Decent tablets don’t have to cost an arm and a leg

Tablets are well suited as family devices that can be shared by several people as they are less personalised than a smartphone and handier than a notebook. — GUIDO KIRCHNER/dpa

BERLIN: Whether you want to watch a movie, read a good book or browse online, tablets are pretty handy, both on the sofa and on the train.

There are numerous models on the market and prices range from below €100 (RM471)/US$100 (RM442) to more than four digits. But do you really need to spend that much to make sure you get a decent device?

No, says Peter Knaak from German consumer watchdog Stiftung Warentest. The medium price and performance range is usually more than enough, he adds.

The main differences among models come down to computing power, the display and battery life, according to Knaak. “If you don’t spend enough, you’ll get a tablet with a dull and dark display,” he says. In addition, processing power might be limited, giving you slower loading times.

Cheaper models fine for most users

However, small models with an 8in screen come with everything the average user needs, and for as little as €140 (RM660)/US$140 (RM619). In comparison, a good mid-sized device of 10 inches costs around €400 (RM1,887)/US$400 (RM1,770).

“The performance may not be enough for 3D gaming,” Knaak says of these devices. However, video calls for work and school, for example, shouldn’t be a problem.

Models from the top-price segment have the computing power to cope with performance-hungry apps. Those looking for the largest possible screen will also have to pay more.

“Tablets are now larger than ever before, with up to 14 inches possible,” says Steffen Herget from the trade magazine c’t.

One of the great things about tablets is that they’re easy to use and lend themselves to a variety of activities, from watching movies and team calls to learning apps for children.

They are well suited as family devices that can be shared by several people as they are less personalised than a smartphone and handier than a notebook.

Tablets are also popular as control centres for smart home systems, says Sebastian Klöss from the German IT industry association Bitkom.

Which operating system?

If you want to use your tablet for work, make sure it supports the software you need, as most tablets run either on Android or iPadOS, Herget says. Check the App Store or Google Play to see whether it has the apps required for your job, the expert recommends.

As a general rule of thumb, iPhone users will have an easier time with an iPad while an Android smartphone user is more likely to buy a tablet that also runs with Android.

Things get a little more complicated when it comes to Amazon or Huawei tablets. They are often quite cheap, but also come with limited options as both companies rely on their own operating systems.

Amazon devices run with Fire OS, while newer Huawei tablets use the company’s HarmonyOS. Both operating systems are based on Android but they can’t access the Google Play Store, at least not without some tricks. That means the apps available to customers are those from the Amazon and Huawei app stores.

If you want to save money, consider whether you need mobile Internet. “WiFi is sufficient in most cases,” says Herget. If necessary, you can use your smartphone’s data by connecting the tablet to your phone via a WiFi hotspot.

Herget has another tip for those who don’t want to spend a huge amount: “Especially with iPads, there’s a wide range of used and refurbished tablets available from official suppliers.”

Don't forget about accessories

Beyond the purchase price, users should budget for accessories. “To ensure that the device survives a fall without any harm, a tablet case is virtually a must,” says Knaak. Most cases can also function as a stand.

Keyboards and mice that connect to the tablet via Bluetooth are also useful. Combined with a stand, a tablet can be converted into a substitute for a notebook. – dpa