Image Source: Apple

So you need to have a tablet… Your laptop is too heavy and so 2010, it makes you sick when ever you carry it. Fear not, this guide will help you navigate the choices that are on the market and tell you the chief differences between them.

First, What Tablets Can’t Do

Just like buying a car, you need to consider what you want to use the tablet for. If you plan on making all kinds of documents, the iPad is a good fit for you. However, you will need to invest in some sort of document app like iWork which is extra $$$. If you want to play flash games, then an android tablet is the one for you. The iPad doesn’t use flash so all of the time wasting games on Facebook will not work.

Image Source: Samsung

Both Apple and Android tablets are not designed to print. It is possible, but there are many caveats and it usually requires a professional (like me) to set it up. Typing is another issue, the onscreen keyboard is sensitive but you will never type faster with one hand then you did with two. (One hand has to hold the tablet…) If you like to type, get some sort of stand or Bluetooth keyboard.

If you have a laptop now, don’t get rid of it yet…  You will need it.

Second, What Tablets Can Do

After using my tablet for almost a year, I can tell you it definitely has its uses. I put my notes on it, can set my calendar schedule, unwind with Netflix with out disturbing my wife, update my Facebook in seconds, look up info on the net, etc. To be totally honest, I probably use my laptop about 75% less because of the tablet.

Which One is Right for Me?

Bottom line, you need to get out there and hold each tablet, give them both a good look to see which one you feel comfortable with while keeping in mind what each tablet can and can’t do.

Let’s do some comparisons…

Image Source: Gran Tourismo 5

The iPad = Ferrari

It’s beautiful, designed to do CERTAIN things very well while limiting modifications you can make, and is a status icon.

Image Source: Popular Hotrodding

Android = Muscle Car

Not as graceful as the Ferrari but still appeals, designed to be an open platform that allows you to do just about anything, not so much a status icon as a badge of “I don’t need Apple to tell me how to compute.”

So if you are the Ferrari type, that’s fine! Make sure you wait for the new model as Apple likes to turn out products very often, I do not recommend getting an iPad with a large capacity, with cloud storage it is not needed. Consider a 3G model if you want access to your iTunes and email no matter where you are but be prepared for the monthly data charge.

If you are the Muscle Car type, like me, then start off with a good name. Samsung, Acer, Sony are all good brands. When shopping make sure you know how heavy the tablet is. This is important because some tablets have a lot of battery which can put strain on your wrists. Acer’s are notorious for this…

Other Things to Consider

If you already have an iPhone, strongly consider an iPad. If you already have an Android phone, strongly consider an Android tablet. It’s good to keep the ‘flavors’ the same because it will simplify your online accounts and make your life easier.

Microsoft is working on their own Tablet software, Windows 8. It promises to bridge the gap between desktops – laptops – tablets allowing you to get more done while still being able to play.

3G or wifi?  That all depends on how much you want to spend.  Wifi is always cheaper while 3G give you access all the time for a price

No matter which tablet you get, make sure you secure it with at least a pin. Tablets are small and disappear easily these days.