Picking the perfect portable

If there is one market that has exploded at warp speed, it is for tablets. Before 2010, tablets were a mere curiosity and fringe benefit — they were clunky, had terrible battery lives and above all, were attempts at cramming a desktop-level operating system into a tablet-style form factor.

However, in 2010, the iPad arrived and, like the iPhone before it, changed the game for the entire industry. Instead of scaling down desktop OS to the tablet, Apple scaled up smartphone OS to it.

The result was an unprecedented hit that sent the rest of the industry running to the drawing board. Now, in 2013, the market has matured and consumers are reaping the benefits of that intense competition. From known players such as Samsung and Sony, to the lesser known ones such as Alcatel-Lucent and Archos, everyone wants to sell you a tablet.

The challenge for you, however, is that finding the right tablet has become a bit like finding the juiciest apple (no pun intended) in an orchard full of juicy apples.

Here are a few pointers to help you make your next portable purchase.

1. Why even bother?

The most important question is “Do I even need a tablet?” And, if your answer is no, you might want to stop reading further. If you are not an avid reader or video watcher and don’t spend hours onthe internet, then buying a tablet may be a waste.

2. OS matters... not!

The latest versions of both Windows and Apple operating systems are pretty close in terms of features, aesthetics and app pricing.Unless your needs are niche — oryou have already spent money on apps in one ecosystem — bothwill keep you happy.

3. World of apps

Figure out what your needs are and check the app stores. We bet, for every requirement, you will have dozens of apps to choose from. Beyond a point, the number of apps for a platform can be considered a mere marketing number, and not of any actual relevance.

4. Size does matter

The simplest way to choose the right one for you is to decide where you will be using the tablet, and for what. Try outdifferent sizes at the nearby electronics store to get abetter idea of what works for you.

5. On the move

If you are always connected with Wi-Fi or 3G, opt for cheaper tablets with lesser onboard memory (8 or 16GB) — especially if they have slots for expandable memory. You can always store your media and stream it.

6. Is 3G worth it?

Should you pay extra for the 3G option? We don’t think so, since it also means getting one more SIM card and a data plan. We recommendbuying a Wi-Fi-only version and tethering it to your smartphone when you need to be online.

7. What if it breaks?

This point is often overlooked. How good is the manufacturer at fixing things if the tablet mysteriously turns into a paperweight? Can you easily replace it? Is there a service centre nearby? What is the return policy?

8. Updating to the latest

Some manufacturers (Toshiba and Sony, for example) take years to deliver an updated version of the OS. And, typically in the case of Android, by the time your tablet maker releases new firmware, Google has probably moved two versions ahead.

9. Bling me up

If you love decking up your tablet with accessories and add-ons, then you need to buy one that has lot of third-party support. Apple (certainly) and Samsung (mostly) would be the best choices here.You want a neon case for your iPad? We are sure you will find a thousand options.

10. Note this

If you are of an artistic bent, or simply love to doodle or scribble, the Galaxy Note series might be the one for you. These tablets use a pressure sensitive Wacom pen, which is far smarter than the stylus from a few years back.

11. Total damage?

As always, price remains a key factor. Often, the middle-of-the-market range is adequate for most needs. These tablets would typically have a dual-core processor, a HD display, and at least 1GB RAM. HDMI would be a bonus.