Tablets are extremely popular and it’s not hard to see why. They are convenient, easy to use and very mobile. However, buying a tablet is not easy. Some popular options include Surface Pro, iPad, Kindle Fire HD, Google Nexus 7, Dell XPS, Asus Transformer Pad Infinity TF700, Lenovo tablet, and Samsung Galaxy Note tablet. Also, there are some cheap Android tablets that you might want to consider.

Before choosing a tablet, you should know a little about the most common features and conveniences. Below is a guide to some of the features that are included in the most popular tablet models.

OS
The four main operating systems are Android, iOS, Blackberry and Windows. These operating systems have their own display panel and programs. Most applications are designed to be compatible with only one operating system.

If you use certain apps regularly, you’ll want to make sure these apps are compatible with the operating system of the tablet you’re buying. You can jailbreak some tablets so they can use apps that aren’t generally supported by the system, but doing so voids the device’s warranty.

connectivity
Almost all tablets come with Bluetooth. However, there are three forms of Internet connectivity to choose from: Wi-Fi, 3G, and 4G. Wi-Fi is standard connectivity and comes with most tablets. Unless you really need to be online every minute of every day, Wi-Fi is probably good enough for you.

Those who really need to be online all the time will want 3G or 4G connectivity, but it is important to note that this form of connectivity comes at a very high price. At the same time, 3G or 4G connectivity is a must for those who rely on GPS apps.

Processor
The processor is very important. Determines how fast the system will load and operate. Simply put, the faster the processor, the better the tablet. Common processing speed ranges from 1 GHz to 1.6 GHz.

Screen size
The screen size of a tablet varies from seven to eleven inches. However, 7-inch and 10-inch tablet screens are the most common.

7-inch tablet vs. 10-inch tablet

There are advantages and disadvantages to each size. A 7-inch tablet is lightweight and fits easily into a pocket, bag, or purse. Such tablets weigh about 14 ounces. Ten-inch tablets weigh from 1.3 pounds to 1.6 pounds and may be too bulky for a small bag. At the same time, a larger screen makes it easier for a person to use the on-screen keyboard to type.

Touch responsiveness
Tablets are designed to respond to touch. However, some tablets respond faster and better than others. It’s a good idea to buy a tablet that has a high level of touch responsiveness, just like you’d like to invest in a regular computer keyboard or mouse that does what you want it to do, when you want it to.

Battery duration
The reason you’re buying a tablet in the first place is because you want a mini mobile computer that you can use while you’re out and about. A tablet with low battery is pretty useless, to say the least. If you intend to use your new tablet a lot, invest in one that has a long battery life.

At the same time, keep in mind that it is impossible to predict how long a battery will last. Much depends on what you do with the tablet. Watching a video or listening to music consumes much more battery power than surfing the Internet or reading an e-book.

Memory
Memory determines how much stuff you can store on your tablet. Some tablets come with 16 GB of memory space, although many have 32 GB and some models have up to 64 GB.

Having as much memory as possible is ideal. However, the more memory the tablet has, the more likely it will cost. If you are not storing video, audio, or graphics files on your tablet, then a 16GB tablet can meet your needs just fine. If you need to store large files on the machine, buy a device that is at least 32 GB.

Camera
All tablets now come with a camera that can film and take pictures. You’ll just want to make sure the camera has zoom, autofocus, and flash so the pictures and videos are clear. If you really like filming and taking pictures, then consider a device that has front and rear facing cameras. They can be a lot of fun to work with, although a dual camera is certainly not one of the most important features to look for in a tablet.

Warranty
Always check the warranty terms and conditions to see how long the warranty lasts and what it covers. Most tablets don’t last as long as regular computers because they get moved around and therefore tend to wear out faster than a desktop or even a laptop. The average warranty time for a tablet is one year.

You should check the warranty conditions to see what is and is not covered. In some cases, the manufacturer will simply replace a defective part. In other cases, the entire device can be replaced if it is not working properly. Other terms and conditions cover what forms of damage are and are not covered, who can do the repair work, etc.

Must-Have Tablet Features
As you can see from the list above, there are plenty of features to choose from. However, some are must-haves, while others are just nice to have. A decent tablet should have Wi-Fi connectivity, a minimum processing speed of 1GHz, a built-in e-reader, decent speakers, a decent camera, and a battery life of at least 8-10 hours. A minimum one year warranty is also a must.