Apple’s iPad has become synonymous with the tablet experience. But just because idevices are the most popular choice doesn’t necessarily make them the right choice for you. Depending on your needs, budget, and wish list, one of these alternative slates may just make you much happier with your purchase. Take a look before you buy.
For the Bookworm and Video Junkie
Amazon’s Kindle Fire HDX, available in both 7 and 8.9 inch versions, might just be the perfect tablet for media-holics. It comes with Amazon’s huge e-book lending library built in, which is awesome for book lovers. But don’t mistake the Fire for just another e-reader.
Amazon instant video, 24/7 tech support at the push of a button, fantastic parental controls, a stunning high-res display and a whopping 14 hour battery life make this one of the most well-rounded tablets on the market. A streamlined user interface and a much lower price tag ($229 – $375) than the iPad make the Fire a great introduction to tablets for novices and many kids, as well. There are different options to the HDX that alter the price. Kindle Fire HDX 7″, HDX Display, Wi-Fi, 16 GB – Includes Special Offers (affiliate link*)
For the Writer, the Artist, or the Doodler
The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 is the perfect tablet for doodlers. If you’re one of those people that’s always jotting down notes and ideas, or if your fridge is covered with sticky notes and recipes, or if your job requires constant updates and revisions, the pen interface of the Note is just what you’re looking for.
Features like Screen Write and Action Memo allow you to do everything from design your own app windows and copy website information to writing directly on your screen and red pen editing presentations. Perfect for teachers, students and artistic souls, the Note has an impressive 10.1 inch display and 3GB of RAM.
For the Tech-Savvy Parent and their Children
Southern California-based electronics creators Fuhu are making a name for themselves with tablets, laptops, computers and more geared towards a much younger audience. The Fuhu Nabi XD is a tablet geared specifically for tweens. If you’re looking for the perfect tablet for your 11-13 year old, but worry about the implications, this may be the perfect solution.
You’ll love the adjustable parental controls and a library of over 200,000 e-textbooks to choose from. They’ll love playing console-quality games and watching moves on the high def 10 inch screen. You’ll both love the built-in features that make homework, presentations and projects easier and more engaging.
For the Workaholic
Tablets are supposed to make your life easier. However, for many people, an oversized screen and flashy games actually make for more of a distraction than a tool. Lenovo’s Miix 2 is a performance-driven tablet experience.
An 8-inch display makes it big enough to see what you’re doing easily, while still remaining a small enough device to use comfortably anywhere, even on a train, airplane, or commuter bus. With a full Windows 8 experience and a full version of Office included, this is definitely one slate that’s designed with the business user in mind.
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