The tablet computer has made enormous strides in the last few years. Thanks to popular tablets like the iPad, the thin, touchscreen-operated computers have become the weapon of choice for many computer users as they offer a great experience when browsing the web or using one of thousands of specialised apps.
Published : 14 Apr 2014, 01:21 AM
Tablets vary by their power and operating systems. Processors like the Intel® Atom provide considerable power for the current generation of tablets, and some tablets have dual core processors, including the Motorola Xoom and Asus Eee Transformer.
Tablet operating systems
Most tablets use a special operating system designed to make the most of a touch interface, this gives the tablet the cool interactive feel that makes them fun and useful. A good operating system is an important part of a great tablet computer.
Popular tablet operating systems include the Honeycomb version of Google Android, mobile versions of Windows 7 and XP, and Apple's iPad OS. All of these operating systems have distinct advantages and disadvantages and all feature proprietary app stores which expand the capabilities of tablets.
Apps include everything from games to specialized word processors and even instruments. Generally, apps make use of a tablet's touchscreen to deliver an experience that a user couldn't get from a typical computer. A touchscreen is a very intuitive control system, so tablet manufacturers try to deliver the most easily accessible operating systems and apps possible to make sure that tablets offer a different experience from what a user would get from a laptop or netbook.
Keyboards and docks
Nevertheless, there are quite a few situations in which a tablet can benefit from the addition of a keyboard or keyboard-equipped docking station. While it's possible to type on the face of a tablet, an attached keyboard can make this process much easier.
Tablets like the Asus Eee Transformer have optional docking stations with built in keyboards which cost extra, but can basically turn a tablet into a full-featured netbook. Apple also sells an optional keyboard for use with its iPad.