Tablet computers have been around in one form or another for decades, but it was largely the launch of the iPad by Apple in 2010 that made them applicable and accessible to general users. Almost 18 years later, several versions of the iPad have come and gone, but the device as a concept is still going strong, and continues to be the market leader. The iPad and its variations aren’t, however, the only tablet computers on the block, and writers who are interested in working on the move can now also choose from a wide range of tablet devices from other companies.
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Why Use Tablet Devices?
Tablet devices are not generally as powerful as laptop or notebook computers, but they can still be extremely useful to writers, and offer a number of benefits. The main ones to consider are:
Price: Tablets tend to be very affordable, and usually cost much less than a laptop. This makes them ideal devices for writers who want to be able to work away from the desk now and then, but not often enough to justify investment in a MacBook or similar.
Versatility: Tablets can be equipped with a wide range of applications that make them incredibly versatile machines. Many useful apps are pre-installed on most devices, but if not, you can add a Kindle app to read eBooks, an email app to send and receive emails, a browser app to explore the internet, a note app to make quick notes, a more fully-fledged word-processing app (such as Microsoft Word or Scrivener) for actual writing, and much more.
External Keyboard Connectivity: Tablets will normally allow you to enter text via their on-screen virtual keyboards, but if you intend to write a lot of text on your device, or you prefer the tactile feedback of a real keyboard, you can usually connect a portable one via Bluetooth. Some keyboards are integrated into device-specific tablet cases, which effectively turn the tablets into ultra-mini writing machines, whilst others, like the iClever Folding Keyboard with Sensitive Touch Pad, are completely separate devices which can be taken with you – or left behind – as required.
Simple Synchronisation: Tablets which offer WiFi and/or mobile internet connectivity can make it easy for you to send your text to online services such as Dropbox or Evernote. This ensures that a copy of your work is available in the cloud and can be quickly accessed from other synced devices, such as your smartphone or desktop computer, without having to transfer anything manually.
Tablets for Every Budget
There is such a wide range of tablet devices on the market that every writer should be able to find one to suit, no matter what kind of budget they have available. At the most affordable end of the spectrum is the Fire range from Amazon. These tablets are intended mainly as a device for consumers rather than for creators, but can also prove very useful for those who only intend to use it for short-form writing on an occasional basis.
For writers who want something a bit more powerful for regular use, a device like the Samsung Galaxy Tab can be viewed as a middle-of-the-range option. These devices are based on the Android operating system, and will therefore allow you to install compatible apps from the Google Play store, giving you access to more than a million apps and games.
Writers who intend to use their tablets on a daily basis might want to take a look at the tablets offered by Apple. These come in a variety of models, from the beautifully compact iPad Mini, to the flagship iPad and the even more powerful iPad Pro. All models are as rock-solid as they get, and are highly recommended for both their reliability and longevity.
With tablets available for every budget, there is no reason why any writer should have to miss out on the benefits offered by these convenient gadgets. Explore the wide range of tablets at Amazon to select your own productivity-enhancing device and happy writing!