Turn your tablet into a computer

Got an old iPad lying around? Or maybe you have a new tablet but you only use it for things like playing games, watching Netflix or reading the news.

The truth is there’s a lot more you can do with tablets, but many of us never discover that, simply because they only have touchscreens when we buy them, predisposing them to casual pursuits.

Well, with just a few affordable accessories, you can turn almost any tablet into a decent backup computing device that can do a lot more: homework, working on uni assignments or even serious productivity tasks.

To unlock these capabilities, the three most crucial accessories are: a stand to keep your tablet propped up; a keyboard for typing more efficiently than on the screen; and a mouse for giving you a finer, more functional selection point than simply tapping your finger, especially when working with fiddly text.

Depending on your tablet (and budget), you may be able to combine these functionalities in a keyboard case with a touchpad (which is great for portable use), but you don’t have to go that far.

What is it? Omoton Adjustable Tablet Stand How much? $22 Pros: When it comes to tablet stands, you can spend as little or as much as you want. This one sits at the less expensive end of the range, but it’s not “cheap”, with a sturdy, metallic construction offering good support for your tablet. It’s adjustable to different angles and has rubber pads to protect the back of your device.

Cons: Offers a nice sense of elevation, but not enough to be considered ergonomic for long computing sessions. omoton.com

What is it? Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Mouse 3600

How much? $49 (but shop around) Pros: A mouse might seem like overkill for a tablet, given you can just use your fingers to tap anywhere on the screen. But trust us, when you’re using the device like a computer on a desk, a mouse is easier, while also offering finer control. Most Bluetooth mice should be fine if you have an old one lying around. If not, this budget Microsoft unit will do the trick. Cons: Incompatible with some older tablets. microsoft.com

What is it? Logitech K380

How much? $89 (often on sale for much less)

Pros: Moving to a physical keyboard offers the single biggest quality -of-life improvement on a tablet. The venerable K380 has been around for years, and it’s a reliable multi-device keyboard that easily lets you switch between three computers. A single pair of AAA batteries will keep this going for two years. Cons: The biggest quirk is the round keys, but once you get used to them, it’s a non-issue. logitech.com