STAR Watch Statewide Technology Assistance Resources Project A publication of the Western New York Law Center,Inc. Volume 16 Issue 4 Jul-Aug 2012 Tablet Computers 101 (for those among us who don’t have one)
Although they haven’t been around that computer that we will be discussing in this long, tablet computers have become one article can be described as follows: A of the most popular tech items since the device with a screen that is bigger than a introduction of the Apple iPad in early smartphone, stores more data, and has 2010. By now, everybody who absolutely the ability to do all the things that a had to have a tablet smartphone does, except that it is computer has purchased no longer a phone. one. But there is still a This is not an oversimplification. significant percentage of the Smartphones and tablet computers population who have not. are fundamentally the same device We would like to address – just different in size. The this article to those among operating systems that make the us who don’t have a tablet smartphones and tablet computers computer. Should you work are the same. An Apple purchase a tablet computer iPhone and Apple iPad run on the if you don’t have one? same operating system: iOS. The Android What is a tablet computer? Originally, a tablet computer was defined In this issue… as a laptop computer with a screen that • Tablet Computers (for those among could be rotated around and folded flat us who don’t have one) against the unit. In this form, the tablet computer was as heavy as a laptop, no • July, 2012 Web Statistics more portable than a laptop, and • Who We Are extremely awkward to use. The tablet STAR Watch - 2 Jul-Aug 2012
operating system is the most common or other service providers. non-Apple smartphones and the non- Most tablet computers have handwriting- Apple tablet computer operating to-text capabilities. Using your finger or system. the stylus that comes with the unit (not all What are the advantages of a tablet computers have a stylus), just write tablet computer? (or print) the words on the screen and the The biggest advantage of a tablet tablet will convert them to text. computer is portability. Because of its The touchpad screen on a tablet size, it is possible to take a tablet responds to all of the same touch computer almost anywhere. Weighing gestures as a smartphone. If you are under 2 pounds and having screen size already using a smartphone, there is no of 10 inches or less, they are far more need to learn a new user interface. portable than a laptop. They are easy What are the disadvantages of a to carry around whether at home or at tablet computer? work. Tablet computers can be used in places where it would be impractical to Maybe using the word “disadvantage” is a use a keyboard and/or little strong, but there are some issues to mouse. They can even be aware of. While its be used while standing small size might be or walking. Since they considered advantageous are smaller, they use in a lot of situations, there less power and the are times when small size batteries last longer – limits the usefulness of a up to 10 hours on a tablet. Do you need to single battery charge. display a lot of detailed information? The biggest Tablet computers have tablet screen is 10 inches WiFi and/or cellular (measured diagonally). It data network might not be that easy to connectivity (3G or 4G wireless see. networks). Staying connected to the Internet (without a wired data connec- While hopping on a WiFi network at a tion) is easy. coffee shop or airport might be free, it costs money to connect via a 3G or 4G Many tablets have forward-facing and cellular data network. Depending on the rear-facing cameras as well as amount of data that is sent or received, microphones. They can be used to the cost per month for a data plan from a record audio, still pictures, or video. wireless provider can get expensive. When combined with WiFi or a wireless cellular connection, the devices can be You do not get a real keyboard with a used for video chatting through Skype tablet computer. Information can only be STAR Watch - 3 - Jul-Aug 2012
typed in on the simulated keyboard on the watch movies, share photos, and play touch screen. If you send a lot of emails, games. A tablet computer is small the lack of a keyboard can be a drawback. enough and portable enough to go with Typing long messages using the touch you anywhere you choose to go. It’s not screen is time-consuming and frustrating. about needing a tablet computer – It’s Keyboards can be purchased, but using about wanting a tablet computer. them makes the tablet computer less Choosing a Tablet Computer portable. Since there are fewer options to select Tablet computers are not from on a tablet designed to be computer, selecting the ergonomically correct. one that is best for you While you can take them is not as difficult as to many places that a finding the right full-size laptop would be computer. But, the impractical, using them selection process begins for extended periods of with an answer to the time could cause same question: What repetitive strain injuries are you going to use this to neck, back and wrists. for? Once that has been Just because a tablet computer can be decided, the rest of the selection process used in a given situation doesn’t mean that gets easier… it should be. Screen size. Tablet computers come in One of the biggest complaints about tablet various sizes that balance between computers is the lack of expandability. functionality and portability. Screen sizes Some makes of tablet computer have a typically range between 8 inches and 10 USB port and possibly one slot for a micro inches, though some tablets, like the SD card. That is about it. And if you Samsung Galaxy Note, can come as purchased an iPad (from Apple), there is small as 5.3 inches. When choosing a no USB port or SD card slot at all. tablet computer, it's important to Do you need to purchase a remember that bigger isn't always better tablet computer? -- while a larger screen might be easier If you currently have a smartphone and a on the eyes, it may not be as practical full-size computer, a tablet computer will while you're on-the-go. not provide you with any additional Other hardware... functionality. But, because of its size and ο Camera: Not all tablets feature built- portability, a tablet computer will provide in cameras, but several do, and this you with a very convenient way to check can be nifty for taking photos and email, browse the web, listen to music, videos when out and about. Some take notes at a conference, video chat, also offer front-facing cameras as STAR Watch - 4 - Jul-Aug 2012
well, which can be used for things like Operating system Determining the video calling and self-portraits. “best” operating system can be a difficult task, with many consumers having their ο Speed and processor: A tablet worth own preferences and loyalties. purchasing should be able to open a Currently, Apple iOS and Android are the webpage, launch an app, or adjust two major operating systems being used settings within a few seconds. today. If you have an Apple iPhone and Processors of you are happy with 1GHz speed or the way the features more are optimum on the iPhone work, and will be your you will probably be best bet for fast happy with the way performance. that Apple iOS ο RAM: Depending operates on the iPad. on the make/model, On the other hand, if some tablet you have an Android- computers have as based smartphone little as 256 MB of and you are happy RAM. Others have with it, there is no as much as 4 GB. guarantee that you More RAM equates will like every to better overall Android-based tablet performance. computer. The ο Wireless capabili- Android operating ties: Most tablets system is “open feature the ability to source”, allowing connect to the each manufacturer to Internet over a Wi- make tweaks or Fi network, or at the major changes to it very least, a 3G cellular data network. as they see fit. Wi-Fi offers faster browsing speed and Applications Most apps are designed downloading time, so take that into to work only on a specific make/model of consideration — and most of the time, tablet computer. If there is an app that WiFi is free. you absolutely must run, verify that it ο Storage capacity: Tablets are works on the make/model of tablet that equipped with a varying amounts of you wish to purchase. onboard storage, usually between 8 Price For most consumers, price will be and 64 GB. The larger the storage the biggest factor affecting their choice of capacity, the more downloads you will tablet computers. The more features the be able to store on your device. tablet computer has, the more it will STAR Watch - 5 - Jul-Aug 2012
ultimately cost. Casual users may only quickly and efficiently your tablet will need the most basic model to match perform tasks and run applications. their needs, while those intending on More and more consumers are using using high-demand apps and programs tablets for CPU-intensive tasks, such as should consider splurging on a more watching video, listening to music, and expensive device. playing games with high-end graphics. Web If you plan on remote operation where browsing, as well, can be a processor hog, WiFi is unavailable, you will need to and if the device's processor is not up to have a 3G or 4G data plan. These data the challenge, it can have a significant plans can be convenient but costly, so effect on the user experience. choosing to forgo this feature may And finally… reduce the price significantly. Besides the cost of the data plan, adding 3G or Once you have decided to take the plunge, 4G functionality to the tablet computer check out the device in person. A picture could add several hundred dollars to the may be worth a thousand words, but when cost of the unit. you spend time playing around with a tablet computer at an electronics store, you can Battery power Tablet computers are get a realistic feel of what it’s like to use specifically designed to be used on-the- and how you feel holding it for long periods go. This means that, more often than of time. not, they are used without a main power source. As a result, choosing a device Browse the web for tablet reviews. With with a dependable and long-lasting numerous models already available and battery life is vital. For a good indicator dozens more anticipated in the near future, of the device's power, check the quoted it can be difficult to settle for just one. Look battery life of each device. However, it's online for reputable reviews of the devices important to remember that these are you’re considering, and check out photos just indicators, and battery longevity can and videos of how the device works to get vary depending on how frequently and a real feel of what your user experience will for what your device is being used. be like. Video sharing websites like YouTube offer a wide selection of visual There is another issue regarding the reviews that can help narrow down your battery: Find out how long it takes to selection. fully charge the battery. On some units, the time required to charge a dead battery is up to 10 hours. If you feel that is excessive, you may wish to eliminate that tablet computer from consideration. Processor power Processor power is a highly important, yet often-overlooked feature of a tablet computer. The processing speed will determine how STAR Watch - 6 - Jul-Aug 2012
WNYLC Web Statistics For July 2012
Total Hits…...... …1,630,338 Top Operating Systems Used: Number of Pages Viewed...... …..…...303,991 Windows 7…...... …..29% Total Visitors...... ……68,580 Windows Vista...... ……..…….…...8% Average Hits/Day……...... …..………52,591 Windows XP...... ……34% Average Pages /Day……….……..…….9,806 Mac OS...... …….……….....….7% Top Web Browsers Used: iPad...... …….……….....….3% Internet Explorer 9.x.…………….…...... 33% iPhone...... …….……….....….3% Internet Explorer 8.x.…………….…...... 49% Android...... …….……….....….4% Internet Explorer 7.x.…………….…...... 14% Firefox...... …..……………...………17% Safari...... …..……………...…………7% Google Chrome...... 5% WHO WE ARE Joe Kelemen - Attorney Lauren Breen - Attorney Keisha Williams - Attorney ade is m Danielle Mayer-Dorociak - Attorney h a atc gh Amy Kaslovsky - Attorney W rou A Nicole Talev - Attorney ar th L St le IO k Vera Cedano - Attorney ssib the or po by Y Andrew Spong - Attorney nt ew gra f N Dan Kresse - Paralegal d o un Kate Timm - Paralegal F e. tat Lauren Imbriano - Paralegal S Ian Grogan - Paralegal Tom Karkau - Programmer Sherry Soules - Administrator Joy McDuffie - Data Analyst
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