in cameras– not their most important indicator, a lot depends on the image processor, matrix size, etc., but, as a first approximation, the more megapixels the camera has, the clearer and more detailed the image will be. But, at the same time, the more megapixels, the more space in the built-in memory each photo will take up. Taking this into account for rear camera 4-6 megapixels is quite enough. For the front one, 0.5-1 megapixel is enough - the more megapixels the front camera has, the larger the volume of one frame, and during a video conference (for which the front camera is usually used), the width of the communication channel with the Internet may simply not be enough for transmission large image– the “picture” will twitch.

Battery capacity determines how long the tablet will work without charging the battery. Unfortunately, it is impossible to establish a clear relationship between capacity and operating time - a lot depends on the size of the tablet, installed system, operating mode, etc.
Some manufacturers indicate approximate time tablet operation, if it is not indicated, then, with an eye to 8 hours of operation, you can roughly focus on 3500 mAh for a seven-inch tablet, 5000 mAh for a ten-inch tablet, etc.
You should also keep in mind that any increased activity will reduce the tablet's battery life - be it data exchange via Wi-Fi/4G, frequent use application memory or video processor load from games.

If you plan to connect your tablet to a TV, projector or monitor, you should make sure that it has HDMI connector or MHL support(standard for connecting mobile devices to TVs and monitors).

Selection criteria.

First of all, you should determine for what purpose the tablet is being purchased.

To participate in online conferences, webinars and video blogs, you should pay attention to the characteristics of the front camera and the way the tablet is connected to the Internet: models with a 4G connection and a front camera from 1 megapixel are suitable for these purposes.