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Characteristics and Recommendations for your Tablet Computer/Device (2021-2022)
[Under Construction]
Today there are three fundamental tablet technologies - Apple's iPAD which runs the IOS operating system; Microsoft's Surface/Surface PRO lines and similar devices running Windows 10 (x86/x64); and a variety of Google Android based-systems.  There are also multiple sizes of some of tablet devices, but the nominal tablet size is around 10" screen diagonal, 12" screens, and a variety of smaller 8" or so devices available.

In general 8", and 10" tablets are well suited as "consumption" devices for a variety of services offered via the respective applications stores.  However, as productivity devices, the 8" to 10" range is somewhat limited due to screen size.  Newer 12" devices are more workable, especially with single window applications, but even these are limited for power productivity usage.  Modern Windows applications generally are full sized and switching between them requires a flick motion.  Desktop applications (x86/x64) can have multiple applications on the desktop so the 12" desktop is possible but still somewhat limiting.  A larger screen is definitely needed to do serious  development  (non-consumption - like) work.  10" devices are suitable for working office-suite applications - perhaps even 8" devices too.

Rather than a configuration discussion, each of the three basic classes is addressed in the following tables:
Microsoft Surface PRO/Surface GO (2) and similar Windows 10 / 11 Devices:


The Surface tablets, and similar devices, come in multiple flavors of operating systems: 
  • The Surface 4 Pro and currently 7 Pro, and Surface Laptops, currently version 4 -- 12" versions on an Intel platform running regular Windows 10 Pro
  • The Surface GO and GO 2 -- 10" version running Windows 10 and 11 if capable, generally running Home versions (special Business versions run Window 10 Pro).
Intel x86/x64 based systems utilize Windows applications available from the Windows APPS store and can also load non-Windows Store applications on the Windows desktop.  There is a version of Windows - Windows 10 S which only allows applications from the APPS store.  There is a quick one-way conversion from S to the more regular Windows 10 version (usually HOME)

All the models come in a variety of memory sizes.  The base model may have limited storage or processor speed.  Storage is the key factor especially for consumption focused devices.  Often come with a microSD slot to afford greater storage.

Windows tablets based on the Intel platform can run a variety of applications in the Windows ecospace - applications from the Windows store.  Relative to Android and Apple, the number and availability of some applications is sparce.


Google Android Devices:
ARM based devices, running the Android Operating system, are made by numerous vendors.  Generally available in 10", 8", 7", and 4" devices including smart phones.  Applications are obtained from the Android Store (although it may be possible to load applications other than through the Store, it is our recommendation is not to do so) and are generally game and consumption focused with limited production capabilities.  A big advantage for use of Android devices is their ability to manage files, connect to networks and obtain files from the network especially for offline usage.  Office suites also provided for viewing and editing documents/presentations which may be necessary on the road.  Ordering items such as from Amazon is also very easy with these tablet devices. 

Caution: make sure you have sufficient main storage for the number of applications you want to use.  With some systems, even when there there is optional SD-like storage, using this for applications storage may not be possible;  Easily done for pictures and downloads.  It may be necessary to use 32GB of main storage or even more depending upon the applications loaded.

Apple iPAD devices:
Proprietary chipset running IOS operating system.  Only Apple provides devices, generally in 10" and 7" format, and applications are obtained from the Apple Online Store and are generally game and consumption focused.  No file system; I haven't found a way to move files to/from a Windows network file store such as a NAS.




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Last Updated: 16 Dec 2021