Welcome to a guide and list of the different types of tablet computers. Once upon a time in the mid-2000s, smartphones suddenly became very popular and took the market by storm. It was also at this point in time that some smart geeks thought it would be a good idea to create an “oversized smartphone” using similar mobile technology.
That “oversized smartphone” came to be known as a tablet computer these days, and it has since evolved quite a bit over time… Even fundamentally changing our traditional laptops. Just what do we consider as a tablet, and how many different types of tablets are there? Read on to find out!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 Types of Tablets |
 Useful Bits |
 The End |
TYPES OF TABLETS
All right, let us now get into the list of the different types of tablets and hybrid tablets.
1) SLATE TABLET
The slate is the most “traditional” form of a tablet computer and the common Joe that you find everywhere – These are pretty much just “oversized smartphones”. But depending on the design, slate tablets may come with a number of expansion ports.
That enables people to plug in a keyboard, mouse, external hard disks, and whatever else supported gadgets. While this will not turn it into a “full-sized” laptop, but it definitely offers plenty of usage flexibility.
The good: Slim, lightweight, and ultra-portable. Flexible and powerful enough for “all sorts of general use”.
The bad: Generally, not quite powerful as a “full laptop”. Not quite suitable for office work “out of the box”, requires an external keyboard and mouse.
2) CONVERTIBLE TABLET (2-IN-1 ATTACHED)
Convertible tablets are basically “laptops with a touchscreen and keyboard that can be folded 180 degrees backward”; They work as a laptop and converts into a tablet when the keyboard is flipped around. These are specially made for people who want a functional laptop, but with an option to use it as a tablet as well.
The good: Has the same level of performance as any other laptop. Laptop and tablet, 2-in-1. Does not require an external keyboard and mouse.
The bad: A bit heavier than the regular slates because of the mechanism. Not quite as portable. Uncomfortable when handheld for long periods of time.
3) HYBRID TABLET (2-IN-1 DETACHABLE)
The hybrid tablet is a variation of the above convertible. Instead of having a fixed or foldable keyboard, it is totally detachable on hybrids. Well, this can also be thought in another way – The hybrid is a slate tablet with an optional keyboard.
The good: Super flexible device, is a slate and laptop at the same time. Depending on the design of the hybrid, the keyboard can function as a dock as well.
The bad: Kind of a hassle to attach/detach the keyboard; The keyboard is non-standard, and replacement parts can be expensive.
4) PHABLET
The term “phablet” comes from the combination of phone and tablet. Yep, phablets are bigger than the usual smartphone but smaller than the usual tablets… They are in-between but neither.
The good: Can be used as a mobile phone, good for those who like big screens.
The bad: A very awkward phone that is oversized. While the screen is generally bigger than the rest, it is still too small to be used as a laptop.
5) RUGGED/TOUGH TABLET
The rugged tablet is a good choice for people who work in harsh environments… or just always dropping stuff. They are specially made to take some punishments with shock-proof “armor”, dust-proof, waterproof, and come with “extra rubber padding”.
The good: Shock-proof, waterproof, dust-proof. Reliable, does not break easily.
The bad: Heavy and bulky. Usually costs more than the regular slates.
6) FOLDABLE SMARTPHONE
Captain Obvious – This is a smartphone that can be folded out to become twice the screen size. Some people may not consider this as a tablet, but I personally consider this to be a smartphone-tablet hybrid.
The good: Foldable and fits into deep pockets. A flexible device that could act as both a smartphone and a tablet.
The bad: Limited lifespan on the folding screens, very expensive gadget.
USEFUL BITS
That’s all for this guide, and here is a small section on some extras and links that may be useful to you.
WHICH IS THE BEST?
It depends. Some people may prefer value-for-money slates, a few others go for the performance. Personally, I am quite a fan of hybrids – Their performance is somewhere near a laptop, and detaching the keyboard turns them into a slate.
LINKS & REFERENCES
- Table Computer – Wikipedia
- What is a tablet – Search Mobile Computing
THE END
Thank you for reading, and we have come to the end of this guide. I hope that this has helped you to better understand the types of tablets, and if you have anything to share with this guide, please feel free to comment below. Good luck and happy computing. May the cyber force be with you.
