Definition of the word electronic tablet. When tablets were exotic... For those who think the iPad was the first. Impact of cell phone development

A tablet PC is a portable computer with touch controls, where you can operate it with a stylus or your fingers, with or without the use of a keyboard and mouse.

Touch control is carried out by pressing your finger on the screen or using an electronic pen (stylus).

Instead of the usual keyboard, you can use a stylus, which is more convenient for pressing small buttons on the screen than with your finger. The stylus looks like a regular pen with a thin lead.

Tablet Personal Computer(Tablet PC) - a computer with touch control, which appeared in November 2002 after the presentation by Microsoft its new development Tablet PC. Its main difference is that the standard keyboard and mouse are replaced by a touch screen.

Hardware compatibility with conventional PCs is the main feature that distinguishes Tablet PCs from other mobile devices. Mobility is an equally important component.

There are tablet computers that look like laptops. In this case, you can divide such a “laptop” into two parts: “pull out” top part and use it as a full-fledged tablet, and leave the lower part (keyboard) until you need it.

Tablet computers support the following OS:

  1. Android (4.2.2);
  2. Windows XP (outdated build);
  3. (updated to Windows 8);
  4. Windows 8;
  5. MacOS X;
  6. Linux (rare).

Ergonomics, compactness, powerful battery– advantages of tablet PCs. Regarding the battery, we can add that you can work with a Tablet PC in much the same way as with a mobile phone. When the tablet is discharged, you need to charge it, after which you can again work with the tablet without a charger.

However, just like with a laptop, you do not need to turn off the tablet, but leave it with charger which is plugged into a socket (220V). This is the option when you can “ruin” the tablet’s battery in the shortest possible time.

Disadvantages - on tablet computers it is inconvenient to work with programs for editing audio, video files, graphics, spreadsheets, etc. In other words, a Tablet PC is not suitable for working with content.

If you choose which is better - Tablet PC or a laptop, we can say that in general a laptop is better, it is more functional. But if possible, it is better to use a laptop for work, and for trips, for meetings, and on the road it is more convenient to take a tablet computer with you.

The tablet may (or may not) have a stylus. With its help, you can write on the screen of your tablet PC the same way you wrote in a notebook at school. When I tried handwriting on a tablet PC, at first I thought it would just be a picture, which, in general, is also not bad.

And when I saw that my scribbles were automatically recognized as if I were typing them on the keyboard, and this wonderful transformation could be immediately inserted into a specified place in a letter, or into any other text on the tablet screen, I was amazed.

I know that many users in Lately It has become much more common to type text on a computer keyboard than to write something “by hand” on paper. Handwriting text on a tablet computer using a stylus is convenient for meetings, traveling, etc. Apparently, it’s not for nothing that we were taught to write with pens in notebooks at school, now you can write with a stylus on tablet computers :)

The presence of a stylus is a plus, but the minus is that the accuracy of pressing your fingers on the screen can be quite low.

Let's briefly consider the configuration of tablet computers:

  1. , on which the speed and stability of any computer, not just a tablet, depends;
  2. (RAM, 256 MB to 2 GB), the standard rule for all PCs is the more RAM, the better;
  3. Video card;
  4. (most tablets have a connection function external card memory);
  5. USB – this port is used to connect a mouse, keyboard, printer, external hard drive, flash drive, phone, etc. True, sometimes instead of regular USB there can be mini-USB.

The components that are installed in tablet PCs are, in some cases, “more powerful” than those on desktop computers.

Modern tablet PCs (regardless of price category) may have the following wireless access modules:

  1. Wi-Fi (high-speed access to a wireless network);
  2. 3G and (access to a wireless network, which is carried out using a SIM card - not available on all models). This is convenient if there is no Wi-Fi;
  3. Bluetooth (allows you to connect various wireless devices, for example, wireless headsets).

Some tablet PCs have the following disadvantages.

Tablets are well suited for the following tasks: online communication, mobile games and content consumption (reading books, viewing websites, videos, TV series and films). Some devices are also very convenient for office work.

The best tablet is the one that best suits your needs. You need to build on them so as not to make a mistake. Think about what exactly you are going to do on your tablet. This will help you choose the right characteristics of your future gadget.

Select operating system

Android

Among Android devices, the easiest one to find is inexpensive, but at the same time productive and quality tablet. In addition, users have access to a huge number of services, games and programs for a variety of tasks. And enthusiasts have a lot of opportunities to customize the system for themselves.

However, most gadgets on this platform do not receive timely updates. As a result latest features and software bug fixes appear on devices with a delay or do not arrive at all.

iOS


All new iOS devices are in the upper price segment. But these are always premium-class devices with up-to-date characteristics and trend-setting design. Owners of iOS tablets, to put it mildly, are not deprived of programs, games and services. Devices based on this system receive regular updates for several years after they appear on the market.

Windows 10


Windows hasn't caught on on smartphones, but it's doing much better on tablets. The tenth version of this system turns the tablet into a full-fledged laptop replacement. Especially if you connect a keyboard and mouse to it.

Owners of Windows 10 tablets have fewer apps available than users of other platforms. But they can install full-fledged desktop games and programs, including Microsoft package Office. And this is a huge plus for those who need a tablet for work.

If you use, you will quickly figure out how to use a tablet on the same OS.

Windows 10 + Android


There are also tablets that have two operating systems installed at once. By purchasing, you can switch between Windows 10 and Android at any convenient time.

Decide on display size

Based on the length of the screen diagonal, tablets can be divided into three categories: compact (7–8 inches), medium (9–10 inches) and large (11–12 inches).

  1. Compact tablets Great for communication, most games, reading books and surfing the web outside the home. They're more convenient than smartphones for these tasks when you're not on the go. But still, a 7-8-inch display diagonal is not always enough to view PDF documents or enjoy TV series and movies.
  2. Medium tablets- the optimal combination between mobility and accessible capabilities. Such devices cannot be put in your pocket, but they are often more powerful than their smaller counterparts and are more convenient for viewing multimedia content and playing games. They can also be used when the laptop is not at hand.
  3. Large tablets not much yet. They are the most productive and also best suited for business tasks due to their screen size and accessories. But at the same time, it’s difficult to call them portable. In addition, such devices are the most expensive.

Choose a form factor

Classic tablets are monolithic devices with no moving parts. Many of them can be connected to accessories such as keyboards and mice. An indicative example is on iOS, for which they sell a keyboard case with a stand. Once you purchase such a device, you can use it for most business tasks.

In addition, there are hybrids of tablets and laptops. They are also called transformers. An example is the Lenovo Yoga Book on Windows 10 or Android. The device looks like an ultrabook. But if you move the panel with the keys to the back wall of the screen, the gadget will become a tablet.


Hybrid owners can easily switch between work and entertainment functions, but classic tablets tend to cost less.

Understand the characteristics

Resolution and screen matrix

Screen resolution is measured by the number of pixels it consists of. The higher this parameter, the sharper the image. Therefore, it is very important for a tablet.

You definitely shouldn’t take a device with a resolution of less than 1,920 × 1,080 (or Full HD) pixels. And if you are interested in tablets with a display diagonal of 9 inches or larger, then it is very advisable to choose an even higher resolution. But remember that the cost of the gadget greatly depends on this indicator.

The matrix is ​​the technology on which the screen is based. The overall image quality depends on it, so it is better not to neglect this parameter. Take a closer look at tablets with IPS (PLS) or OLED (AMOLED, Super AMOLED) matrices. They provide a better picture. The other options are cheaper, but are much inferior in quality.

The pixels of a working OLED display can be turned off completely. In this way, they transmit images with true black color. In this regard, the OLED matrix has no equal, and in addition, it consumes less energy than IPS. On the other hand, OLED displays are more expensive.

The best way to choose between IPS and OLED is to place two tablets side by side and view the same images on them. If you notice a difference, choose the type of matrix that you think will do the job better.

Performance

The speed of the tablet largely depends on the architecture and frequency of the processor, as well as the amount of RAM. But if you are not going to use the gadget for 3D games or professional work with graphics, then don’t get hung up on these components.

Even average hardware by modern standards is sufficient for most user tasks. In addition, if the manufacturer has poorly optimized the software, the tablet can slow down even with a top-end processor and a large amount of RAM on board. This is especially true for Android devices.

To determine whether the device is powerful enough for your needs, it is best to pick it up before purchasing and test it: feel the interface, open several sites, launch a video or game.

As a last resort, you can see how the tablet reacts to these actions in video reviews.

Wireless technology support

The more wireless technologies supports the gadget, the more capabilities it has for transmitting and receiving data.

If you plan to use the device mainly in the office and at home, then most likely the Wi-Fi module, which is present in all tablets, will be enough for you. If you plan to use network functions on the road, then buy a device that supports LTE networks(4G).

You may be connecting headphones, keyboards, mice, and other wireless devices to your tablet. In this case, choose a device that supports wireless Bluetooth standard no lower than version 4.0. This will ensure fast data exchange with accessories with minimal load on the battery.

Storage size

Storage capacity determines the amount of data the tablet can hold. If you are buying a device for web surfing, communication, etc., then 16 GB of internal memory will be enough for you.

But to store music and movies on your gadget, install games and many programs, you will need much more free space. The required size depends only on your appetite.

The size of the storage significantly affects the cost of the tablet. To save money, you can choose a device with a small amount of built-in memory, but with a slot for a large SD card. It is convenient to store music and video files, as well as data from some programs. But keep in mind that iOS gadgets do not support memory cards.

Battery capacity

Time depends on battery capacity battery life tablet. But based on the value of this parameter, it is difficult to judge how often you will have to charge the device.

At the same time, on manufacturers’ websites you can often read how many hours a device can withstand in a particular operating mode. Take this indicator as a guide. For example, Apple traditionally indicates in the specifications of its iPads that they are designed for 10 hours of web surfing, watching videos or listening to music. A very good indicator for a tablet.

Don’t forget to check the manufacturer’s statements with, which are often present in reviews of gadgets from independent publications.

Camera options

Manufacturers and sellers focus on the number of megapixels of a camera, as if this indicator entirely determines the quality of videos and pictures. This is not true, so don't be fooled by the big numbers.

In addition, cameras in tablets are not as important as in smartphones. Due to its size, the tablet is simply inconvenient to use as a video camera or photo camera.

What you need to pay attention to is the presence front camera. Without it, you will not be able to communicate via video. And to at least roughly assess the quality of the camera on the selected tablet, look for samples of photographs and videos taken by it on the Internet. If the device is popular, it will not be difficult to find such information.

History of the development of tablets from ancient times to our era

On January 27, 2010, immediately after the Consumer Electronic Show 2010, Apple introduced the iPad, a device that changed the history of tablets and tablet PCs.

However, the iPad was by no means the first tablet to hit the market. Therefore, before discussing why exactly the Apple tablet was so interesting and thanks to which it was able to gain such enormous popularity, it is worth taking a look at the tablet market before its appearance: what devices were created and entered the market, what was interesting about them, and why they did not became popular.

What is a tablet

What is a tablet computer? On the Internet you can find a lot of different definitions that describe certain characteristics tablets. Tablets come in the following types:

  • Tablet Personal Computers,
  • Ultramobile PCs (UMPC - Ultra Mobile Personal Computer),
  • Multimedia Internet Devices (MID - Multimedia Internet Device) and
  • Internet Tablets.

The main defining characteristic of a tablet is the lack of a keyboard or mechanical keys (although this is not always true: for example, tablet PCs can act as regular laptops), as well as specialization for specific needs. Usually, we're talking about about simple household tasks: reading, working with email, surfing the Internet, viewing photos and videos, etc. However, it seems to us that main feature And characteristic feature Tablets should be considered the following: tablet computers - category electronic devices, for which the main element of input and user interaction is a touch display made using capacitive or resistive technology.

Where did tablets come from?

First of all, let's look into the past (fortunately, it's much easier than looking into the future) and see where this class of devices came from and how it developed.

Tablets entered more or less mass production after 2002, but their prototypes (both appearance, and in functionality) arose in the mid-twentieth century.

One of the first fantastic devices in cinema can be called a tablet, which appeared back in the 60s in the Star Trek series.

Another prototype of the tablet can be considered the Newspad device, which was released in the 1968 film “2001: A Space Odyssey.” In terms of functionality, this device can be considered the progenitor of modern electronic readers (e-book reader), especially since the term “electronic paper” was used for the first time when describing Newspad.

As you can see, the concept of a tablet was already formulated back then: what it is, why it is needed, in what situations it is convenient to use it. It's all up to the technical implementation...

Also in 1968, Alan Kay developed the Dynabook, the first real concept of tablet-like devices aimed at learning. Over the course of many years, this concept has been refined, gained momentum, and grown graphical interfaces and software, and in 1989, Toshiba finally released the first touchscreen laptop, the Dynabook Toshiba SS-3010.

Already at that time, Apple was also interested in the topic of tablets. In particular, in 1987 the concept of the Knowledge Navigator device was presented.

This device largely determined the further development of Apple - for example, it was in this “electronic secretary” that the gesture control system was incorporated, which served as the prototype for Multi-touch in the iPhone.

In 1996, the DEC Lectrice device was announced.

This tablet with a monochrome display was positioned by the manufacturer as optimal solution for reading documents. So in many respects it can be considered the progenitor of modern readers.

In 2000, 3Com released its original tablet, positioned as a device for convenient web surfing.

As you can see, the 3Com Audrey already very closely resembles modern tablets in terms of positioning, ergonomics, and appearance. In addition, it is equipped with two input methods: a touch display and a full keyboard connected via a proprietary connector.

In 2002, Microsoft, represented by Steve Ballmer, presented its variation on the Dynabook theme.

So for many years, not only the tablets changed little, but also Steve Ballmer himself.

By the way, simultaneously with the presentation of the Microsoft Tablet PC device, the first working environment for tablet PCs - Tablet PC.

Windows XP Tablet Edition appeared on the market, which included special abilities for touch screen operation: screen keyboard, some additional utilities, etc. It is worth noting that in the next generations of operating systems Microsoft systems functions for working with tablets have been integrated into older editions of systems Windows family 7 and Vista, there was no longer a separate edition for tablets.

However, all the devices described above were conceptual; they never appeared on wide sale. At the same time, quite real models of tablets and tablet PCs entered the market. Let's take a look at them.

The Finnish manufacturer paid great attention to the creation and launch of tablets on the market. mobile phones, Nokia company. On May 25, 2005, the first such device, Nokia Internet Tablet, was announced. According to their concept, all devices in the line represented the development of ideology mobile smartphones, not personal computers.

The first tablet to hit the market was the Nokia 770 IT (Internet Tablet).

However, he failed to gain popularity. There were many reasons for this: small screen size, not always convenient controls, low battery life. However, one of the main reasons was the functionality limitations imposed by the manufacturer: in particular, the device was unable to work with mobile networks.

However, in 2007, Nokia announced the release of the Nokia N800, which was supposed to replace the 770 model.

A model with a slide-out keyboard, Nokia N810, also appeared in the same line.

However, the functionality was lame here too. Not very good autonomy, lack of a telephone module (which was simply obvious in such models), poor performance, etc., and all this at a fairly high price. For these reasons, the second generation also failed to conquer the market, remaining the lot of a narrow group of enthusiasts.

Finally, quite recently the market saw the “last of the Mohicans” - Nokia N900 (you can learn about it in detail from our review).

But this device did not become popular, although the manufacturer tried very hard. To the above-mentioned disadvantages of the line as a whole, we can add that the Maemo system, while not particularly convenient in itself, has not acquired a sufficient number of applications, that the communicator turned out to be too large and thick, with short battery life, and much more (more can be read in the device review). And together, all these shortcomings lead to a damning verdict: “the device is inconvenient to use,” and a device that is inconvenient to use will never become popular.

On top of everything else, Nokia has always shoved these very small and weak devices, which by modern standards are barely comparable to smartphones, into the segment of Internet tablets, where they looked very weak. The discrepancy between the capabilities of the devices and the stated positioning largely determined the failure of the company’s “Internet tablets” on the market, and the situation in which Nokia now finds itself in general.

And we will turn to tablets on the PC platform that entered the market before 2010. One of the most innovative and interesting products is the ASUS tablet presented in the summer of 2006. The device turned out to be very functional (including due to the very rich package included, including a case, keyboard, mouse and many accessories), but its price was very high, which significantly limited its distribution.

In principle, R2H (ASUS subsequently released several more models on new platforms, but in the same body) has already in many ways come close to the modern standard for the mobile tablet category: screen diagonal 7 inches, resolution 800x480 pixels. Although due to the lack of alternatives, it worked on Windows XP Tablet Edition.

By the way, it would be wise to mention its competitor, Samsung Q1.

The characteristics can be found in the announcement page. Subsequently, the Samsung Q1 Ultra model was released. It was distinguished by a rather original hardware keyboard.

Despite the interesting concept for its time and good equipment, they had only limited success on the market; there is no need to talk about true popularity and mass popularity. These devices have remained niche.

By the way, it is very important to understand that both ASUS and Samsung positioned their devices for computer enthusiasts and home users, i.e., in the consumer segment.

In contrast, Fujitsu produced tablets for specialized corporate use - for example, the Fujitsu Stylistic ST4120 model.

A special feature of these tablets was a transreflective screen, which made it possible to work with the tablet in sunlight. However, the focus on corporate use had a very negative impact on the price; tablets cost about $2200-2500, which, of course, made the niche of potential buyers extremely narrow.

These tablets are already similar to modern ones in functionality, but they had whole line features, or, more correctly, disadvantages, which largely held back their popularity. I would primarily note the large size and weight for such a diagonal, the inconvenience of working with Windows XP Tablet on such a small screen, poor performance (Celeron ULV 900 MHz, later both models were released on other processors), strong heating of the case during operation (and noise fans), low autonomy (2-3 hours is the maximum they were capable of)… and all this at an impressive price of around $1,400. By the end of production, the price for them dropped to about $1,000, but even now they are trying to sell heavily used devices for almost $300-400. As a result, the described tablets also remained just a niche product, albeit under discussion.

Sony has also made its mark on this market by releasing an interesting and unique product in its own way: a tablet that resembles a subnotebook, but in the form factor of a side slider. To understand the size, I will say that the screen diagonal was 5 inches.

The company positioned it as a professional device (for example, for use by doctors who could review medical records). It remained narrowly professional and did not receive mass distribution. The reasons are, in general, the same as above.

ViewSonic, which also decided to keep up with general progress, showed its first tablet in 2006.

At that time it had relatively modest characteristics: Pentium III 866 MHz, 256 MB of RAM and 20 GB of disk, 10″ screen with a resolution of 1024×768, touchscreen made using resistive technology. The tablet ran Windows XP. The most impressive technical characteristics You can say, perhaps, its weight is 1.5 kg according to the specification. It did not receive distribution - in fact, like almost all of its predecessors.

Many companies were afraid or unwilling to release tablets, believing that their current functionality was too limited. And they decided only to produce universal devices - tablet PCs, which could work both as laptops and as tablets. They were produced for both corporate and consumer markets.

Toshiba Portege 3500…

Acer Travelmate C102Ti…

And a transformer, HP Tablet PC TC 1000.

This is a very incomplete list of devices that have entered the market. In general, tablet PCs existed in the lineup of almost every manufacturer, despite their not very noticeable popularity.

The vast majority of tablets and all tablet PCs were produced on Windows platform, and most manufacturers and market participants could not imagine other options.

Finally, it is worth mentioning the example of the Korean company HTC, which managed to gain a leading position in the market largely thanks to its creative approach and ability to create interesting and innovative products. HTC also felt the market need for tablets, so the company created and offered its own device. At that time, the company specialized in the production of communicators and Pocket PCs on Windows Mobile and CE, so she developed her new product based on her existing experience.

In 2007, it announced an unusual device, the HTC Advantage - no longer a communicator, but not yet a UMPC. Model 7500 (review on our website) with a 624 MHz processor and a 5-inch screen and under Windows control CE 5.0 (later appeared under Windows CE 6) and 9500 - with a 7-inch screen (practically a prototype of a modern tablet!).


The main failure of the model was the reduced (one suspects that it was on purpose) wireless functionality - the models did not have a telephone module. And if you position the device as ultra-mobile, but do not provide the opportunity to be “always connected,” then most consumers will no longer find the device interesting and will refuse to purchase it. It is worth adding the sky-high price for the model, although this is generally typical for HTC products.

By the way, all interfaces were already available, including HSUPA (but it was still impossible to make calls). Moreover, this device had two operating systems: mobile Windows CE 6.0 and Windows Vista. However, even here the manufacturer managed to cut off all the emerging advantages out of the blue (applications could not be installed in the mobile OS) and traditionally set a high price (more than $1,000). So 9500 didn’t go on the market. Alas.

Well, probably one of the last steps before the revolution was the announcement of the LG GW990-Z concept at CES 2010.

The device had to be built on Intel platform Pine View (with an Atom processor), and there were different assumptions regarding the operating system: both Maemo and MeeGo were predicted for it. However, this tablet never entered the market.

Some interesting non-mainstream tablets

Here, for me, as an editor (this part was written by the editor - approx..

In those days, it was not only first-tier brands that produced prototypes with unclear purposes or narrowly niche products. Although the bulk of their products on the market were quite pragmatic solutions, easy to use and ergonomic, they did not have a technological “zest” that would make them stand out among similar devices. As a typical representative of such laptops, you can take the Lenovo X Tablet series, different generations which, X41 and X60, were reviewed on our website.

Chinese manufacturers (including contract manufacturers for first-tier brands) also produced various experimental and not so experimental models with the ability to control via a screen. They also sensed the prospects of this niche.

As one example, we can cite the model of the Ukrainian PC manufacturer “Version” (platform Chinese manufacturer Clevo).

Most manufacturers made tablets only based on ultra-portable models with a screen diagonal of 12 inches (and corresponding limitations) due to their internal reasons. However, in the case of the “Version”, the tablet PC has a screen diagonal of 14 inches. Because of this, the laptop was a little worse in terms of portability, but it was much more convenient to work with it - both at home and on the road. This model, by the way, was produced both on the VIA platform and on the Intel platform. In general, for its time it was a completely balanced and interesting solution.

There was also another very interesting and unusual device on test - at least that’s what it looked like at the time. It's funny that now manufacturers are gradually coming to the same tablet concept.

As you can see, this is a ready-made 12-inch tablet with good control and security functions, quite suitable for independent life. Moreover, it comes complete with a full-fledged docking station, which contains not only connectors for connecting a wide variety of peripherals, but even optical drive. By inserting a tablet into it, you get a regular computer with a keyboard and mouse, and you can work with it at your desk. And if you need to get up and go somewhere, just pull the tablet out of the rack.

We can also mention the Roverbook P210 tablet. It is worth noting that at that time there were no energy-efficient x86 platforms on the market at all, but this platform was the only one (paired with Windows OS) that could count on at least some popularity. Therefore, when creating tablets, manufacturers had to make a huge number of unpleasant compromises. So, this model uses the Transmeta 5800 processor (terribly slow, but consuming little energy and not heating up). But there is a large 12″ screen with a resolution of 1024×768...

The appearance of the tablet is in many ways relevant even now, after the release of the iPad and a seemingly serious change in the tastes of the audience. But this tablet appeared on the market much earlier (so talk about being revolutionary after that).

Why didn't tablets become popular a long time ago?

As you can see, it’s difficult to call this class of electronic devices new. It has existed for a long time, tablets or tablet PCs were produced by such various companies as Panasonic, Toshiba, ASUS, HP, etc. However, all these devices remained niche and did not become widespread. Largely because all released tablets had a number of common features and disadvantages that greatly limited their functionality and made them inconvenient to use.

Firstly, this is the use of the x86 platform. For which, until very recently, there were no economical and low-heating platforms suitable for tablets and at the same time providing an acceptable level of performance. Due to the high energy consumption of components and the need to organize a powerful cooling system, such devices turned out to be large, thick, heavy, got very hot and had little battery life.

Secondly, all x86 devices intended for the mass market were required to work with Windows OS. This system had one huge advantage: a simply inexhaustible catalog of applications from which you can choose whatever you want. At the same time, the interface of this system was created and optimized for desktop computers and was focused on mouse control. Therefore, it is inconvenient to work with Windows on screens with a small diagonal and low resolution; even system menus do not always fit into the screen. Additionally, although some optimizations have been made for tablet PCs, they have not been sufficiently optimized. It’s not always convenient to work with the system even with the help of a stylus, let alone control it with your finger (although I managed to surf the Internet using my fingernail, such interaction certainly cannot be called convenient).

By the way, not all screens of that time even accepted finger touches. A significant part of them were built on Wacom technology, i.e. they did not respond at all to anything other than their own stylus. The rest necessarily had a resistive screen. However, although it is now widely branded as bad and inconvenient (indeed, it reacts poorly to weak touches and does not work with the fingertip at all), it was still possible to work with it. Moreover, on such a screen you can write and draw without any problems.

Thus, the tablets had two huge drawbacks: an unsuitable platform for them with a number of critical shortcomings, as well as an operating system that was inconvenient to work with the touch screen. This made the tablet difficult to use in everyday work. This meant that such devices were purchased only by those users who vitally needed the specific functions of the tablet to work and for this they were willing to put up with numerous serious shortcomings. The rest concluded for themselves that buying a tablet was a waste of money, because even if it can do something interesting, it is bound by restrictions that reduce all the advantages of using it to nothing.

And with all this, x86/Windows tablets had no alternatives. Firstly, there were no successful hardware platforms. Until recently, ARM was very weak, having difficulty providing the performance of mobile operating systems and simple applications for them. Secondly, there was no good software platform. There was also one more or less common operating system: Windows Mobile/Windows CE. But it is designed for a weak PDA platform, applications for it are also very simple and... it is optimized for working with a stylus. That is, this system a priori could not solve the problems of tablets. In addition, previously in computer circles the prevailing stereotype was that a tablet was another incarnation of a laptop. Therefore, mobile OSs remained strictly within their paradigm of small mobile devices, PDAs.

Not to say that hardware manufacturers and software solutions They didn’t see these problems and didn’t try to fix them. Another thing is that the attempts made often turned out to be deliberate failures due to the limitations and misconceptions that were initially laid down by the manufacturer himself.

For example, Intel has repeatedly attempted to create platforms for mobile devices. In the field of hardware platforms, the best are Pineview and the eternal Atom. Now the next generation, Oak View, is about to be released, but its results in real applications are still difficult to predict. However, this is still the same good old x86, which still has many complaints.

The situation is approximately the same with software platforms. Repeated attempts have been made to develop an alternative software platform, aimed at portable devices. By the way, almost everything is with the participation of the same Intel. However, almost all of these attempts turned out to be unsuccessful, and to a large extent - due to the wrong policies of the creators, who at an early stage began to ignore the requirements of the market and stick to their line, trying to adjust users to their desires.

Perhaps the most obviously failed project is that of Nokia (I also recommend the material “”). This stillborn brainchild of the Finnish mobile phone manufacturer suffered from a lack of a viable concept from the very beginning: everyone understood that “something had to be done”, but no one could understand what exactly. In addition, Nokia tried to tie the functionality of the system to itself, doing what was convenient for it and ignoring the wishes of users. As a result, the platform turned out to be eclectic and inconvenient to use, and also tied to one device, which itself was also eclectic and inconvenient to use! Two minuses in this case did not give a plus, and remained minuses.

The second project that immediately comes to mind is Moblin, aimed more at netbooks. Now Intel is actively promoting MeeGo to the market, but even here the problems are visible to the naked eye. Although this platform seems to have been brought to the market and even enlisted the support of some manufacturers, it is completely stalled in its development. In a more or less finished form, there is only a version for netbooks, although in appearance it is more similar to the OS for tablets (which, in turn, does not seem to be ready yet). However, in operation, MeeGo does not look like a ready-made platform (and the manufacturer claims that version 1.1 has already been released), but like a technology demo of the platform. In addition, Linux is always used as the kernel, which adds to the problems of the actually developed OS also the problems of the base OS - for example, difficulties when installing drivers. Intel, specifically, trying to solve this problem, forces manufacturers to create distribution kits for their models that already have everything necessary drivers. In general, it is still far from the simplicity, flexibility and convenience of Windows. In many ways, it seems to me, the problems are due to the fact that manufacturers cannot decide exactly what they want, they look around at each other and wait for someone who will take on the burden of decision-making. And no one wants to take on the role of leader and primary responsibility.

Of the successful examples, only one comes to mind - Android. But how much effort Google had to invest in promoting its brainchild! However, we’ll talk about this in another article.

However, creating a fast and convenient operating system is only half the battle (although few people have succeeded in this). For true popularity, it is necessary to overcome a critical mass of applications available for it. And this is a difficult task that cannot be solved alone. It is necessary to attract numerous developers and enthusiasts. And only if they believe in the platform and start working with it, only then can they count on success.

Ecosystem as a critical component of success

So, Windows tablets have too many usability problems. However, during the history of tablet development, many models on other operating systems, such as Nokia tablets, entered the market. Which, along with the same usability problems (they just manifested themselves differently), had another serious drawback: the lack of a “living” and working ecosystem. That is, the user needs to solve his problems, but he cannot do this, because there is no necessary software for this platform. This is largely the reason for the failure of numerous alternative OS projects. Why does a user need a device that doesn’t have the software he needs?

Let's take today as an example. Each platform manufacturer (and even device manufacturers!) is trying to create a well-established ecosystem around its operating system, including the ability to easily search and install the necessary programs (application store), easy access to content (including multimedia), and services necessary for users etc. Including collaborating with third-party software manufacturers, because such a large task cannot be accomplished alone. Thanks to this, the user of a certain platform has the opportunity to easily and simply implement all the tasks he needs. Apple has a powerful system: iOS+iTunes+AppStore, etc. Google also has the same: Android+Android Market+Gmail+GTalk+GMaps. Recently, Nokia has also taken up the formation of such an ecosystem: Ovi Store + Ovi Maps.

Until recently, tablets did not have such ecosystems. Although it would be more correct to say that electronic ecosystems were absent in principle. Largely due to the fact that it is difficult to adapt to a platform that is constantly changing: manufacturers constantly change priorities, and only concepts that are significantly different from each other enter the market.

However, it's not just about the manufacturers. Until recently, the very basis for the development of the ecosystem concept, namely fast, comprehensive and inexpensive access to the Internet, was missing. didn't exist technical feasibility to combine devices, programs and network services into a single paradigm through constant Internet access. Today, with the widespread use of wireless networks and the emergence of new standards, with the availability of 3G, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, LTE, HSUPA, etc., all mobile devices easily “live” on the network on a permanent basis. At one time, when Wi-Fi was just appearing on the market, access points could be counted on one hand, and mobile Internet access was obscenely expensive, devices could not so quickly and painlessly connect to the network for any reason. Moreover, most of the tasks that modern Internet tablets are designed for did not exist.

Finally, the main and decisive factor holding back the spread of tablets is price. Tablets have always cost enough powerful laptops, but at the same time they had a huge number of problems - both common with laptops and their own. Therefore, their overall usefulness was rather questionable, and the price was too high. So they remained the lot of rare professionals or equally rare enthusiasts (there are many enthusiasts, but not everyone is ready to shell out a large sum for a device of little use).

Thus, a vicious circle emerged that held back the development of this market segment for a very long time. Because the tablets were produced in limited quantities, they were expensive; since they were expensive, only a few wealthy consumers could afford to buy them; since few were bought, manufacturers were not able to reduce prices.

Why tablets suddenly became popular

Now we have come to a key moment in the history of tablets. If you carefully read the material, you could not help but notice that during the evolution of tablet devices, basic requirements have developed both for the devices (their functionality, size and weight, price, etc.) and for the operating system (interface and set of application programs). That is, by the time the iPad was released, there was already a real, established demand on the market, which simply no one was in a hurry to satisfy.

Therefore, on the one hand, there is nothing unexpected in the appearance of this device on the market. On the other hand, Apple managed not only to adapt very well to the needs of the mass user and present a product that almost completely satisfies them. It is equally important that the company took responsibility and was not afraid to take risks by releasing a product that was pre-oriented towards very widespread use.

Excellent ergonomics: working with the tablet is easy and convenient. Excellent battery life: up to 16 hours! Excellent screen (this is not the case on laptops; the screens there are much worse). Creating your own ecosystem, where the user can quickly and without any difficulties directly from his tablet gain access to the necessary software or services. And at the same time, Apple managed not only to satisfy the basic requirements of the user, but also to create a device that has its own zest and charm. For all its “technical” advantages, the iPad is also beautiful. This is how it turned out to be a device that revolutionized the mobile solutions market.

And with all that - at a very affordable price! iPad prices started at $500. I am sure that if the initiative had come from manufacturers of x86-compatible solutions, excessive greed would simply not have allowed such a start, and the device would again remain niche. Why look far for examples: Samsung Galaxy Tab started at 40,000 rubles, and in Europe it was more expensive than Apple products. And this despite the fact that the device was entering a fully formed, ready-made market with rushing demand, already heated and prepared Apple tablet iPad. Even now prices remain unacceptably high level: the image “cool” iPad turns out to be cheaper than the potential “workhorse” - approx. ed.

Apple has once again managed to change the consciousness of the consumer. Banish the stereotype that a tablet is a strange, expensive gizmo for geeks. And replace it with the stereotype of a friend, assistant, companion on the road, always ready to provide the owner with all the conditions for work and entertainment.

Apple was the first to announce such a thin, elegant, powerful, innovative, modern tablet computer; they were the first to present a mobile OS on the “big screen” and showed how convenient it can be. In other words, they set a trend. Since then, only the lazy have not produced tablets. Undoubted flagships, solid middling products and downright bad products are pouring into the market in a thick stream, both from famous brands, and from little-known startups, and from Chinese noname factories, which have a very keen sense of market conditions. Even more announcements that appear literally every day.

In such conditions, it is easy for even a prepared buyer to drown: either he will not notice an interesting device in the stream, or he will choose the wrong one. In the following materials in the series, we will try to help potential buyers understand the abundance of solutions that exist today on the tablet PC market and understand what exactly they can get from a particular device, what problems may arise, and whether they should buy a tablet at all.

Tablet PCs are one of the most striking evidence of the rapid development mobile technologies. These devices combine all the capabilities of a computer in a compact size. This allows you to always keep your tablet with you, while having easy and quick access to a huge range of features. The functions of a tablet have no limits, just like the capabilities of a computer, because in essence it is a computer, only in a more compact and lightweight “package”.

In the modern pace of life, a tablet is an indispensable assistant for every business person, and also allows you to relax in a moment of relaxation and have fun with friends and family. As mentioned above, the capabilities and functions of tablets have no limits. For business people this is a huge set useful functions and tools with which you can solve almost any problem. At the same time, a tablet is a whole world of entertainment. Movies, music, modern 3D games with high graphics, all kinds of entertainment, communication with friends and family. The Tablet PC combines all this.

1. Tablets and their functions and capabilities

As already mentioned, a Tablet PC is indispensable assistant in the life of every business person. With its help you can solve a wide variety of problems. In addition, the tablet allows you to stay connected always and everywhere, so you can create a video conference, call or send a letter to your business partner or colleagues at any time.

In addition, tablets are equipped with digital cameras that allow you to take pictures or record personal videos. This allows you to capture all the memorable moments and create your own photo albums.

As you know, tablet PCs run on an operating system. This could be Android OS or another system. However, any operating system allows you to install on your device special programs(applications) that expand the capabilities of tablets. So, to solve non-standard problems, you just need to install the right application, which can perform the required functions.

Today we can see a huge proliferation of tablets all over the world. The Russian market is no exception. On store shelves and in online store catalogs you can find a wide variety of types of tablets that are capable of performing different tasks and are designed for certain situations.

1.1. Types of tablets and their functions

It is worth noting that all functions of a tablet computer, regardless of model and manufacturer, are aimed solely at making everyday tasks easier.

However, the type of activity of people may differ, and quite strongly. Taking this into account, manufacturers produce different models of Tablet PCs, which are aimed at performing the functions of specific people. For example, if you need to constantly have free access to the Internet, while you travel a lot, then you need a tablet with a built-in 3G/4G modem. If you work in a place where there are open Wi-Fi points, then you should give preference to a device equipped with a Wi-Fi module.

Of course, there are also universal tablets that combine almost all the functions and capabilities of modern tablets, but they are much more expensive. And due to the fact that all mobile modules, modems and additional devices take up space inside the device; the tablet itself is quite large in size and weight. So here you have to choose - a narrow focus and limited capabilities or large sizes, high price and heavy weight.

Whichever device you prefer, they all have common advantages. The first thing worth noting is the touch display, which takes up most of the device. This screen allows you to use the tablet as conveniently and quickly as possible. And thanks to the optimization of web browsers, Internet surfing has become even more convenient and enjoyable. But all the functions of the tablet do not end there.

As already mentioned, most tablets are equipped with built-in 3G modems. But what is it and what benefits does it give us?

1.2. 3G function in the tablet

A 3G/4G modem provides users with Internet access. Moreover, anywhere in the country. This is especially important for people who are constantly on the go, who often go on business trips, travel, and so on. Difficult to find along the way open access to high-speed Internet via Wi-Fi, so a 3G modem is perfect solution. Of course, the speed of such a connection is not high, but it is quite sufficient for solving everyday tasks, such as sending emails, checking email, making Skype calls, browsing websites, and so on.

Don't be upset if you have already purchased a tablet without a built-in 3G modem. If you are planning a trip and need mobile Internet, an external USB 3G/4G modem may be a way out of this situation. It connects to USB port and gives you easy and fast access to the Internet.

1.3. Wi-Fi module in the tablet

In the vast majority of cases, tablet PCs are equipped with a Wi-Fi module. It takes up very little space in the device, so it does not affect its size at all. In addition, such a module does not require much energy, practically without affecting the operating time without recharging. Taking into account all these advantages, manufacturers equip absolutely all tablets and smartphones with Wi-Fi modules.

Why is this necessary? Firstly, if there is an open point Wi-Fi access, which today is available in almost any mall, cafes and in most parks, you get free access to high speed internet. The main advantage of this connection is high speed and a fairly large range.

In addition to access to Internet Wi-Fi The module allows you to connect with other tablets, smartphones, laptops and other devices that have such a module. This achieves high data transfer rates. In addition, the Wi-Fi module allows you to use mobile routers to access the Internet. If your tablet is not equipped with a 3G/4G modem, then you can purchase a mobile Wi-Fi router, which will connect with mobile internet and distribute it to all surrounding devices. This is extremely convenient if you have more than one device, or if you are traveling with a group.

1.4. Tablet with call function

Many tablet models have a call function. This means that the device has a SIM card slot and that you can use the tablet as a phone. As a rule, such tablets have a relatively small screen – 7”. Thus, the tablet is maximally optimized - it is convenient for Internet surfing, and is also compact enough to be used as a phone.

To increase convenience and comfort, you should pay attention to additional wireless headset, which will save users from having to take the tablet out of their pocket to answer a call. Also you don't have to hold quite big device near the ear.

Of course, if the tablet is equipped with a built-in 3G/4G modem, it also has a slot for a regular SIM card, but in this case the card is used exclusively for accessing the Internet. In this case, calls can be made via Skype or another Internet service. However, to make such calls, for example, through Skype, the subscriber you want to call must also open the program and remain constantly online.

1.5. Internet functions in the tablet

Today, manufacturers have perfected their devices, and now a tablet is one of the most convenient tools for accessing the Internet. In addition, as mentioned above, all web browsers are fully optimized for touch screens. This means that to enter required section site, you just need to touch the required area on the screen.

The advantage of tablets over computers is that they are the most convenient mobile devices, thanks to which access to the Internet is possible anywhere in the country. Of course, laptops have similar capabilities, but they are bulkier and heavier, which makes them not so convenient to carry with you, and in terms of comfort and convenience of working on the Internet, laptops are inferior to tablets in all respects except typing. However, here too, there are tablets that have a removable keyboard. Such devices are called “transformers”. They combine all the advantages of laptops and PCs, as well as maximum mobility and ease of use.

Modern progress is doing everything to improve people's comfort. The main functions of the tablet are clear proof of this. After all, all the tasks that a personal computer can perform can also be performed by a Tablet PC.

1.6. Tablet computer, its functions and capabilities

As already mentioned, on the Russian market you can find a wide variety of models of tablets and tablet PCs. As you may have guessed, these are two different subtypes of tablets. A tablet computer is the same tablet that is characterized by high performance. In terms of performance and functionality, such devices are practically not inferior to desktop computers, but they lack a hardware keyboard. Because of this, typing is not the most convenient activity.

However, such tablets cope with any other tasks no worse than the same PC. This tablet– This is an excellent combination of mobility and high power.

2. Why and who needs a tablet computer: Video

2.1. Graphics tablet functions

A graphics tablet is a special development for those who work with drawings and photographs. All its functions and capabilities are aimed at increasing comfort when processing images, as well as for freehand drawing. In other words, it is a tablet with a drawing function. Of course, any other tablet allows you to install drawing applications, but only graphics devices allow you to perform such tasks with maximum comfort.

In addition, in graphics tablets you will find a number of useful additional tools for working with images. However, to unlock all the benefits of such tablets, it is necessary to install full licensed software on them. Only official programs allow you to fully use all the advantages and functions of a graphics tablet.

So, to summarize, we can say what a tablet is and its functions - it is a convenient mobile device that allows you to perform all the functions that a personal computer can perform. A tablet is a convenient tool for accessing the Internet, as well as for solving most everyday tasks. What features does the tablet have? Depending on the model, the tablet is capable of performing certain tasks.

However, it is worth noting that any tablet is capable of performing almost any function, regardless of the model. To do this, you just need to install the required software. Although, of course, a specialized tablet copes with its tasks better. That is, any tablet is capable of working with photographs and images, but a graphics tablet allows you to do this as conveniently as possible.

What other functions can the tablet perform? Yes, almost any. Thanks to the universal software, today it is Android or IOS; you can install a wide variety of programs on your tablet that allow you to carry out almost any task. The smart function in the tablet makes the device even more convenient to use.

Games, music, video and photos, Internet, communications, what functions do you still need from tablets? The possibilities are limited only by your imagination. Modern tablets are capable of performing any task, and they allow you to do it as conveniently as possible, anywhere and at any time.

Preamble

I keep repeating - in order to do a good choice technology, it is necessary, at least in general terms, to understand the subject area. Know what characteristics the equipment you choose has. Know how these characteristics affect the operation of equipment.

What is a tablet (tablet, tablet computer)

If we describe it figuratively, then the tablet is large or very large or even very very big smartphone which you cannot call. It's a joke, but every joke has some humor in it.

In fact, more than 90% of tablets sold today (2013-2015) are indeed very large smartphones. And it's not just that they are similar in appearance. The tablet device is in almost all cases the same - ARM hardware architecture and the same Android operating system.

So, without exaggeration, we can say that a tablet is a very heavy smartphone with big screen, which you can’t call, and even if you can call, it’s inconvenient to do so. Imagine making a call from a phone that weighs more than half a kilogram and is not easy to hold with one hand.

What is a tablet for?

In this situation, the question arises, why are they needed? There are two answers to this question.

For those who really need a tablet, its advantage over a smartphone is its large screen (large compared to a smartphone). On such a screen it is much more convenient to browse websites, write letters on e-mail, correspond on ICQ, etc.

For those who don’t need a tablet, the answer is different - it’s very fashionable. Cool, cool, status.

What are tablets really for?

If we put aside the issue of fashion, the only niche for tablets is the ability to be online on the go. Literally on the go as you walk down the street. Or you are somewhere in transport. Or at the station. In general, in any place where there are no conditions for sitting comfortably at a table and placing a laptop on it.

That is, it is to some extent a laptop substitute. But only to some extent, because a laptop is a computer, and a tablet is not a computer.

What can you do using a tablet?

  • Read some text.
  • View the site.
  • View mail and respond to letters.
  • Write something short in social media, forum, chat.
  • Talk on Skype.
  • Easily edit a photo or other image.
  • Play simple games.
  • Watch a video or film.
  • Listen to music.

What can't you do using a tablet?

  • Work fully with documents - test files, spreadsheets, etc.
  • Work fully with graphics.
  • And generally work fully.

Why not? In short:

  • Small screen.
  • Lack of keyboard and mouse. Although you can connect an external USB or Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, you won’t be carrying them with you.
  • The Android operating system does not support professional applications at the level of MS Office or LibreOffice.
  • The Android operating system does not have full support for the network and external equipment (printers, etc.).

True, there are models of tablets assembled on the Intel platform, on which Windows 8.1 is installed. But in terms of their weight and size characteristics, they are inferior to Android tablets.

A Windows tablet cannot be fully called a mobile device; they are closer to laptops in size and weight.

Tablet features

If we approach the issue without hysteria and fanaticism, then tablets have only one function - to provide access to Internet resources in a more convenient form than a smartphone can do. And in conditions where it is difficult and inconvenient to use a laptop.

Tablet Specifications

Basic tablet parameters

  • Characteristics of the tablet that most influence consumer quality: Tablet manufacturer
  • . The best tablets are sold by Sony, Asus, Samsung, Lenovo, Acer. Although there are lesser-known Chinese companies that also make good tablets and much cheaper than this top five.
  • Tablet dimensions. A proper tablet should weigh no more than 500-600 grams. A 10 inch tablet usually weighs 600-700 grams. A 7 or 8 inch tablet usually weighs 300 - 400 grams.
  • Tablet autonomy (battery life). Good tablet should run on batteries for at least 7-8 hours. To a greater extent, this indicator depends on the battery capacity, which is indicated in milliamp-hours. For example 4000 ma/h (or 4000 ma/h).
  • GSM 3G (or 4G) module (cellular). A tablet is needed mainly so that you can get relatively convenient access to Internet resources anywhere. WiFi adapters All tablets have it, but not all of us in our country have WiFi access points. This means that in order to have access to the Internet anywhere, you need the tablet to have an internal GSM module. However, if the tablet supports USB-host operating mode (otherwise known as USB OTG), then you can connect an external cellular USB modem to such a tablet. However, this possibility needs to be clarified for each
  • specific model. Yes, and it’s inconvenient - the modem dangling outside. Screen brightness. The tablet idea suggests

frequent use

outdoors, in natural light. In summer it can be very light outside (in sunny weather). And many liquid crystal displays become almost indistinguishable in sunny weather.

  • Secondary Tablet Parameters Characteristics of tablets that improve the consumer quality of tablets: Tablet connectors. A good tablet should have a USB connector operating in Host mode (otherwise called USB OTG). This will allow you to connect a flash drive, keyboard,
  • external drive or an external cellular modem. It would be very good if there was also an HDMI connector.
  • Physical screen size (diagonal in inches). The smaller the screen size, the smaller the tablet, but also the smaller the image on the screen. The three most common screen sizes are 10.8 inches (4:3 screen) and 7 inches (16:10 screen).
  • Tablet screen resolution(at points horizontally and vertically). A good tablet should have a horizontal resolution of at least 1024 pixels.

Common resolutions are for 8-inch tablets 1024 x 768, and for 7-inch tablets 1280 x 800 pixels. RAM capacity

The first question you should ask yourself is do I need a tablet? It might be better to buy a smartphone or laptop. The smartphone will be smaller and lighter. You can work normally on your laptop.

When choosing a tablet, the main thing is to clearly understand what you need.

If it's a matter of status, then buy Apple or Samsung.

If you really need it for those tasks that can actually be solved with its help, then you can buy any good tablet.

If you have to carry it around a lot, then it might make sense to buy a 7 or 8 inch tablet. And the size is smaller and the weight is smaller.

If you want to work more conveniently with texts on a tablet, then you can buy a so-called transformable tablet (sometimes called a laptop-tablet). For example ASUS Transformer Pad. These tablets have a docking station similar to the bottom half of a laptop. This dock has a keyboard and additional connectors. The tablet is inserted into such a dock and you get something close to a laptop.

But if the tablet has a USB connector operating in Host mode, then you can do without a docking station and just connect it to it USB keyboard and a mouse.

However, you need to understand that in this case, full-fledged work will not be possible - after all, tablets are usually made on ARM architecture and the operating systems of these tablets, Android, Windows RT, do not have the same functionality and such a set of programs as Windows or Linux OS.

If you really need a tablet computer, then you need to look for a model that is based on Intel x86 architecture (often they are not quite correctly called a Windows tablet). For example Acer Iconia W700, Samsung 700T1A-A01 or Microsoft Surface Professional (not to be confused with Microsoft Surface RT). These are really computers on which you can install a full-fledged OS - Windows or Linux. However, the size and weight of these tablets will be larger than ARM tablets. For example, Microsoft Surface Professional weighs a kilogram.

What's better: tablet or laptop?

It is impossible to answer such a question. But you can answer the right questions.

Why is a laptop better than a tablet?

A laptop is a computer. It can perform any work that can be done on a computer. Of course, there are tasks that are difficult to perform on a laptop due to some physical limitations of laptops. But many of the limitations of laptops can be overcome. For example, the limitation of a small screen can be eliminated by connecting a large external monitor. Connect an external monitor to your laptop, and a mouse and you will have a normal computer.

Why is a tablet better than a laptop?

Size, weight, and the tablet does not need to be opened. The tablet can be used while holding it in one hand. Let’s say it’s not easy to use a laptop in such a situation, and if it’s a laptop weighing three kilograms, then it’s completely impossible.

My advice for choosing a tablet is simple. It contains several points:

  • Screen diagonal 8 or 7 inches.
  • Screen matrix type - TFT IPS. Not to be confused with TFT TN - it's worse!
  • Screen resolution is for 8 inch tablets 1024 x 768 pixels, and for 7 inch tablets 1280 x 800 pixels.
  • RAM - at least 1 Gigabyte.
  • Inner memory(for installing programs and recording data) at least 4 Gigabytes. Data can also be recorded on a removable memory card.
  • Support for removable memory cards. Usually this is microSD / microSDHC.
  • USB connector supporting host mode (OTG).
  • HDMI connector.
  • Internal GSM module.
  • Weight no more than 400 grams.
  • Battery capacity is at least 4000 mAh.
  • Capacitive touch screen(touchscreen). Resistive touchscreen is worse.

By 8-inch screens we mean not only 8 inches, but also 7.85 and 7.9 inches. Strictly speaking, this “8-inch” form factor primarily means a diagonal of 7.85 inches - this is exactly the screen size of the first tablet of this form factor - Apple iPad mini.

The presence of a USB host (OTG) and HDMI will allow you to turn your tablet into almost a computer - connect a keyboard and mouse to the tablet, and connect the tablet to a monitor (or TV) and thus work almost like a computer, with the exception of the limitations imposed by the Android OS.

Size 8 or 7 inches will allow you to carry the tablet in any bag. 7 inch can even be carried in a jacket or coat pocket.

Weight of 300 - 400 grams will allow you to easily hold the tablet in your hands and even in one hand.

You can even make calls from an 8-7 inch tablet. Not very convenient, but real.

The battery capacity of 4000 - 5000 mAh will allow you to use the tablet for 6-8 hours without recharging.

This assumes 6-8 hours of pure work with the tablet, without waiting periods. If there is no internal GSM module

, but there is a USB host, then you can connect an external cellular modem. True, it will “hang out” outside, but the Internet will be there. However, not all tablets with a USB host support USB cellular modems - you need to check!

Well, that's about it.

  • Some tablet models that I personally would buy: Asus ME371MG
  • - 7" display with an aspect ratio of 16:10. There is a built-in 2G-3G modem and telephone. No HDMI output.- 8" display with an aspect ratio of 4:3. No built-in 3G. Heavy - 410 grams. Plastic body.
  • PiPO U8- 8" display with an aspect ratio of 4:3. No built-in 3G. Well-known Chinese company. Good quality. No built-in 3G. Aluminum case. Weight 370 grams.
  • Ramos X10pro- 8" display with an aspect ratio of 4:3. There is built-in 3G (modem only, calls cannot be made). Well-known Chinese company. Good quality. Aluminum case. Weight 370 grams.
  • Ramos K2- 8" display with an aspect ratio of 4:3. There is a built-in 2G-3G modem and telephone. Well-known Chinese company. Good quality. Aluminum case. Weight 370 grams. Not on sale yet as of September 2013.

All Chinese companies have eight-inch tablets - CHUWI ( V88), Cube ( U35GT), Onda, Vido, ICOO ( iCou Fatty II), Ainol, Teclast ( G18 mini).

However, Chinese tablets are also sold in Russia, but under the labels of “Russian” companies - Wexler, RoverPad, Explay, Digma, DNS, Oysters. In fact, under these nameplates are models Teclast, CHUWI, etc. For example models And RoverPad Air S7.85 3G Explay sQuad 7.82 3G This Teclast G18 mini

.

Our “craftsmen” simply order batches of tablets with their own “nameplates” from the Chinese.

Chinese batteries

When buying Chinese tablets, you need to be prepared for the fact that after 2-3 years you will have to change the battery. The difficulty is that, unlike phones, the battery in a tablet cannot simply be removed and replaced with another. You need to use tools to remove the cover, unsolder the old one and solder the new one. That is, you will have to go to a workshop and you will pay not only for the battery, but also for the work. Under

Chinese tablets

in this case, all inexpensive tablets are meant, regardless of the manufacturer. At the same time, more expensive Chinese ones, such as Asus, will certainly last longer.

Some interesting tablet models in 2015:

Asus Fonepad 8- differs from previous seven-inch models in its larger screen size (8") and support for two SIM cards.

Alcatel Pop 8S LTE- screen size 8", support for 4G (LTE), Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, atypical for the budget segment, battery with a capacity of 4100 mAh. At the same time, good weight and size characteristics - thickness 8 mm, weight 325 grams.

Lenovo IdeaTab A8 (A5500)- screen size 8", battery capacity 4200 mAh. It differs from the popular deaTab A7 model by a larger screen size and more capacious battery. At the same time, the weight and size characteristics are quite good - thickness 9 mm, weight 350 grams.

Dell Venue 7- the size of RAM is atypical for budget tablets - 2 GB. The battery capacity is good for compact tablets - 4100 mAh. Good weight and size characteristics - thickness 10 mm, weight 335 grams.

PocketBook SURFpad 4- the size of the tablet is not to my taste - the screen diagonal is 9.7". But the model is very interesting. Random access memory 2 GB, 8 MP camera with autofocus, 8000 mAh battery, cellular module, which is rare for large tablets. At the same time, good weight and size characteristics - thickness 8 mm, weight 520 grams. Original design- black body, and lemon-colored buttons and side inserts.

Archos 90 Cesium 32Gb. Perhaps the smallest tablet on the intel86 platform, with full Windows 8.1. Screen size 9 inches. IPS matrix, SSD size 32 gigabytes. There is no cellular module, but since this is a full-fledged computer platform there should be no problems connecting an external modem. Weight is just over 800 grams, thickness is 9 mm. The battery is just a bit weak for such a large tablet, only 5000 mAh. But again, this is the smallest and cheapest full-fledged Windows tablet today (end of 2015).

Personally, in 2015, it seems the most interesting Alcatel model Pop 8S.

Now in our country, 4G communication is not uncommon, and it gives a noticeable advantage in speed over 3G. And Archos 90 Cesium - essentially full-fledged computer

weighing 800 grams. If you connect a mouse and keyboard to it via USB, and connect a monitor via HDMI, you will have a full-fledged computer.

Update - 2016 4:3 format tablets, the so-called iPad format, have almost disappeared from sale. iPad mini

. Now tablets with a diagonal of 8" are already widescreen, with a resolution of 1280 x 800.

Due to the rise in the dollar, a bunch of models have appeared that cost less than $100.

  • At least on built-in memory, almost all budget tablets now come with 8 GB. You will almost certainly have to buy an SD card for such a tablet.
  • Probably the batteries have become even worse.
  • None aluminum cases. Black plastic.
  • Screens with a resolution of 1024 x 600 have been taken out of the dustbin of history.

In general, the picture of 2016 is this: no interesting models. The market is trying to survive on sad shit.

Several models

- PLS matrix. iPad mini format (4:3 1024 x 768). 16 GB, LTE. Samsung. But the price is Samsung.



Ivan Sukhov, 2013, 2015, 2016 If you found this article useful or simply liked it, then do not hesitate to financially support the author. This is easy to do by throwing money at Yandex Wallet No. 410011416229354 +7 918-16-26-331 .

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