When you’re looking to buy a tablet, you may be looking at technical specifications and various numbers. If you’re an IT expert, well and good as you can probably determine exactly what the tablet can do. If you’re an end user, you may be overwhelmed and not entirely sure just what all these numbers and acronyms mean.
If you’re the latter, then take a look at the following to help you understand tech specs in more practical terms:
Screen resolution
This is the number of pixels on the screen. This can tell you about the screen ratio and how many pixels are there on your device. The higher the number of pixels; the sharper and clearer the images you see. Basically, it tells you the length and width of the screen in pixels. Your general laptop resolution is 1024×768. A good tablet should have at least that resolution or higher. The iPad’s resolution is double the standard laptop’s.
Pixel density
Often mixed up with screen resolution, pixel density tells you how many pixels there are in an area. You may have a high resolution but if your screen is actually very big, your pixel density is low. People can see the individual pixels. When you have a high pixel density, this means that you may have a smaller screen and the distance between pixels is so small that everything looks seamless as if written on paper in ink.
OS version
This can be tricky especially if you’re looking at Android devices. The iPad always tells the user if there is a pending update. Remember that iOS updates are always free but you ave to download the update yourself through iTunes or the iPad. Android operating systems are a bit confusing since older devices have low-grade OS and newer tablets have newer OS. Still, there are bew tablets that operate on older versions of Android. Make sure to check which version is that latest and if you’re buying an older device, if an upgrade can be installed. Sometimes, the device can handle the update, sometimes it can’t.
Processor
Dual core tablets are always faster than single core, but it really depends on your need if a really fast tablet is right for you. If you’re just looking to surf the web and read books, then you don’t really need a fast processor. But if you want to run sophisticated apps like business VoIP services, remote access to your home or work PC and virtual office clients, you may need tablets with faster processors. Usually, Android tablets have the highest processing power if yuou get the latest models. This is not to discount the iPad which still has a good processor.
Battery life
Standby mode means that this is how long your device lasts when you aren’t using it. When you are using it, the battery life varies depending on your usage. If you’re just listening to music or reading, the device’s battery lasts for quite some time. If you’re running third party applications.
About the author: Henry Conrad is a 29-year-old game developer from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Aside from gaming and being a tech junkie, he also dabbles in creative writing, which allows him to create great storylines and backgrounds for his characters. Follow me on Twitter and join me in Google +