Tablet Trends for 2012

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.

Last Minute Gadget Gifts

If you've procrastinated, or if you've waited to Christmas shop due to budget issues, one of the most helpful services in the area of tween gadget gifts is the ability to order online and pick up in-store. We used this service in the last year on a couple of occasions, with Best Buy, and it worked perfectly. Being an hour away from our nearest Best Buy, it's not a good feeling to go looking for something, only to find that it's not in stock, or that the last one just sold. With Best Buy's service, you can order and pay online, and pick up in store. You will have to go through a verification process, to make sure that the item is in stock at your store, or to find which local stores have the desired gadget. Further, you will need to bring identification, along with the credit card used to make the payment. If you are looking for that hard-to-find tech item for your tween, during the holidays, or on another occasion, this is one of the most useful services, in terms of saving time and frustration.

Learn more at the Best Buy website.

Best Camera for a Tween

If you are looking for a digital camera for your tween, there are a few things to keep in mind as you examine your purchase.  The best camera for a tween may not be the one he or she selects.

Nikon Coolpix was my teenage daughter's
request for her birthday.
Picture quality is good, camera is easy to operate
and use in conjunction with the computer to manage photos.
Costs vary, based on model, lots of color selections are available.

My tween daughter has a camera on her wishlist this year, and while there is a huge selection of possibilities, I've been this route before, and wasn't pleased with the results a few years ago.  The difference this time is that it's her interest, not mine.  If you are giving a camera to a child who hasn't expressed an interest, it may, or may not see much use. 

My children like to save to a favorites folder the Christmas wishlist items that interest them, and I encourage this because it gives me a sense of what they would like, and gives me a springboard into holiday shopping.  My daughter saved a digital video recorder, red, and I explored the information about the piece.  Inexpensive, poor ratings, interesting look, and red. 

Easyshare Digital Cameras by Kodak
I have owned various Easyshare models in the past decade,
and have always been pleased with the performance.
Costs are more modest than in the early days,
when a 3MP camera bundle cost nearly $300.  The model
depicted here is less than $75, and comes in varied colors, both great
options when considered as tween gifts.

Now, time for a few questions.  Is the color a priority?  Are you more interested in video, or the camera?  Why that camera?  It turns out, she really wanted purple, but only found red in the model; video wasn't the highest priority.  When I explained that the review indicated poor video quality, she was convinced that it wasn't such a great choice.  But, I had enough info to continue the search.

This is my approach with Christmas wishlists, and from there, I do my own research.  Price may play a role, but enough poor reviews make a good price worthless.  A good source of reviews is Amazon (Top Rated Point and Shoot Digital Cameras), where electronics pages include a place to search bestseller lists, new releases, and top ratings, based on customer data.


Keep in mind that a majority of tweens like "cool" features in gadget gifts, whether it's the sleek look of a CoolPix camera, or a specific bright color (green digital cameras for tweens).  I don't like to spend an excessive amount of money on a tween interest, such as a digital camera, unless I'm certain that the interest is serious.  My tweens tend to dive into some interests, and leave others behind rather quickly.  More advanced equipment is only pursued when I see the interest being pursued.  Until then, I start with less pricey models that still provide good enough performance that the investment in the gift is of value to both me, and my tween.  The best camera for a tween, after all, is the one that they will actually use!