A tablet computer is a portable computer whose main method of interaction is via a touch screen. Tablets have been around for a decade or more without creating too much excitement, but the release of the iPad in April 2010 changed this.
iPad... and beyond!
The impact of the iPad led a number of other computer manufacturers to swiftly release similar devices using Windows, Android or Linux operating systems.
Most of these proved to be poor competitors to the iPad, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab and Motorola Xoom are both popular and the Kindle Fire is being considered another viable option. Many more tablets are expected in 2012.
One question often asked is "what is the difference between the iPad, iPhone ad iPod touch?" Although only the iPad is a proper tablet, the others may be useful alternatives for may people.
Comparison of iDevices
When it first came out, we wrote our first impressions of the iPad which are still relevant.
Good points
Some of the good points about tablets include:
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speed of startup
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long battery life
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simplicity of screen and controls
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low weight
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built-in wi-fi.
Some - like the iPad - have very limited physical connections, assuming all sharing and printing will be done over the Wi-Fi connection. Others like the Samsung Galaxy Tab have USB ports for connecting printers and external drives. Many include SD slots to allow easy copying from camera memory cards.
Terminology
Need help with the terminology on this page? Read our
glossary of technology terms.