This article was published in 2012 and updated in October 2026.
In 2012, our author bought a 7-inch Android tablet on impulse and found it worked “like a crippled laptop”, before falling for the polished iPad. A lot has changed since then: tablets have become powerful enough to replace a laptop for many people, and there’s a model for almost every need and budget. Here’s how to find the right tablet for you.
1. Decide what you’ll use it for
- Streaming, reading and browsing on the sofa: almost any tablet will do — a budget model is often enough.
- Note-taking, studying and drawing: look for good pen support, such as the Apple Pencil or Samsung’s S Pen.
- Work and laptop replacement: choose a powerful model with a keyboard cover and good multitasking, or a Windows 2-in-1 if you need full desktop programs.
- Kids: a robust, affordable tablet with good parental controls and a protective case.
- Mainly reading books: consider an e-reader instead — it’s lighter, easier on the eyes and the battery lasts for weeks.
2. Choose the platform
- iPad (iPadOS): still the most popular tablet, with an excellent selection of tablet-optimised apps, long software support and seamless integration with iPhone and Mac. It’s also available in several price ranges, from the basic iPad to the iPad Pro.
- Android tablets: wide choice from Samsung, Lenovo, Xiaomi and others, often at lower prices, with more customisation and file freedom. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S models are the strongest iPad rivals. Check how many years of updates the manufacturer promises.
- Amazon Fire tablets: very cheap and good for media and reading, but with a limited app store.
- Windows 2-in-1s: tablets such as the Microsoft Surface Pro run full Windows programs — great if you need a real PC in tablet form.
3. Size, storage and connectivity
- Screen size: 8-inch tablets are handy for reading and travel, 10–11 inches is the all-round size, and 12–13 inches is best for work and drawing.
- Storage: at least 128 GB if you download films, games or take many notes. Not all tablets have a memory card slot.
- Wi-Fi or cellular: a model with 5G or an eSIM lets you go online anywhere, but costs more — your phone’s hotspot is often enough.
4. Try before you buy
As our 2012 author learned, buying on impulse can be disappointing. Try tablets in a shop if you can, check the weight, screen and keyboard accessories, and read independent reviews. And don’t forget to budget for a case, a keyboard or a pen if you need them.
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Was this article helpful?
Dan
Jan 30. 2012
It really all depends on what you are going to be using your tablet for. I have both an iPad and the Kindle Fire. I like the iPad much better for watching movies and gaming but I fins myself using the Fire much more often because i love reading and I like to surf the web with the fire rather than the iPad. For the price, the Fire can not be beat, imho.
admin
Jan 30. 2012
Thanks for your comment Dan …
Sustines
Jan 30. 2012
I actually want the iPad. But it’s just too expensive for someone like me who has no decent income.
Android phone… yeah it’s quite affordable.
Hanna
Jan 30. 2012
Just like Sustines here. Loved the iPad. And too expensive for someone like me.
Tracyann0312
Jan 30. 2012
It really depends on the user. If they think what can be the best tablet they will have, then that is the right tablet for them!
George
Jan 31. 2012
I couldn’t agree more Tracy. It really depends on the user. If they are fond of reading e-books, they should go with Amazon’s Kindle fire and if they like using a lot of apps, then iPad is the best choice for them.
Puneet
Jan 31. 2012
Samsung galaxy is my favorite. But Akash is also good for students at affordable prices.
admin
Jan 31. 2012
Exactly Akash is a good choice for students !!
Atish
Jan 31. 2012
Yes I too want to say that Akash tablet is the right choice for students. specially for those who are not so rich and cannot afford costly tablets. Really the wonderful work from Indian Govt.
Rod
Jan 31. 2012
Personally I would save my money and the the ipad. Its flawless operating system allows me to navigate quickly throughout the tablet and get work done. The apps are endless and i can cloud all my work I do on the ipad to the rest of my apple products, including my Iphone of course!
Rod
Amanda
Jan 31. 2012
The price of IPad is too high for me, but its useful features and opportunities are absolutely great! SO probably I’ll raise some funds and then will buy it 😉
aatif
Jan 31. 2012
For Android tablets Transformer prime is best choice i think ! its really great
Nicholle
Feb 01. 2012
Ipad is truly expensive for an average person like me. I hope I have one (in my dreams). By the way Tablets are good.
Prakash
Feb 01. 2012
Yes aakash tablet is quite good for students. And there are lots of other tablets what can also become your choice.
zack
Feb 02. 2012
what about touchpad ? I ended up buying that.
ponvendhan
Feb 02. 2012
Kindle Fire should be listed in this post, BTW nice list.
AvatarFlorida
Feb 02. 2012
well as per my knowledge apple tablet pc are best as they worth for what they actually give you
Joey
Feb 05. 2012
iPad bust competition with the other Apple products 🙂 Some people choose the trade mark that lead to the top for iPad 😉 I have iPad because I have iPod and like it 😉 So I trust to Apple and didn’t mistake 🙂
Nice Post :)))))))
kindlefirevsipad
Feb 07. 2012
I think the iPad is still the top choice when it comes to tablets. It’s not just the tablet itself, its also on the iOS. Android still has some issues that affect how people likes them.
Diana
Feb 09. 2012
I heard about Akash tab…….Where can i get those tab……It is dead cheap for those who have no decent income….
admin
Feb 09. 2012
The tablets are not yet available in stores… But you pre-book the Ubislate – Upgraded version of the akash tablet
Diana
Feb 11. 2012
what is special in Ubislate??
admin
Feb 12. 2012
It comes with Android v2.3 and improved processor !!
Mike
Feb 20. 2012
People understand what they are getting with an iPad. There are so many Android based tablets being released that I feel people just don’t know which one to pick… a problem that will only get more confusing when the new Windows 8 tablets start appearing!
Puneet
Feb 22. 2012
i am thinking to buy Sony Tablet S or will go with any new release of Samsung tab
Sarah
Feb 23. 2012
I like Samsung Tab but its too expensive. i think Akash is a better option.