WHAT IS A TABLET?

In its most basic terms, tablets are defined as one-piece portable computers that utilize a touchscreen and a person’s finger, or digital pen as the primary mode of input and operation. It’s the easiest and most intuitive method of computing ever devised. The tablet effectively does away with the need for a mouse and keyboard, which are essential input components of a laptop or desktop computer. The key differentiator of the tablet is the use of apps and a touchscreen to use the devices.

Based on their size, the battery life of tablets are considerably longer than that of traditional laptops. However, a tablet’s total processing power and memory capacity is usually less than a standard laptop as well. The trade-off is maximum portability and ease of use versus computing power and memory capacity.

Low Priced 8.0 inch Tablet

Android 4.1 System

8G Storage

Very Affordable Tablet

UNDER $150!

Samsung Galaxy
10.1 Version 2

Large 10.1 inch Screen

Dual Core Processors

Dual Webcams

Solid Device with Android 4.0

Google Nexus 7
Our Pick: Tablet of the Year!

32GB Storage with WIFI

New Android 4.1 System

Access to Google Play Apps

Very Powerful Device. Under $250.

barnes & Noble Nook HD Tablet

High Definition Screen

8GB Storage

Android 4.0 System

Access to Millions of Books and Movies

Affordable 10.1 Inch Tablet

Wifi + 10" Screen

8 GB Storage

1080P + Android 4.0

Affordable Android 4.0 Tablet
UNDER $200!

Amazon
Kindle Fre

8GB Storage and USB 2.0

9 Hour Battery Life

Great for eBooks as well

Affordable and Powerful Tablet

OUR TOP 5 TABLETS

1. Apple iPad – Apple gave birth to the modern tablet industry with the introduction of the iPad in 2010. The iconic device is the most popular tablet in the world, and the apps that run on the iPad are more popular, and outsell all others. The iPad, available in 9.7 inch or new 7.9 inch sizes, is famous for its crystal-clear display, highly responsive touchscreen, and overall user experience. It is the unrivalled best selling tablet in the world (the link is for the iPad 2 - which has become very affordable now).

2. Amazon Kindle Fire – Amazon’s Kindle Fire is a top seller based partly on the impressive device specs, and partly on the enormous ecosystem of books, movies, music, and the Amazon Marketplace built into the device. The Kindle Fire has a HD display, responsive touchscreen, and a treasure trove of included apps.

3. Google Nexus 7 - The Nexus 7 is by far the best “Bang for your Buck” tablet on the list. The 7 inch Android powered device (Google is the owner of the Android OS incidentally) is ultra-portable and engineered to exacting details. The high-def display and touchscreen rival the iPad for clarity and responsiveness.

4. Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 – The world’s number 2 tablet maker by volume did not achieve that mark by accident. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 is arguably the best Android tablet on the market at any price – some say it is the best tablet period, even better than the iPad. Samsung has perfected the digital pen technology as an input alternative and has achieved the optimal balance of processing power and battery life with the Galaxy Tab 10.1.

5. Microsoft Surface with Windows – Previous to the Surface, all major tablets, other than the iPad, were powered by the Android operating system. The Microsoft Surface tablet runs a special version of Windows 8 that was designed specifically for tablets called Windows RT. The Surface tablet runs popular the Microsoft Office programs like Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Outlook.

TABLET INDUSTRY GROWTH

IDC has just released a report (April 2013) outlining the growth (and decline) of segments within the PC industry. Smartphones and tablets are on the upward trend, while PC's are on the decline. IDC expects the tablet industry is expected to grow by nearly 175% between now and 2017.

The tablet industry shipped 128million devices in 2012 and the number is expected to grow to 352million tablets shippped for the 2017 year alone.
IDC expects tablet shipments to outrank PC shipments in 2013 and portable PC's in 2014.

This year, IDC expects tablets to grow 48% over last year (year over year growth) and the analysts expect 190million tablets to be shipped this calendar year. The worldwide "smart connected device" market will continue to have rapid growth - where IDC expects 2.2billion total devices to be shipped in the 2017 calendar year. This will represent a total revenue of $814billion for the entire industry - of which tablets will have a 16% share.

The "tablets" industry will be valued at approximately $130billion in 2017 (814 / 16%).