What is a tablet PC? What is a tablet computer

A separate class of computer devices called tablets, which are larger in size than smartphones and smaller than laptops, have firmly conquered the markets in recent years. Today, tablet computers are one of the best-selling devices.

What are tablet computers

If we briefly define what a tablet computer is, we can say that a tablet is a device with a touch screen that has the size of an ordinary book and that performs the functions of a computer.

Such devices include the tablets themselves, otherwise called Internet tablets, e-readers, transformable laptops, which can take the form of both a laptop and a tablet.

Tablets are smaller and lighter than laptops, making them easy to carry. Due to their size and computing power, tablets have less power, but have longer battery life. And compared to smartphones, they have a larger screen size, which is better when watching videos or text information for a long time.

Tablet computer device

Today, tablets no longer look like a book, but like a thin notebook. The entire area is occupied by the touch screen, and the thickness is several millimeters (about 1 cm). But today's development of technology makes it possible to fit into such a volume all the hardware modules that are found in a regular computer. The tablet computer includes:

• CPU- may have 1-8 cores, and the operating frequency is within 1-2 GHz;
• RAM— volume from 512 MB to 3 GB, DDR2 and DDR3 technologies;

These two parameters (processor and memory) directly affect the performance of the tablet, therefore, the higher the characteristics and the larger the parameters of these modules, the better.

Other modules:

• Built-in memory— an analogue of a hard drive in a PC, usually the volume ranges from 4 GB to 128 GB;
• Internet communication modules: Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G— (4G is only being planned for now, 3G coverage is available, but not everywhere, everyone can have Wi-Fi at home or in access points);
• Additional hardware modules: front and rear cameras, a set of connectors (USB, HDMI, etc.), navigation systems (GPS, GLONASS, etc.), sets of various sensors (light, proximity, compass, etc.), card reader.

Tablet functions

The functionality of a tablet computer is affected by screen size and performance, depending on the processor and amount of RAM.

Since today's tablets are mostly devices for consuming content rather than creating it, the functions they perform are determined by this.

Tablet features:

The functions of tablets can be expanded by installing additional applications from application stores from Apple, Google, and Microsoft. The companies created these stores for their operating systems, so depending on who has which OS you choose the store.

It is worth remembering that a tablet cannot completely replace a personal computer due to performance limitations. It is rather an addition to your PC that you can always take with you on the road or travel. Mobility is one of the main advantages of a tablet computer.

History of tablets

The first models of tablet computers were also called Tablet PC and Slate PC. Tablet PC differed from other tablets in that they already had an operating system installed on them from computers (Windows XP, 7). This made it possible to use regular programs on the tablet. But the problem was that such systems were not designed to work with touch screens, and therefore were difficult to operate. Usually these were transformable laptops, in which, when rotated, you can put the screen on the keyboard. It was the very beginning of the 2000s.

And closer to 2010, there appeared Slate PC(thin PC). They were smaller in size and still retained compatibility with the IBM PC, which made it possible to use the software from a regular computer. They were already running operating systems redesigned for touch screens. The use of computer programs made it possible not only to consume content, but also to create it.

In parallel with this, tablets that were not compatible with the IBM PC were also developing. The use of an operating system not from a computer made it possible to make it as convenient as possible for working with a touch screen. Many add-ons have been created to work with such operating systems. Such devices were then called Internet tablets. This emphasized that they were created to consume content, not to create it. That is, on such tablets you can listen to music, watch videos or photos, and surf the Internet. Of course, you can print texts and work with tables on them, but the small screen and lack of a hardware keyboard impose limitations on such work. Therefore, attention was not focused on such work, and it was content viewing services that received development.

The year 2010 can be called a revolutionary stage in the development of tablets. Just this year Apple released its first Internet tablet called iPad.

Then everyone saw the winning idea that tablets should consume content, not create. Tablet PC and Slate PC are a thing of the past; Internet tablets have since firmly conquered the market. Since that year, all devices with a touch screen, display diagonal sizes from 7 inches to 12 inches, without a hardware keyboard and mouse are called tablets or tablet computers. It is only possible to classify e-books in a separate class, which in size also fit this description.

Tablet PC

Toshiba 3500 Tablet Laptop

Tablet personal computer (tablet pc, tablet PC) - a class of laptops equipped with a tablet handwriting input device combined with a screen. A tablet computer allows you to work with a stylus or fingers, without using a keyboard or mouse.

The user can enter text using the built-in handwriting recognition program, on-screen (virtual) keyboard, speech recognition, or a regular keyboard (if the device has one).

Most tablet PCs run the Windows XP Tablet PC Edition operating system. Tablet PCs went on wide sale after the release of this edition, in the fall of the year. Before this, devices of this type were used in narrower markets - in manufacturing, medicine and government agencies. There are also tablets running various variants of GNU/Linux.

According to design, tablet PCs are divided into:

• "clean tablets"- devices without a full keyboard;
• tablet laptops, also called "convertibles" convertible) or transformers, because of its ability to transform: the device can look like a laptop, the screen can be rotated around its axis by 180° and placed on the keyboard - the laptop will look like a tablet.
• UMPC- a compact version of a tablet computer designed to replace a PDA. It has some design differences, as well as some differences in the interface, since it is designed specifically for finger control. May have a built-in keyboard, usually non-standard.

In addition, tablet computers are divided into two classes based on the principle of operation of the tablet:

• Electromagnetic principle of tablet operation. The most numerous class, allows you to work with the tablet only with the help of a special stylus. The advantages of this approach are the high accuracy of text recognition, the accuracy of determining the pressure applied, as well as the lack of reaction to accidental pressing of the hand or fingers when writing. As a rule, Wacom technology is used.
• Pressure sensitive tablet. Less numerous class, although becoming more popular over time. The advantage is that such a tablet can be controlled without using a stylus, which can be convenient in some situations. In addition, this approach makes it possible to create interfaces specifically designed for finger control, including recognition of multiple touches and gestures. UMPCs belong to this class. The disadvantages are less accuracy, worse quality of letter recognition, the negative impact of the tablet on the quality and brightness of the screen, as well as the possibility of accidental clicks when writing.

The most popular tablet laptops are Acer and Fujitsu, as well as

Tablet PCs vs. Laptops

Advantages

• A tablet PC is much more “human” - you can stand or walk with it, holding it in one hand. The second hand can be used to enter text or click on links while surfing the web. It is convenient to read e-books using the vertical screen orientation.
• Lying on a table, the folded tablet allows you to work without interrupting your line of sight (for example, in a business meeting)

Flaws

• A tablet laptop is about $300 more expensive than a regular laptop with the same specifications, although this difference is expected to decrease to $75 over time.
• The screen of a tablet laptop is less secure because the screen is held on one rotating hinge - unlike a regular laptop, the screen of which is held on two hinges.
• The tablet PC screen is currently limited to 14 inches. In addition, a special pressure-sensitive screen coating reduces viewing angles and brightness.

Links

see also

See what “Tablet PC” is in other dictionaries:

tablet- oh, oh. planchette f. Rel. to the tablet. Printed tablet table, seal. Brokg. 46 508. He was finishing a large order from a research institute for fine tablet work, but, being a shy and timid person by nature, he did not ask for an advance. V. Barvenko Gon. //… … Historical Dictionary of Gallicisms of the Russian Language

TABLET, tablet, tablet (special). adj. to the tablet. Ushakov's explanatory dictionary. D.N. Ushakov. 1935 1940 … Ushakov's Explanatory Dictionary

Why you need it: seven reasons to buy a tablet

Before talking about the advantages of tablets, it is worth deciding what exactly this term means. Traditionally, a tablet is a type of laptop that allows you to enter handwritten information using a touch screen. In other words, you can imagine that a tablet is either a much larger smartphone with a touch screen, or a netbook without a traditional keyboard. This is why the tablet is so often compared with the first or the second, but this is not entirely true. Tablets usually run on dedicated operating systems, such as Android, iOS, webOS, and so on.

What reasons prompt us to buy a tablet?

Reason one: it makes the job easier

Tablet computers make simple everyday tasks much easier: checking email, surfing the Internet, viewing and simply editing documents, viewing graphs and drawings, reading e-books. The diagonal of most tablets usually ranges from 7 to 10 inches, which is quite comparable to netbooks. A screen of this size allows you to fully load web pages and view office documents with almost no scrolling. Tablets are quite convenient for displaying, for example, your own portfolio, graphs, diagrams and so on. The presence of a touch screen significantly reduces the time for such small movements as scrolling through files or changing the scale, and the finger-oriented interface is much more convenient than a mouse or touchpad on laptops.

Thanks to the abundance of programs for tablets, it can become a real professional tool. Office applications let you create and edit documents and spreadsheets on the go. Available for iOS and Android devices, Photoshop Express is a great tool for mobile image retouching. The well-known Garage Band application for the iPad tablet is a real mini-studio for music lovers.

In a word, thanks to application markets for tablets, you can solve almost any problem. Nevertheless, former Apple CEO Steve Jobs very accurately described the essence of tablets at the presentation of the iPad 2: “A tablet and a desktop computer are like a car and a truck. A passenger car copes with many tasks, but for more difficult work you need a truck.” So the tablet should be perceived as a convenient tool for simple work and not expect more serious functionality from it.

Reason two: it is suitable for home

You can find a lot of uses for a tablet at home. When tablets first appeared, many considered them just a prestigious photo frame, but this is far from the case. It’s much more convenient to read the latest news, check your email or select photos from your next trip while sitting on the couch rather than at your desk. In addition, many tablets today have the function of connecting to a TV via HDMI, that is, it is possible to play videos or photos on the TV screen through the tablet. For example, tablets Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, Apple iPad 2, Acer Iconia Tab 501 and others are equipped with similar outputs, but connection will require special adapters and cables. Again, thanks to the application market, the tablet can become a convenient planner of current affairs and purchases, an alarm clock, an adviser and a true friend.

Reason three: it's easy to travel with

Perhaps the main advantage of a tablet is its mobility, the ability to always have it at hand without unnecessary problems. The average weight of tablets ranges from 600 to 900 grams, which is significantly less than most netbooks. The tablet will easily fit into a briefcase or a handbag and will become an excellent companion on the road. The memory capacity of most tablets today is at least 16 GB, which is enough for a collection of your favorite tunes, a good hundred e-books and a couple of videos to pass the time on the road.

Using your tablet, you can immediately create photo galleries (for example, the Acer Iconia Tab A500 has a microSD card reader and a USB connector for flash drives). The battery life of tablets ranges from 6 to 10 hours (for example, the famous iPad tablet from Apple works for at least 10 hours), which means that you do not need to constantly carry a charger with you. In this regard, a tablet is much more like a mobile phone, which today you simply cannot do without.

Many tablets are equipped with a GPS navigator and contain maps, which can be convenient when walking or driving in unfamiliar places. Of course, with a large screen size, the tablet will not be as convenient to use as a traditional GPS navigator, but in difficult times it will tell you the way.

Reason four: it is also interesting for children

The good thing about a tablet is that there can be many scenarios for its use. However, as practice shows, tablets are much more accessible to children than computers or laptops due to their simple design.

According to numerous user reviews, two-year-old children can easily learn to work with a tablet on the iOS mobile system, which runs the popular iPad 2 tablet. More and more companies today are developing new educational and developmental applications for children - interactive alphabet books, bright books, funny games. In this regard, tablets provide more freedom for creativity, more interactivity in games and applications due to touch capacitive screens and support for multiple touches (multi-touch). Thus, a tablet can become one of the most original ways of teaching and developing children, especially since at present there is no escape from mobile technologies.

Reason five: it is easy to modify

Bluetooth Keyboard Case and Keyboard Dock

The good thing about tablets is that most of them can be easily modified depending on the user's needs. The ability to connect tablets to a TV to watch movies has already been mentioned above. For those who type a lot, tablets with a detachable keyboard (for example, Asus EEE Pad Transformer) are suitable. Many tablet models also come with a Bluetooth keyboard; in this case, it’s worth purchasing a docking station to fix the tablet in a certain position. For the iPad 2, for example, there is a keyboard with a docking station that also charges the tablet computer. Accessory manufacturers have even gone so far as to create special cases with a keyboard already built into them, which quite elegantly solves the problem of typing on the road or when moving privately.

Case with notepad

By the way, the range of cases for tablets is incredibly diverse, and you can choose convenient options specifically for your needs. There are even somewhat redundant hybrids: for example, a tablet case contains an additional block for traditional handwritten notes. In a word, with the help of additional accessories you can turn your tablet into a truly functional and convenient device for you.

Reason six: tablets are different

HTC Flyer, Asus EEE Pad Transformer and Sony Tablet P

Despite the fact that the tablet market is currently just gaining momentum, many manufacturers are already delighting users with a variety of options that are completely different from each other.

We have already mentioned the Asus EEE Pad Transformer tablet with a detachable keyboard, which, when connected to the tablet, makes it incredibly similar to a regular laptop.

HTC's Flyer tablet is an interesting combination of mobility and functionality - a seven-inch screen, light weight and a special stylus for taking notes in almost any application. Due to its size, such a tablet is suitable for those who travel frequently and want to be constantly in touch. The tablet is comfortable to hold in your hand and work with it on the move.

A compromise option between seven and ten inches is offered by Samsung - the 8.9-inch Galaxy Tab 8.9 tablet. Recently, an elegant solution for ladies appeared on the market: the Sony Tablet P tablet in the form of a clamshell with two screens based on the Android operating system.

All this diversity indicates that manufacturers continue to look for new forms and variations of tablets for different categories of users, which means choosing something suitable will not be difficult.

Reason seven: he looks impressive

Whatever you say, a tablet is a fashion device, effective in almost any environment. Undoubtedly, your friends and colleagues will appreciate and envy the convenience and portability of your tablet, and will also feel the benefits of this device when demonstrating its capabilities.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that a tablet is not a full replacement for either a laptop or a cell phone, so it can hardly be called one of the most necessary devices. However, the positive aspects of the tablet are quite obvious, so it can become a quite useful assistant in your mobile family.

A tablet PC is a portable computer with touch controls, where you can operate it with a stylus or your fingers, with or without the use of a keyboard and mouse.

Touch control is carried out by pressing your finger on the screen or using an electronic pen (stylus).

Instead of the usual keyboard, you can use a stylus, which is more convenient for pressing small buttons on the screen than with your finger. The stylus looks like a regular pen with a thin lead.

Tablet personal computer (Tablet PC) is a computer with touch control, which appeared in November 2002 after Microsoft presented its new development Tablet PC. Its main difference is that the standard keyboard and mouse are replaced by a touch screen.

Hardware compatibility with conventional PCs is the main feature that distinguishes Tablet PCs from other mobile devices. Mobility is an equally important component.

There are tablet computers that look like laptops. In this case, you can divide such a “laptop” into two parts: “pull out” the upper part and use it as a full-fledged tablet, and leave the lower part (keyboard) until needed.

Tablet computers support the following operating systems:

1. Android (4.2.2);
2. Windows XP (outdated build);
3. (updated to Windows 8);
4. Windows 8;
5. MacOS X;
6. Linux (rare).

Ergonomics, compactness, powerful battery – these are the advantages of tablet PCs. Regarding the battery, we can add that you can work with a Tablet PC in much the same way as with a mobile phone. When the tablet is discharged, you need to charge it, after which you can again work with the tablet without a charger.

However, just like with a laptop, you do not need to turn off the tablet, but leave it together with the charger, which is plugged into a socket (220V). This is the option when you can “ruin” the tablet’s battery in the shortest possible time.

Disadvantages - on tablet computers it is inconvenient to work with programs for editing audio, video files, graphics, spreadsheets, etc. In other words, a Tablet PC is not suitable for working with content.

If you choose which is better - a tablet computer or a laptop, we can say that in general a laptop is better, it is more functional. But if possible, it is better to use a laptop for work, and for trips, for meetings, and on the road it is more convenient to take a tablet computer with you.

The tablet may (or may not) have a stylus. With its help, you can write on the screen of your tablet PC the same way you wrote in a notebook at school. When I tried handwriting on a tablet PC, at first I thought it would just be a picture, which, in general, is also not bad.

And when I saw that my scribbles were automatically recognized as if I were typing them on the keyboard, and this wonderful transformation could be immediately inserted into a specified place in a letter, or into any other text on the tablet screen, I was amazed.

I know that many users have recently become much more accustomed to typing text on a computer keyboard than writing something “by hand” on paper. Handwriting text on a tablet computer using a stylus is convenient for meetings, traveling, etc. Apparently, it’s not for nothing that we were taught to write with pens in notebooks at school, now you can write with a stylus on tablet computers :)

The presence of a stylus is a plus, but the minus is that the accuracy of pressing your fingers on the screen can be quite low.

Let's briefly consider the configuration of tablet computers:

1. , on which the speed and stability of any computer, not just a tablet, depends;
2. (RAM, 256 MB to 2 GB), the standard rule for all PCs is the more RAM, the better;
3. Video card;
4. (most tablets have the function of connecting an external memory card);
5. USB – this port is used to connect a mouse, keyboard, printer, external hard drive, flash drive, phone, etc. True, sometimes instead of regular USB there can be mini-USB.

The components that are installed in tablet PCs are, in some cases, “more powerful” than those on desktop computers.

Modern tablet PCs (regardless of the price category) can have the following wireless access modules:

1. Wi-Fi (high-speed access to a wireless network);
2. 3G and (access to a wireless network, which is carried out using a SIM card - not available on all models). This is convenient if there is no Wi-Fi;
3. Bluetooth (allows you to connect various wireless devices, such as wireless headsets).

Some tablet PCs have the following disadvantages.

Consumer electronics stores are filled with a variety of tablets. At first it seems that they all differ only in size and price tag. Even externally the devices are very similar! How to choose the right model for yourself? The answer is simple - read this article. We promise that after reading the material you will easily choose the most suitable tablet for yourself.

Sometimes, when choosing a tablet, a consumer focuses on secondary parameters. We wish you to avoid these mistakes. This article does not mention some characteristics precisely because they are not worth paying attention to. In a word, we will be glad if this guide helps you!

Choosing an operating system

An operating system is a collection of utility programs found on any fairly complex electronic device. It is its presence that allows “regular” applications to use the hardware capabilities of the gadget, ensures interaction with the user, etc. Modern tablets are equipped with one of three popular operating systems: iOS, Android or Windows. There are also “tablets” on store shelves that have a couple of operating systems installed at once. But this is more of an exception to the rule and concerns the Android/Windows combination.

iOS

The most stable operating system is iOS. It is maximally optimized, due to which it does not require a large amount of RAM. When choosing an iOS tablet, you get a user interface thought out in detail and a huge number of diverse applications. But be prepared for the fact that many of them will be paid. This OS is the property of Apple, so it is installed only on its iPad tablets, the cost of which is higher than devices with Android or Windows on board. But Cupertino products have the longest technical support, and the performance of even outdated generations of Apple gadgets is not inferior to competing offerings built on modern hardware platforms. A huge advantage of the entire family of iOS devices is the presence of a convenient ecosystem. Of course, to take full advantage of it, you need to be the owner of more than one device with an apple on the lid. The downside of the closed nature of iOS is the difficulty of directly exchanging user files and the limited ability to customize the interface. Well, the inability to expand the available memory capacity scares off many potential buyers.

Pros: easy to use, easy to learn, has a developed and convenient ecosystem.

Minuses: closed platform, memory cards are not supported, problems with exchanging third-party files, impossibility of customization (installing themes and other utilities that change the interface).

Android

The Android operating system is open and free, which is why most tablet manufacturers choose it. The software is developed by Google. The system is regularly updated, but owners of budget devices may not feel this. Some manufacturers are simply too lazy to update the firmware for those tablet computers that have been replaced by new models. The openness of Android means for users the ease of replacing “standard” applications: player, browser, keyboard, dialer, etc. Another thing is that changing really fundamental things requires the presence of “direct” hands and often entails a loss of warranty. The most unpleasant feature of this operating system is the growing appetite for system resources and the tendency to become overgrown with digital “garbage”. If a couple of generations of Android ago a sufficient amount of RAM was considered whole gigabytes, then in 2018 they are already talking about 2 Gb Total. As for “garbage,” the built-in OS tools have not yet learned how to successfully deal with it. In particularly advanced cases, only a complete reset with the loss of ALL user data allows the device to return to a comfortable operating speed. Fortunately, such a radical method is rarely required.

Pros: rich functionality, the ability to change the interface at your discretion, a large number of free applications.

Minuses: rare system updates on budget tablets, increased resource requirements for stable operation.

Windows

Tablet computers with Windows on board have existed for a long time. But it was only a few years ago that they started getting rid of fans and processors that drain battery power. And with the release of the tenth version of this operating system, the interface of such devices has become much more user-friendly. On the one hand, Microsoft programmers creatively adapted many necessary things, for example, quick display of active applications, implemented a back button and a notification center. On the other hand, Windows 10 has learned to automatically switch to a more convenient mode when working with the keyboard, and the corresponding algorithm is configured. Compared to Android, this system is better optimized for low-power hardware platforms. But this same feature has become an indirect reason that current Windows tablets are either high-performance solutions or downright weak, but with a keyboard. Well, the main advantage of the Microsoft operating system is the ability to use almost any “adult” applications. Some of them don’t even have a keyboard, as long as the power of the filling allows it.

Pros: the most convenient environment for full-fledged work with a variety of content, support for third-party peripherals.

Minuses: extremely limited number of offerings with average performance levels.

Let's figure out what size tablet to choose

Photo: planshetclub.ru

7-8 inches

Portable tablets are well suited for use at home, work or school. This is facilitated by their minimal dimensions and weight. It is with the help of such “tablets” that people read books, listen to music, watch movies or play games on the go. Compact tablets are convenient as car navigators, as well as tools for mobile surfing. Finally, it is the optimal size for children's hands.

Pros: compact dimensions, minimal weight, low cost.

Minuses: The resolution most often turns out to be low, and the filling is not powerful enough.

10 inches

The best choice of tablet for home use. At the same time, modern tablet models have become so thin and light that no difficulties arise when transporting them. Large dimensions allow you to place a better acoustic system and a higher-capacity battery in the body of such a device. At the same time, many manufacturers believe that such a large tablet does not need a conversational GSM module, even if the circuit design provides support for 3G technology.

Pros: The display size is suitable for solving a large number of tasks. Both in mobile and stationary use cases.

Minuses: in budget models, graininess is noticeable due to insufficient screen resolution, many tablets lack a telephone module, and Windows devices do not have high-performance hardware.

More than 10 inches

Larger tablet computers are now available. They are equipped with a screen with a diagonal of 11 to 13 inches. Usually these are “tablets” with iOS or Windows installed; equally large devices with Android are produced much less frequently. It is clear that such devices are not very mobile and, as a rule, they are aimed at professional use.

Pros: the best size for comfortable work with both the keyboard and the stylus. Good for watching movies.

Minuses: too large dimensions and considerable weight.

Choosing the best processor for a tablet

Photo: paulov.ru

Strictly speaking, the “motor” of most tablets consists of several specialized nodes, technologically combined on a single substrate, and it is called a single-chip system (System-on-a-Chip or SoC). The only exceptions here are high-performance professional-level solutions built on Intel Core M or ULV processors, but we will not consider the features of the latter.

Number of cores

So, a typical SoC contains a number of computing units (cores) that have an ARM architecture. Again, the exception is single-chip systems of the Intel Atom family that work with x86/x64 instructions. Cores can be combined into so-called clusters and this is done to optimize energy consumption. Let's say, half of them operate at high frequencies and are turned on when necessary to service requests for greater computing power. The second “works” the rest of the time, and since the nuclei in it are relatively low-frequency, significantly less energy is consumed. It is impossible to give unambiguous advice on what number of cores is optimal in a particular case. For example, the 6-core A11 Bionic chip (from Apple) will tear the latest 8-core Helio P40 (from Mediatek), as they say, to shreds. The most we can recommend here is to pay attention to the “freshness” of the kernels. When choosing a processor for a tablet, it is best to focus on the Cortex A55/A75 generation, or at least on the A53/A73 combination (energy efficient/fast, respectively), as well as their custom versions.

Video subsystem

The second component of the mobile processor is the accelerator - a kind of built-in video card. If the tablet is not intended to be used for gaming or working with complex graphics, you don’t need to pay much attention to the performance of this unit. Otherwise, you have to take into account the speed at which the video accelerator is capable of performing floating point operations (Flops). In addition, screen resolution also matters here. Everyone has their own idea of ​​a comfortable refresh rate, as well as requirements for graphics quality settings. However, we would venture to say that tablets with SoCs delivering about 100 GFlops have sufficient gaming performance.

SoCs and their manufacturers

The development of the ARM architecture itself was carried out by a company of the same name, which licensed its solutions to everyone. Currently, the rights to this intellectual property have been acquired by the Japanese corporation SoftBank. There are about one and a half thousand licensees in total, but we are interested in the following products:

APPLE Ax

Based on the licensed ones, the Cupertino team is developing its own version of the kernels. PowerVR accelerators from Imagination Technologies are used as the graphics subsystem. The A11 Bionic single-chip system already has its own GPU, but tablets based on this SoC are not yet available. Very powerful chips in every sense, even the outdated A9. There are fewer cores, lower frequencies, and they beat all competitors.

Pros: Apple tablets have truly high gaming and general performance, and also support all the most advanced features.

Minuses: overpriced.

Samsung also prefers to modify stock cores. Its SoC series 7870, 7880, 7885 and all eight-thousand series are currently relevant. To process graphics, they use older versions of Mali accelerators (T830, T880, G71). What can I say - the power of such a system is enough for all the needs of the tablet and its owner. If necessary, South Koreans install third-party SoCs in their devices.

Pros: Samsung tablets are characterized by excellent performance and the presence of all modern bells and whistles.

Minuses: price, sometimes unoptimized firmware.

INTEL ATOM

The feature of this single-chip system is its extremely low power consumption. The company managed to “shrink” its thermal package to a couple of watts, and Intel now does not want to change this situation. Accordingly, we are not even talking about any performance records. Unfortunately, low-budget Windows tablets are based on the Atom platform.

Pros: Tablets based on Intel Atom chips are affordable and have decent battery life.

Minuses: The power of a single-chip system is only enough to perform simple tasks.

This SoC family is produced by a subsidiary of Huawei for some mobile devices of the parent brand. The Chinese do not bother with upgrading stock ARM cores, so their single-chip systems usually work a little slower than their classmates. Just like Exynos, Kirin chips have Mali graphics accelerators. The trouble is that HiSilicon engineers (or management) like to save money. Where Samsung's SoC uses a 12-core version of Mali, Huawei mobile processors often make do with 4-core ones. With all the ensuing consequences.

Pros: a brand with very decent flagship-level chips.

Minuses: Mid-budget single-chip systems have good overall performance and mediocre gaming performance.

MEDIATEK

The brand of the same name is more fully represented than all its competitors in the segment of low-cost solutions. The company uses ready-made cores and graphics (PowerVR and Mali). It does not engage in optimization, does not have its own production, and its financial capabilities do not allow it to invest in partners. As a result, MediaTek single-chip systems lag behind alternative offerings because they are manufactured according to outdated technological standards. On paper, such SoCs may look great, but in real life, not so much. But the company’s chips simply work perfectly with GPS.

Pros: a huge range of entry-level and mid-level single-chip systems.

Minuses: noticeably inferior to industry leaders in technological terms.

SNAPDRAGON

The most popular and most widespread single-chip systems. They are developed by Qualcomm based on deeply redesigned licensed cores and its own Adreno accelerators. Such SoCs are characterized by excellent general and gaming performance, good energy efficiency, and other goodies. The main disadvantage is the increased cost.

Pros: Snapdragon chips make excellent tablets of various levels.

Minuses: They are relatively expensive, and the most affordable solutions are inferior to their direct competitors on other platforms.

RockChip, Spreadtrum and the like

They specialize in ultra-budget solutions. Stock cores and accelerators, the most “rough” technological standards possible at the time of production - you can’t expect any miracles from such single-chip systems.

Pros: the corresponding tablets have tempting price tags.

Minuses: suitable for the most undemanding users. As a rule, they have an outdated set of wireless interfaces and are not at all impressive in terms of autonomy.

Technological process

We have already mentioned this term several times, it remains to explain what the standards used to create the SoC influence. Everything is very simple, the smaller the chip topology, the higher its operating frequencies (performance) and the lower the power consumption. The most technologically advanced mobile crystals are now manufactured at 10 nm standards. The 14-16 nm process technology is also still quite modern.

RAM

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It is a storage device with quick access to content that requires constant “maintenance” of the stored information. When the power is turned off, the latter simply disappears. While the tablet is operating, the RAM contains the operating system kernel, various services, running applications, as well as most of the data they use. If there is not enough space for a priority task, some user programs running in the background may stop and move to the so-called cache. With a more rigid option, only important data remains there, and the applications themselves are completely “unloaded”. The bad thing is that a significant lack of “RAM” leads not only to slowdown of the device, but also to active use of the built-in memory, i.e. its accelerated wear. The more applications you plan to use simultaneously (for example, a social network client, instant messenger, music player, game), the more impressive your tablet should be in terms of this characteristic. For hardcore gamers, we generally recommend focusing on the amount of memory with an “extra” gigabyte. At the same time, a clear excess of this resource entails increased battery consumption.

1 GB

A critical minimum, sufficient for the system to operate and one or two simple user applications. In principle, such a volume is provided by low-power devices that are not suitable for anything else. It is best if the operating system of a tablet of this class has a lightweight user shell. Ideally, “naked” Android.

Pros: affordable price.

Minuses: serious restrictions on the number of programs running in the background.

2 GB

Normal amount of memory for most applications with a moderate appetite for system resources. It is enough for several background applications, five or two open tabs in the browser and displaying images on the screen with a resolution no higher than Full HD. “Heavy” games will work, but almost all other tasks will have to be stopped. This applies to Android and Windows. The iOS operating system will not experience any problems with 2 GB memory.

Pros: The lack of RAM is almost never felt.

Minuses: insufficient volume for particularly demanding games and resolutions above Full HD.

3 GB

Comfortable amount of RAM for the vast majority of situations and scenarios for using the tablet. Guarantees stable system operation with a 2K resolution screen. Noticeable delays can only be observed when running two resource-intensive applications in parallel.

Pros: There will always be enough memory, with the exception of specific cases.

Minuses: Hardly ever.

4 GB or more

More than three gigabytes of RAM is still relatively rare in tablets. This volume does not limit the user in any way; it is enough for any number of applications and all three-dimensional games.

Pros: absence of any restrictions.

Minuses: high price.

Additional functionality

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Memory card slot

Any tablet computer has some amount of non-volatile memory. It is also called constant. It stores the operating system and user data (applications, music, videos, documents and other files). A microSD card slot helps expand the available space. Unfortunately, it is not available in Apple products, so you will have to decide right away which iPad with how much built-in memory to buy.

Wi-Fi, 3G or 4G

Before buying a tablet, be sure to familiarize yourself with what modules are used to connect to the Internet. Budget devices offer data transfer only via Wi-Fi. Slightly more expensive devices have a SIM card slot. In this case, you can connect to 3G networks. Modern models are capable of working with fourth generation mobile networks. It would be a good idea for you to clarify which LTE bands the tablet supports. Domestic operators can exchange data on the bands B3, B7, B20, B38 and B40. But there is no particular variety in terms of high-speed Internet connection capabilities among 4G tablets yet. Returning to Wi-Fi, let us recall that this wireless interface can operate at frequencies of 2.4 and 5 GHz. If you frequently use your tablet in an apartment building or a large business center, you should opt for a dual-band model.

GPS navigation

Most tablets can successfully perform the functions of a navigator, but there are some models built using a universal radio module. Those. The device supports cellular networks - there is GPS. An example would be the “simply” Wi-Fi and Cellular versions of the iPad.

Cameras

The last thing you should pay attention to when choosing a tablet is the camera. Nowadays, it’s a rare manufacturer that integrates decent optics and a sensor into a tablet. The resolution of the main module matrix is ​​most often five or eight megapixels. The photo quality does not exceed that obtained when using a mid-priced smartphone. There is nothing to say about budget tablets - they produce blurry or too noisy pictures.

Keyboard support

In general, there are no fundamental restrictions for using a Bluetooth keyboard in any tablet. And many models with the Windows operating system have full-size USB ports, which makes it possible to connect a manipulator or input device via a radio channel through an appropriate adapter. The peculiarity of the listed options is that such methods do not guarantee the stability of the pairing, and they are also accompanied by increased energy consumption. If you plan to use the tablet for active work with text, choose a tablet with a supplied or optional keyboard connected via a mechanical connector.

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When choosing a drawing tablet, first of all we pay attention to:

• stylus- it must be included in the kit.
• display— resolution and diagonal should be as high as possible.

Additionally, look at the operating system. A huge number of graphic editors have been created for Windows, but not every tablet will run Photoshop. Therefore, in some cases it is worth looking towards Android, which is much better optimized for use on a portable device. Professional models on iOS are ideal for digital creativity, but they also have an appropriate price.

Tablet computer for the Internet

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If you buy a tablet primarily for surfing the Internet, when choosing, pay attention to:

• display— its diagonal should be large enough so that small print can be easily read.
• 3G or 4G support- thanks to it you can access the Internet via mobile networks.

It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the amount of RAM. The larger it is, the more stable the browser will work, the more tabs you can open. The operating system is of least interest. Surfing the Internet is the same for both iOS and Android or Windows.

Tablet computer for games

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If you are choosing a tablet for gaming, then pay attention to:

• CPU— you need to focus on a model with a powerful graphics subsystem.
• RAM- many modern games are demanding on its volume; they require at least 3 GB.

Additionally, you should familiarize yourself with the battery capacity. Even a tablet with a fairly solid battery will not allow you to play for more than four hours at a time. What can we say about Chinese devices with tiny batteries...

Tablet computer for a child

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If you are going to give a tablet to a child, then pay attention to:

• availability of children's mode— there is absolutely no need for a child to go to “adult” sites, and the user interface of the device should be colorful and extremely simple.
• accessories— the device will have to withstand increased loads, so a thick protective bumper will be very useful.

Pay attention to the possibility of the tablet “growing” along with the child’s development. Specialized models are good in terms of ease of access to children's content, but they do not have much potential.