Over the last few years, the tablet has become a must-have accessory for people of all ages. With such a variety of tablets available on the market, choosing one can seem almost impossible. Luckily for you, we have created a pocket tablet buying guide that will help to make that decision much easier. We will examine a couple of top-quality tablets from our collection that are available at various prices. So whatever your budget happens to be, there will be something in here for you. If you have seen something that you like from our tablet collection, then maybe this guide will make your decision to buy that bit easier.

A tablet is the perfect middle ground. It provides all of the portability of a smartphone with the functionality of a laptop. From busy professionals to fussy children, tablets have become the norm because they are a great productivity tool, and a professional creativity tool. With the number of games available to download, they are also recreational tools.

Aside from their ease of use and their modern look, the price of the average tablet can be quite an attractive feature; for most tablets in Ireland, you can expect to pay between €200 and €1200 (if you feel like splashing out on a top of the range Apple iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab). While this may seem expensive to some, when you combine the tablet's ease of use with its touchscreen capabilities, portability, and functionality, you are on to a winner.

It wouldn’t be a buying guide unless we added in a few top tips. Here are a few things that you should be considering before you jump straight into a purchase:

1. Make sure the tablet you are choosing has good battery life. This is very important, especially if you are looking to use your tablet for work purposes or while travelling. 
   
2. Don’t be afraid to buy a mini keyboard to go with it. It can turn your tablet into a mini laptop. Many of our cases have a keyboard attachment, and these are great because if you have a tablet with a 10-inch screen, it means you can turn it into a mini laptop and work quickly and efficiently using the tablet's versatility. Perfect for the train commute or working in the local coffee shop.
3. Storage is key. One thing you should always look out for when buying a new tablet is the amount of storage it can take. For example, if you are buying a tablet to download movies or games, you need a larger storage size. However, if you know that you will not be downloading many games, saving videos, or using up too much storage, you can always opt for a cheaper version of a tablet with less storage capacity. 
   

We think that when it comes to the humble tablet, there are 4 key features to keep an eye on.

With many tablets ranging in screen size from 7-13 inches, it is imperative that you choose a tablet with an adequate screen size for the work you will be doing. Looking to play games? Perhaps a 7-to-10-inch tablet will be enough for you. Do you need your tablet for your job, to draw, and to work professionally? Then perhaps it is worth investing a little more and getting a larger screen. Either way, the variation in screen size (and clarity) is what makes the tablet such a good option.

We have discussed this already, but we will revisit it because it is so important. The last thing you need is a tablet with weak battery life, so be sure to research and look for a tablet with a good quality battery life before you buy. You should be able to get a full day of use from your tablet before having to charge it again.

Storage is completely dependent on what you need your tablet for, it will also depend on budget, but most tablets can have storage capabilities ranging from 32 to 256GB. Ask our team in-store or online what storage capacity is most suitable for your needs.

If you are buying a tablet, there is a 99% chance that you will be using one of the following operating systems (OS), Apple iOS, Google Android, or Microsoft OS. The operating system is the bread and butter of any tablet, so picking a tablet with a good OS can greatly impact how much you enjoy using your new tab. Android is one of the most popular OS at the moment, and the Google Play Store that you can find on the Android operating system boasts over 2 million apps. So you are truly spoiled for choice. Our collection of Android tablets is extensive too, so make sure to check it out. If you have an iOS smartphone then maybe consider opting for the same OS in your tablet. Keeping your devices on the same operating system makes it easier to connect and share your information from each device.

Camera functionality is always something to consider before buying any phone or tablet. Most tablets come with cameras, but the resolution and number of cameras will vary.

If you fancy yourself as quite the photographer, then check out the resolution attached to the tablet you are looking for. Typically you will want a camera with 4mp or better; this will allow you to print 8x10 images without needing to crop or edit.

Technically, yes, a tablet is a PC because it is a personal computing device. There are definitely a few features of a tablet that you may not find on a desktop PC, and visa-versa, but overall, a tablet could be considered a PC. A tablet has very obvious differences from a desktop computer not limited to size, portability and potential operating power. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

The answer to this is subjective. However, most people will tell you that the Apple iOS and Android operating systems are the best because they are the most modern systems, have a range of cool features, and a host of games in their comprehensive app stores.

This really depends on what you are comparing. For example, if we are to compare the cheapest tablet and the cheapest laptop, then yes, a tablet is cheaper. Overall, a tablet would be cheaper than a laptop. However, if you want to buy a high-end tablet like the iPad Pro 12.9 inch, you will certainly be paying more than you would for a standard laptop.

If you are still in the market for a new tablet but don’t know which type would suit your lifestyle, then do not hesitate to contact your local store, where one of our store assistants would be happy to help you out. Alternatively, call our online sales team, who will gladly assist over the phone! Delivery for all small items is only €5.99, or you can avail of the click and collect service across our 23 stores nationwide, so you are never too far away from the tablet of your dreams.