Tablet computers have become one of the most portable and
versatile options in personal computing.
Tablets are being created to provide interactive experiences, as well as
productivity, to everyone from children, to businessmen. As companies strive to
keep up with the most popular tablet designs, cost and function continue to be
refined, and re-defined. Trends and
tools for 2012 are focused on greater efficiency, with cost containment, for
those who love the sleek gadgets.
Top Tablets
The iPad set the stage for the tablet craze, with its
initial release in 2010, and with the subsequent version, iPad 2 placed on the
market in March of 2011. The iPad 2 is
the best selling tablet, with the greatest reputation for utility. The cost is the most challenging element of
the tablet, with the most basic version retailing at the $500 mark. The iPad 3 has been talked about in recent
months, with speculation about sizing, pricing, and features. With the historic March release of the first
two models, watch for the coming update, and for competitive pricing
adjustments in the iPad 2.
The Kindle Fire, released in late 2011, is a budget friendly
alternative to the Apple tablet, though the features are not nearly as
extensive as those of the iPad. However,
given the pricing of $199, the user will have a pleasing, interactive
experience, with a heavy emphasis on content and apps that are available
through Amazon.
A variety of tablets were released, and rejected to some
degree, in 2011, due to over-pricing.
Watch for a number of tablets that provide greater utility, with
budget-friendly pricing, in 2012. As
well, low-end tablets will become more available, with lesser memory. With the $100 range for pricing, these will
provide outstanding introductory tablet tools for younger users.
Top Tablet Accessories
The tablet platform has some limitations, when it comes to
use, because there are features lacking, that would otherwise be incorporated
into a personal computer. The use of a
compatible keyboard can allow for greater utility with a tablet computer,
making it more the computer of choice in home use. Watch for more development in these, as well
as other external devices.
Piano keyboards make the use of music apps on tablet
computers more realistic. While
touchscreen keyboards are interesting, the potential of the tablet being used
to learn to play an instrument will be improved tremendously with a real
keyboard that interfaces with the tablet.
Protective accessories will also continue to be emphasized,
as the portability of tech tools renders them vulnerable to drops and
spills. Cases are one of the top
choices, with book-like opening and closing to keep the screen protected. As well, shock absorption will continue to be
an essential element in protective coverings for tablet computers.
Protection Plans
Consumers will see the cost of tech tools as an investment,
particularly with the pricing on tablet pcs.
As they make purchases, or replace broken tablet models, protection
plans will be an important consideration for those who buy tablets.
Apps
Apps are continually being updated and developed for every
type of tablet. More educational and
productivity apps will be among the most popular choices of consumers, as the
already trending use of tablets in both businesses and schools takes these
arenas to a higher level of excellence.
Tweens and Tablets in 2012
Tweens, as computer savvy individuals, will certainly benefit from lower pricing on tablets, and from innovative educational apps and programs for use with these tools. Protecting a tween tablet is our number one recommendation. I've seen too many tech tools destroyed at the hands of tweens, not to emphasize the importance of this.
Watch the rumor mill, with the iPad 3 release. A more affordable version would make incredible tween access to older models exciting!
The tablet computer has become one of the most exciting
innovations of the day, and nearly every household appreciates the platform,
whether for entertainment, learning, or business use. Employers, teachers, musicians, and artists
all find a reason to incorporate them into their areas of expertise. 2012 will be about greater access and
affordability, while high-end tablets will make the potential uses ever more
specialized.
