The huge boom in tablet sales has evolved from Apple dominating the market with the iPad to practically every electronics company producing them. While this does mean that there is more variety and selection, it also makes it harder to decide which one to buy and how to identify the lesser quality gadgets. If you are buying one for the first time, you might find it very different than buying a laptop or a desktop computer. Even if you have bought and used similar electronics before, it can still be difficult to decide which one of the many models available on the shelves and online is the best one for you and which will work the best. This quick guide will help you decide which device to buy, one that will work perfectly for your needs.
1. Identify Your Needs
Not all machines are made the same, so the only way that you can decide what you should be looking for is to find what you need from yours. Making a list that you can use as a reference when browsing retail websites is one ideal method. Will you be needing a smaller tablet for easier transport or increased storage space for photos and videos? There are plenty of quizzes and flowcharts online, such as this one from SelectSmart, which can help you identify which make and model you should buy, or even if you would be better off with a laptop or desktop computer. It will even make some suggestions for you. Just ensure that the quiz you choose is up to date so you don’t miss out on the more recent models.
2. Read Reviews
You should have a few options to consider now. The next step is to check out some reliable online reviews to find out how well these devices work and if they have met the needs of other users. Both professional reviews from tech websites and customer reviews from Amazon and other retail websites will be useful. The former gives a more technical overview from knowledgeable technology writers while the latter will provide honest reviews from users. Check out some tech reviews from PC Mag to start you off and keep your objective eyes open.
3. Select Your Hardware
By now, you have probably started browsing tablets for sale from DailySale and other retailers. Look carefully at all of the specs at the devices you are considering. The hardware and software you choose will be the most important decision in buying your device. You need to ensure that the one you choose is up to date, as it can cost extra money to upgrade. It should also have all of the software you will be requiring on a regular basis. For instance, if you will be using your tablet to catch up on work, then you need to ensure it includes the latest version of Microsoft Word. If you want to play games and watch movies, you will need a decent graphics card and sound card, a strong wireless internet signal, and long battery life. It is also worth considering what additional accessories you will need, such as a case or stylus, as the cost of these will need to be added to your total budget.
4. Find the Best Value
Now that have reduced your choices down to a few options, it is time to decide if they are good value for money and make the most of your budget. There are plenty of budget tablets available which contain only the basic functions. These are ideal if you only need to check your e-mail and update a few documents on the move. Previous years’ models and second hand devices are also cheaper options that can still work for some people’s needs. However, you need to ensure that the cheaper price tag does not mean that you will be getting a device that does not work properly or will break and need replacing within just a few months. Buying second hand unit can also be risky, as there may be a defect that the seller will not tell you about.
The opposite can happen as well. Some of the more expensive machines contain the same features and hardware as the slightly cheaper options. These could also be luxuries you won’t need often and aren’t worth the higher price. Be sure to compare prices and not go straight for the cheapest or the most expensive available option right away.
Deciding on the right tablet for the best price can take a little time and effort, but it doesn’t have to be too complicated. Following these steps, taking all of your needs into consideration, and spending a little time browsing can help you find the best device for you without the headache of repairs or replacements.
