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What is a tablet computer?

02 Sep.,2024

What is a tablet computer?

Tablets are small, flat computers with touchscreens that are between a book and a magazine in size. They're like large versions of a smartphone.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Sihovision.

The most popular tablet computers at the time of writing are the Apple iPad and the Samsung Galaxy Tab.

Key features and benefits of tablet computers

Tablet computers are usually less powerful than 'proper' PCs. Instead of working via a fully fledged operating system (OS) such as Windows, a tablet will generally use an extended version of a smartphone OS.
Small enough to fit in the hand but large enough to display a lot of text at a decent size, tablets are intended to bring the feeling of a book or magazine to a computer.
The tablet is ideal for browsing the web, its size and shape making it easy to read and hold. All tablets include wifi to help you browse, with many including a 3G or 4G connection as well, allowing you to connect to the internet from anywhere.
Just like smartphones, tablet computers will usually have access to an 'app store' where you can purchase and download a huge number of applications (or 'apps'). These can perform any number of things, from word processing to games &#; and are also designed for the tablet's larger screen.
Tablet computers are also excellent media players. They'll play music on headphones or through their own speakers. Even more enticingly, videos look excellent on the relatively large screen.
Most tablets include e-reader software that allows you to download books and other written material from the internet and read it on the machine. However, even though the &#;e-ink&#; screens of dedicated e-reader devices such as the Amazon Kindle are much easier on the eyes for intensive reading, they&#;re not considered tablets as they&#;re not multifunctional enough. With the new launch of Kindle Fire, the reader element is an application and the screen is in colour like other tablets and it offers more functionality.
Generally tablet computers have smaller screens than standard computers, which some people may find difficult to use.
Some people may also find the access method of finger or pen more difficult, particularly if using a virtual onscreen keyboard, where the letters are smaller and therefore it is a smaller target.

Alex Duin is a freelance writer, specialising in technology.

Why get a tablet?

Ah the humble tablet. It's not quite a small laptop but it's not quite a large either. With upgrades and accessories tablets have firmly cemented themselves as some sort of mix between the two depending on how you want to use them.

They're stylish, portable and great for either home use as entertainment or as a work device. But do you even need one? Before you add to cart let's discuss the pros and cons.

Tablet pros and benefits

1. They're so light and portable

Tablets have the benefit of ultra-portability so you can work or stream TV wherever you want. Tablets generally weigh around one third the amount of a standard laptop making them nice and light for carrying around in your arms, in your workbag or carry bag.

Tablet screen sizes vary from as small as around eight inches to nearly 13 inches which is about what a standard small laptop starts from - so they fit in a lot of places where a laptop would be more awkward. They're a lot easier to pull out on a train, plane or in a cafe than a laptop.

2. You can get connectivity everywhere your can

If you opt for the cellular 4G or 5G version of a tablet it will get internet anywhere you can expect to receive a mobile network signal. This is really what makes tablets great for professionals. You can head out to a cafe or library without worrying if they have free WiFi.

It's perfect for when you have something to do that wouldn't be as easy or comfortable on a but where you don't need a full laptop setup. Plus, if you don't have a cellular version you can still always hop on WiFi anyway.

3. A tablet is more affordable than a laptop

These days it seems like having a home computer is compulsory. But actually, if you're only using your computer for web browsing, some , Facebook and Netflix, a tablet might do just as well.

Tablet prices typically range from $100 to $2,000, whereas you're looking at between $500 and $3,000 or more for a laptop. So depending on what you want to use it for, a tablet could save you quite a bit of money, and offer more portability to boot.

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4. Tablets 'wake up' instantly

Most laptops generally take between 10-30 seconds to start up. However, the initial start up on a tablet is usually faster, around 2-10 seconds. Once it's turned on, a tablet can "wake" from a sleep mode instantaneously either via tapping the screen or at the press of the button. Nothing makes you feel like you're living on the cutting edge quite like lightning-fast tech.

5. They make excellent portable entertainment systems

Want to read an ebook on your long flight? Play mobile games on the bus? A bit of Netflix in bed? Sure, you can use a for all that but it's all so much better on a bigger screen. With a tablet you'll never have an excuse for boredom.

6. They're great for web browsing

Portability and fast start-up combine to make the tablet a first choice for quick web browsing, especially when you're away from your desk. A good example would be following a recipe for a meal. Set up the tablet in the kitchen, find a recipe online, and get cooking.

7. They're handy for giving presentations

Another great use is for running presentations. With presentation files on a tablet, it's relatively simple to share the content with a large screen in meeting rooms. If you're travelling around to clients and giving presentations outside of the office, they're a lot easier to lug around than a laptop.

8. You can give one to your kids

If your kids are begging for their very own computer or smartphone to play games, watch TV and just generally surf the web, a tablet could be the answer.

Tablet prices start low which means you've got plenty of budget options if you just want to give your kids something simple or are worried they might break it. If you get one without mobile connectivity you can give your kids a taste of the smartphone life without giving them a device they can connect absolutely anywhere.

Tablets, especially iPads, are now widely used and accepted by education institutions. Interactive education can be key to the tablet's success in the classroom, where children can engage with learning materials in real time.

Where to buy a refurbished iPad in Australia

Decided you want an iPad but don't want to pay full price? Consider buying a refurbished iPad.

Tablet cons and disadvantages

1. No keyboard and mouse

With advances in accessories, this is no longer a deal breaker. Sure, the tablet might not come with a keyboard and mouse, but it's easy enough to purchase them as an extra. If you're not that keen to type out a whole document using the tablet's touch screen - don't stress. You can purchase a keyboard to make it easier to type. You don't need a full-size keyboard either. Plenty of manufacturers and third-party companies make folio-style keyboards that fold over and protect the screen when not in use. It just bumps up the overall price of the tablet.

2. Low processor speeds for work

Although tablet devices can be very helpful for making presentations, they do have processor speed limitations when compared to laptop computers. Processor-intense activities such as rendering video, using complex spreadsheets, or image editing are not suited to tablets.

That being said, the iPad Air and the iPad Pro are rather impressive with their processing speeds. The iPad Air is powered by Apple's own M1 processor - the same lightning-fast chip you'll find inside some of Apple's Macbooks. Both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro are powered by Apple's M2 processor - which is the same one you'll find in Apple's new range of Macs.

So if you want a super-fast tablet, you still have options.

3. Tablets tend to lack ports

Compared to computers which often have multiple ports, tablets tend to have a single USB-C port. This can mean you need dongles or a dock to connect other accessories such as USB memory sticks or memory cards from digital cameras.

4. They can be fragile

The glass screens on tablet devices are not made for absorbing heavy impacts. Tablets are moved around a lot due to their lightweight and portable nature, which means there is the likelihood of the odd bump or even a dreaded drop. Tablet owners often seek to add some padding to their device by using a protective cover or tablet case.

5. It's harder to multitask

Are you someone who usually browses the internet with 20 tabs open? Do you like having access to lots of great programs? Most tablets will have limited capabilities compare to laptop counterparts.

As with processor speeds, Apple is making some headway in this area. You've got side-by-side multi-tasking. Plus Apple has been able to bring Final Cut Pro and Logic to iPad. Although, Adobe's iPad apps are still somewhat stripped back compared to the Mac versions.

Data-only plans for tablets

To get connected with a cellular tablet you'll need a SIM plan. Here's a range of popular data-only plans from our database:

$70 Pre-Paid Mobile Broadband Go

Mobile Broadband
300GB Data
Prepaid (28 Days)

Link not supplied

400GB Data SIM Only

Mobile Broadband
400GB Data

/mth

Min. cost $70

Link not supplied

/mth

Min. cost $70

Link not supplied

$95 Data Plan

Mobile Broadband
30GB Data
Prepaid (365 Days)

Link not supplied

Small Data SIM Only Plan

Mobile Broadband
60GB Data
Deal: Get 60GB of data each month (incl. 30GB bonus data) on the Small Data SIM Only plan, ends 02.09.24. T&Cs apply.

/mth

Min. cost $20

Link not supplied

/mth

Min. cost $20

Link not supplied

$130 Prepaid Data Only SIM (Online Only)

Mobile Broadband
80GB Data
Prepaid (365 Days)

130

Link not supplied

130

Link not supplied

100GB Mobile Broadband Data Plan

Mobile Broadband
100GB Data
Deal: $29.90/month for first 6 months, then $34.90/month

.90/mth

Min. cost $29.90

Link not supplied

.90/mth

Min. cost $29.90

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Industrial tablet PC. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Link not supplied

Data Plan Large

Mobile Broadband
120GB Data
Prepaid (90 Days)
Deal: Get 30GB Bonus Data on Large Data Plan until 05.11.24

Link not supplied

Extra Small Mobile Broadband

Mobile Broadband
7GB Data
Contract (12 mths)

/mth

Min. cost $180

Link not supplied

/mth

Min. cost $180

Link not supplied

Mobile Broadband Unlimited

Mobile Broadband
Unlimited Data

.95/mth

Min. cost $69.95

Link not supplied

.95/mth

(plan + modem)

Min. cost $69.95

Link not supplied

90GB Data Plan

Mobile Broadband
90GB Data
Prepaid (28 Days)
Deal: Get 90GB for $30 on your first renewal (save $30) when you sign up by 17.09.24

Link not supplied

If you haven't got your tablet yet you can compare options on a plan here:

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (4th gen) 128GB 5G Plans

Filters

With at least 200MB data

Upfront Tablet Plan Small

30GB Data
Device Payments (36 mths)
Deal Get 3 months Telstra Device Security + exclusive entertainment deals across selected streaming apps!

.80/mth

Min. cost $1,673.80

.80/mth

(plan + tablet)

Min. cost $1,673.80

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 128GB 5G Plans

Filters

With at least 200MB data

Small Data Plan

60GB Data
Device Payments (36 mths)
Deal Get 60GB of data each month (incl. 30GB bonus data) on the Small Data plan, ends 02.09.24. T&Cs apply.

.02/mth

Min. cost $1,568.72

Link not supplied

.02/mth

(plan + tablet)

Min. cost $1,568.72

Link not supplied

20GB Optus Choice Plus Data Plan (M2M)

20GB Data
Device Payments (36 mths)

.02/mth

Min. cost $1,568.72

Link not supplied

.02/mth

(plan + tablet)

Min. cost $1,568.72

Link not supplied

Upfront Tablet Plan Small

30GB Data
Device Payments (36 mths)
Deal Get 3 months Telstra Device Security + exclusive entertainment deals across selected streaming apps!

.02/mth

Min. cost $1,573.72

Link not supplied

.02/mth

(plan + tablet)

Min. cost $1,573.72

Link not supplied

So, why buy a tablet?

When it comes to computing, we're all spoiled for choice. Though desktop and laptop computers are still extremely popular, there are dozens of everyday situations where a smartphone or tablet is the best solution. They're fun, easy to use devices best suited to web browsing and apps.

If you're looking for something super portable but want the tablet advantage of a bigger screen, you might consider a plus sized smartphone like the iPhone 15 Plus or a foldable like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5.

One of the areas larger phones are still really ahead in is their camera capabilities. So if you're a happy snapper who's not 100% sold on a table, a larger might be the best way to go.

At the end of the day it all comes down into what you want to do? If you want to browse, use social media, read books then a tablet may suit your needs. However you may get more benefit for more intensive tasks with a laptop.

Find a better tablet plan

Thousands of tablet plans unpacked. All the facts. No surprises.

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