Tablet device and computers come in all sizes, shapes, forms, prices, and features. From the 2002 release of the Microsoft Tablet PC, a tablet personal computer product concept that targeted field workers in business, down to year 2010’s Apple iPad, which emphasized individual media consumption, the tablet computer has certainly come a long way; and is undeniably here to stay. The shift in purpose, the increasing quality, usability, and battery life, plus the lower weight and cost of these gadgets had totally created a new class of consumer device for various types of users.
But despite the distinctive features and capabilities that different tablet devices sport, there are certain models that would best fit one’s personality and specifications. Here are some decent tablet computers classified according to each user’s needs.
For the perennially torn
Are you going to buy a tablet or a notebook? Once this dilemma strikes, it could turn into a never-ending ordeal for you. But thank heavens for the product designers of Taiwanese electronics giant Asus, the best of both worlds can now be enjoyed by the consumer. The Asus Transformer series, a line of tablet computers equipped with an optional docking keyboard, provides a middle ground by literally transforming your tablet computer into a powerful notebook computer.
The youngest of the lot, the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime, is the world’s first Android tablet computer equipped with a quad-core processor. Its predecessor, the dual core Asus Eee Pad Transformer, became one of the highlights of CES 2011 because of its groundbreaking design and flexibility. The tablet and the docking station are sold separately, but they come cheaper when bought together. So if you can’t do away from the conventional laptop but want to join the army of tablet-wielding techies, then any model from the Asus Transformer series would be perfect for you.
For the business-minded
Lenovo distinguishes itself as a company that sets it sights on business users by coming up with the ThinkPad. It comes pre-loaded with business-friendly goodies to complement its business-worthy, professional design. It has an active digitizer for pen (stylus) input, on-board encryption, and one of the best keyboard case options out there in the market. Aside from its pre-loaded apps aimed for business users, you can get apps from the Lenovo Enterprise App Shop or install a handful of tablet optimized apps like the business phone app by RingCentral or the Docs to Go all-in-one document application.
For the cheapskate
Google’s much-awaited 7-inch tablet release, the Nexus 7, is perfect for the tablet-hungry consumer who doesn’t want to break the bank. With its iPad-like features, stunning display, plus a sweet $199 price tag, it looks like it’s going to be out-of-stock as soon as it hits the shelves on July.
For the butter-fingered
Dust-proof, waterproof, and shock-proof, the Panasonic Toughpad presents a fearless new way to get things done. No other tablet in the market offers as much data and device security, connectivity, ruggedness and reliability as much as the Toughpad does. “A perfect melding of mind and muscle,” the manufacturers would say.
Whether you’re a perennially torn user, a business-minded honcho, a cheapskate since birth, or a butter-fingered kid, there’s a tablet device for you.
