HOW TO BUY A TABLET
Smartphone too small for streaming and laptop too bulky to carry around? A tablet will fill that role just right – but which one should you get?
How to buy... a tablet
Pick the right slate for bedbound browsing
Systems of mercy
The Android vs IOS war rages on even in the tablet world. Which OS you side with really comes down to taste, but it’s nice to have all your gadgets get along, so if you have an iphone it might be best to stick with Apple. Don’t forget about Microsoft, though – the Surface Pro runs full Windows 10 to make your tablet feel like a proper PC. ● Get this: Microsoft Surface Pro from £799 / microsoft.com
The bi er picture
Whether you’re streaming TV, putting your arty cap on or just ogling Instagram, you’re going to want a sexy, bright screen. The ipad Pro 12.9in has a 2732x2048 display, which is one of the best you can hope for on a tablet. You’ll also want to make sure your tablet’s screen has an anti-reflective coating if you plan on using it outside. ● Get this: Apple ipad Pro 12.9in from £769 / apple.com
Hybrid theory
The line between tablets and laptops is getting more and more blurred… and that means, instead of buying both, you can now invest in one device to do it all. A hybrid typically has a beefier processor than a normal tab, so you’ll need to be working it hard to get your money’s worth. It’s a good option to get Photoshop running smoothly. ● Get this: Dell XPS 13 2in1 from £1299 / dell.com
Settle your tab
You only want to use your tablet for social media and reading the news? Well, there’s little point buying a £500-plus powerhouse, then. The Amazon Fire 7 is fiercely ‘budget’, with a screen that even a mother could barely love. But it gets the job done for a fraction of the price of other tablets, and it’s so small that you’ll have few issues lugging it about on holiday. ● Get this: Amazon Fire 7 £50 / amazon.co.uk
Book in advance
Maybe you don’t even need to access the web? If you just want to read books then we suggest an e-reader. They’re easier to read due to their natural-toned E Ink displays.
● Get this: Kindle E-reader 6in £60 / amazon.co.uk