Tablets have taken the electronic device market by storm in just a few short years. Once classified in the realm of pure science fiction, portable touchscreen-based computers turned out to be extremely useful and gained widespread popularity in record time. The biggest problem is not so much their limited hardware, but the price. Many tablets, including the flagship iPad, cost quite a bit of cash. There are cheaper options available, true, but it is vital to know when savings in dollars end up costing you too much in functionality.
Identify Your Needs
Just like every journey should start with planning, every purchase should start with figuring out what you actually need to squeeze out of your new tablet. If you plan to use it as a more tree friendly alternative to paper media, you don’t really need a powerful graphics processor. On the other hand, if you plan to use it as a portable TV screen, then a tablet lacking such a subsystem will work frustratingly poorly. By knowing what you don’t need, you can increase the likelihood of getting the proper bang for your buck.
Do Proper Research
It’s generally a good idea to do research. When you’re trying to pick the best Android tablet on a budget, it becomes essential. Look up the brand name of the tablet, searching for reviews and forum posts. This is a good way to get a feel for how reliable the tablet you’re looking at is, and how easily it can be repaired. Take reviews and forum posts with a pinch of salt, however. Look up specs and other features of the tablet, as well, to get a more objective idea of the quality of the device. On this note, try to aim for devices that have later versions of the Android operating system installed. Avoid 2.x versions at all costs. The 3.x versions are acceptable in terms of flexibility and performance, but 4.x is what you should aim for if you want for the tablet to serve you for a long time.
Inspect It on Site
Once you have a list of devices you think might be a good option, head to a store and examine them thoroughly. A limited budget means that you have to invest your money wisely. A tablet with good specifications can still suffer from poor quality materials and craftsmanship. Avoid any devices with loose elements or mismatched casings. Don’t buy tablets whose touchscreens are resistant to your touch either. A touchscreen should react to your fingers immediately and without having to apply pressure. It’s a good idea to check if the tablets from your list are available for testing. If the tablet shows wear and tear, but retains functionality and shows no damage beyond normal wear from use, it might be a good choice.
Bottom Line
In general, as with all other types of purchases, a budget Android tablet has to be chosen with care and after doing plenty of research. While big name brands are attractive, there are plenty of solid offerings in the no name market. However, separating the good from the bad can be surprisingly tough. That’s where your research skills come into play. Hone them and you’ll appreciate the value of the informed choices you make.
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