Mastered cellphone? Step up to tablet

#Middlebury

What do you buy after you have your cellphone but you’re not ready for a full-size computer? Chances are a tablet would be a good next step.

Tablets are like oversized cellphones in their capabilities, only better. With tablets you can check mail, watch videos, make a grocery list, share pictures, check the weather, play games and look around the Internet. Some tablets have drawing capabilities with a special pen.

If you have Wi-Fi in your house, a tablet can connect to it without incurring additional fees to connect to the phone carrier.

Tablets are portable, easier to tote around. If you want to take your tablet out to lunch and read online news while you eat, assuming the restaurant has Wi-Fi, you can do that. If you have a reading app for books you’ve downloaded, you don’t even need the Wi-Fi.

Chances are a tablet won’t come with a keyboard, unless you get one fancy enough to attach to a Bluetooth keyboard. Otherwise you’ll type right on the screen. You won’t need a mouse.

How to pick out a tablet:

  • Try to sample different types in stores, such as Apple iPads and Android, and the various sizes. The 9.7- to 10.1-inch display sizes are a good place to start; the 12-inch models can be heavy.
  • Read the reviews online. You’ll care about battery life, weight, price and ease of typing.

Don’t forget to add in the cost of any extra goodies you want, like the drawing pen if your tablet can use it, and a new case. (I recommend the Speck Balance Folio, for the sturdiness and the locking cover that protects the glass front. See them at www.speckproducts.com.) If you enjoy playing music, investigate the cost of Bluetooth speakers.

(c) 2018 King Features Synd. Inc.

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