A closer look at the Tablet
This blog post is referencing home computing trends and is not an official recommendation for CLASSE managed computing. For recommendations on work computing, please submit a service request at service-classe@cornell.edu
There are a lot of options when it comes to selecting a computing device. In our first article, we provided a brief overview of the top four options. In this article, we will take a closer look at one of the options, the tablet. We will examine how it has revolutionized the way we go about our day to day business with this powerful tool at our fingertips.
To review, the tablet is a handheld device which has the screen on one side and a solid back. They look like a very large cellphone. Tablets are used as a very portable, very streamlined, personal computing device. The operating system is what gives the desktop its “look”, and how you access all your programs. Currently there are two main operating systems you can choose from when deciding which tablet to buy – either Android or Apple’s iOS. Let’s take a closer look:
Tablets have either 3G, 4G, or are WiFi enabled. 3G and 4G enable connection nearly anywhere, but require a separate mobile data service, usually from your cell phone company. Many users need to access email, play games, or do business projects. Tablets can do all that and more. There are keyboard attachments available so when you do need to do a lot of typing, you don’t have to use the on-screen keyboard. Tablets have the ability to remotely access your desktop and show what is on it, so you can use that as a tool as well when doing business or classroom work.
Another great thing about tablets is that depending on what you are using it for, you can choose a cover which supports the way it will be used. Tablets need protection primarily from being dropped. If you are using it for business presentations, you can get a cover with a “kickstand” feature so you can give presentations on the go. If you are using it for school, you can give it a trendy cover with school colors on it. The military puts a rugged cover on them that is waterproof and dustproof and can be dropped without causing damage to the device.
Tablets, just like other computing devices, have the ability to download programs usually referred to as “apps”. There are apps for light document editing, games, banks, e-mail, etc. So the basic principle behind how to get different programs on your tablet is that you purchase (or get free) “apps”. If it this is an Apple device, you would purchase through the Apple App Store online. If it is an Android or Amazon Fire, you would purchase through their online stores. Once you have the app, it can be shared with your other devices that use the same OS and are linked to the same account, so you don’t have to buy a new app say for your phone or other tablets. Now we will look more closely at three types of tablets- Android, iPad, and Amazon Fire HD.
Android
If you want a device you can decide which features matter most to you, then find the device which fits your parameters, then an Android is a great choice. Because there are so many companies which make them, you can choose the one which has the features you love. Android runs on the Android Operating System developed by Google. There are 1.3 million apps in the Google Play store, so whether you are using it for gaming, work, email, or general web surfing, you will be able to do what you need to get done! Android also allows you to install other app stores, and even download “apk” files from a developers web site to install locally. Android is also very customizable – you can install different user interfaces, different phone dialers and different text messaging and e-mail apps if you like.
More advanced and adventurous users like that you can “root” the android OS and customize it further (note that this may void your warranty). Pricing starts under $100 and goes up to around $500 depending on features like speed and memory storage.
iPad
If you have an Apple desktop or iPhone, then it may make the most sense for you to get an Apple product for your mobile device as well so they can “sync” (communicate with each other and update files). There are many options in Apple’s tablet lineup- the iPad mini (7.9”) starts at around $240, and the iPad Air (lightweight 9.7” tablet) is about $500. There are multiple models in between at different prices, and refurbished used models are usually available at the Apple stores as well. Apps are purchased through the online Apple store. For email, you can set up any email account to show up on your “home screen”. Just like Android devices, this powerful mobile device can take care of any work you need to do, as well as run games. The models with the faster processors are better for gaming, and Apple also offers “Retina Display” models which have an extremely high resolution, which for gaming is highly desirable.
Amazon Fire HD
The Amazon Fire HD is a device which is sold by Amazon starting at $99 for a 6” with 8GB memory. There is also a 7” model for about $140. It comes with free unlimited cloud storage. This tablet runs android apps (but only those in Amazon’s own app store – they do not have Google Play Store available), and owners have access to 33 million movies, games, etc. through the Amazon app store. Gmail and Outlook are supported by this device. This tablet only connects with Wifi, and 3g/4g options are not currently available. Just like the iPad and other androids, this can be used for just about anything. Because this device is a little smaller, it is not as popular for gaming. It is better for web surfing, checking email, reading books (Kindle works great on this!), and other tasks which don’t require a larger screen. Because of its lower price point it is a fantastic option for students who don’t require features of the other options..
No matter which tablet you choose, you will find it may replace your laptop as your mobile device of choice!