iPad has come a long way in 10 years

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the first iPad – unquestionably the first successful tablet to truly capture the attention of the mainstream. So it’s not a bad time to take stock and see how far the tablet has come as a computing concept in that time.

For most of us, tablets are still sandwiched between smartphones and conventional PCs. They’re more capable than the former, if not as easily transportable; conversely, they’re more transportable than the latter, but not as capable. However, while tablets still necessitate making some sacrifices compared with notebooks or desktop PCs, they’ve come a long, long way since 2010.

The first iPad was basically a giant iPod touch. Today, tablets can offer incredibly powerful and functional computers in their own right (especially when paired with keyboards), albeit ones with certain hardware or software limitations, depending on the model chosen. As long as you do your research, though, and learn what those caveats are, they’re still a glass-half-full device, offering a tactile, intuitive take on work and play in an elegant, stylish form.

What is it? Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 Wi-Fi

How much? $249 Pros: What’s a good budget tablet if you just want an affordable entertainment device? You could do worse than the Galaxy Tab A. For less than $250 you can nab a solid performer for streaming movies and TV, reading ebooks, and playing games.

Cons: Only an 8in display and not hugely powerful, but a solid unit for all those moments when your phone is just too small and fiddly to properly enjoy content.

samsung.com/au

What is it? Microsoft

Surface Go 2

How much? From $629 Pros: There are oodles of Android tablets, and numerous Apple ones, but they’re not your only option. In recent years, Microsoft’s Surface line has evolved into an attractive and powerful alternative, with the brand-new Surface Go 2 improving upon its 2018 predecessor and offering access to the Windows 10 universe on a nifty 10.5in touchscreen.

Cons: Underpowered in the entry-level model without CPU upgrades. Consider also the Surface Pro and Surface Book series.

microsoft.com/en-au

What is it? iPad Pro 12.9in

How much? From $1649 Pros: A decade after it first appeared, the iPad has evolved into a fancy, rather pricey thing. The huge notebook-size display here crams in a beautiful 2732 x 2048 resolution, and the A12Z bionic chip under the hood gives you desktop-level performance. Paired with the new magic keyboard ($589, ouch!) offering full trackpad support, this becomes Apple’s first real notebook/tablet hybrid.

Cons: Expensive. Top spec: $2749 (sans keyboard). But best in class is never cheap.

apple.com/au