The rise of tablet computers is one of the major technology stories of the current decade. According to a study by the Online Publishers Association, tablet use has exploded in recent years. In 2011, only 12 percent of Internet users in the United States owned one. By 2012, that number rose to 31 percent. Another report, issued by GlobalWebIndex, found that worldwide tablet use increased by 282 percent between 2011 and 2013. If you’re not using a tablet, you’re missing out on an important development.
The History of Tablet Computing
Precursors to modern tablets date back to the 1980s. These devices utilized pen-based input. You would press the screen with a stylus to interact with the device, rather than using a keyboard or mouse, as is standard for desktop or laptop computers. This system evolved into today’s nimbler touchscreen method. The term “tablet” only became popular around the year 2000. Initially, tablet manufacturers targeted specific, narrow markets. If you worked outdoors, for example, and needed a computer that was both portable and durable, you could use a tablet as a superior alternative to a laptop. Only later in the 2000s did companies begin to see the potential attractiveness of tablets to the general market.
Tablets Today
These days, you can find an enormous variety of tablets on the marketplace. One major distinguishing factor you should consider if you’re in the market for one is screen size. Generally, a 9 inch tablet or larger is considered full-sized. Smaller varieties exist that sacrifice some features of their larger cousins in favor of lighter weight and greater portability. Different tablet brands also use different operating systems. Although touchscreen functionality is now standard, you can purchase optional Bluetooth keyboards to make typing more convenient, and some tablets come with detachable keyboards as standard components. The surge in tablet use in recent years has led to a corresponding increase in variety. Consequently, you should do your homework before buying a new tablet in order to find out which of the many available options best fits your preferences and needs.
What Can You Do with a Tablet?
Tablets have become extremely versatile, and you can use them for just about any task imaginable. A survey conducted by Google found that tablet owners most frequently used their devices for checking email, looking up information, shopping, social networking and playing games. Other common activities included watching videos, listening to music and reading eBooks. The same study also examined where people used their tablets and found that the most common places were on couches, in bed, at the office and while commuting. As you can see, the attraction of a tablet is that you can use them for many purposes and in many places. On the same device, you can check email during work, look up recipes in the kitchen, find your route while driving and catch up on your favorite TV show in bed. A tablet can make your life more organized, more connected and more fun.
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