Technology roundup
As part of our issue devoted to tablets, Boating Industry editors rounded up six of the more popular tablets available at the time of publication. Learn the advantages and disadvantages of each and decide which may be right for you.
iPad
• Price: $499-$829
• Storage: 16, 32 or 64 gigabytes
• Carrier: AT&T, Sprint or Verizon
• Display (inches): 9.7, 264 pixels per inch
• Front camera: 5 megapixel
• Battery life: 10 hours
Description: The iPad has a lot going for it: the tablet has the world’s most extensive app store, a fast processor reducing any lag time, and a very sharp display. It also features a five-megapixel camera. If the major drawback is its price, however, check out the iPad 2, which is also impressive and $100 cheaper.
iPad Mini
• Price: $329-$659
• Storage: 16, 32, 64 gigabytes
• Carrier: AT&T, Sprint or Verizon
• Display (inches): 7.9, 163 pixels per inch
• Front camera: 5 megapixel
• Battery life: 10 hours
Description: The iPad Mini is the lightest and thinnest tablet you will see here, despite including many of the same features as the iPad 4 (same camera, storage capacity, battery life and functionality). The drawbacks come in a slower processor and a screen that is much lower in resolution.
Google Nexus 10
• Price: $399-$499
• Storage: 16 or 32 gigabytes
• Carrier: Wi-Fi Only
• Display (inches): 10.05, 300 pixels per inch
• Front camera: 5 megapixel
• Battery life: 9 hours
Description: This Android tablet is the only one with a better display than the iPad 4, and it also features comparable processing speed. The Nexus 10 allows you to have multiple accounts on the tablet, allowing your staff to use the tablet under different identities. One drawback is it has a slower charging speed than most other tablets.
Google Nexus 7
• Price: $199-$299
• Storage: 16 or 32 gigabytes
• Carrier: AT&T
• Display (inches): 7, 216 pixels per inch
• Front camera: 1.2 megapixel
• Battery life: 8 hours
Description: A mini Android comparable to the iPad Mini, albeit at a much lower price point. As with the Nexus 10, the newest version of the Android operating system allows you to set up multiple user accounts on the tablet. Still, the main disadvantage when compared to Apple is the apps accessible to iPad users are more extensive.
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1
• Price: $499-$549.99
• Storage: 16 or 32 gigabytes
• Carrier: Wi-Fi only
• Display (inches): 10.1, 150 pixels per inch
• Front camera: 1.9 megapixel
• Battery life: 9 hours
Description: Android’s Galaxy Note allows you to use a stylus (S Pen), to improve precision and make note taking easier – some may still prefer an on-screen keyboard, but it is another option. Its performance is as fast as its competitors; however, the quality of its display is considerably lower.
Microsoft Surface
• Price: $499-$699
• Storage: 32 or 64 gigabytes
• Carrier: Wi-Fi Only
• Display (inches): 10.6, 148 pixels per inch
• Front camera: 1 megapixel
• Battery life: 8 hours
Description: If you choose to include the $100 keyboard, the model has the ability to function more like a computer than a tablet. The Surface also comes equipped with Microsoft Office, but the number of apps available are not nearly as expansive as for Android or Apple. Since it is closer to a laptop in many ways, the usability often necessary for use in your showroom is lacking in comparison.
