TabletNinja

Our workplaces are becoming increasing mobile as technology advances in ways many of us never even imagined. Tablets can now take the place of laptops and be used to get real work accomplished without having to carry around a potentially bulky and heavy laptop.

The iPad is really what started this revolution. But in a twist of fate, the device that started this march to a mobile workplace really isn’t used all that much for real work. When you ask someone what tablet is great for work, chances are they may mention a Microsoft Surface or an Android laptop, but I doubt anyone will mention an iPad.

But that doesn’t mean they aren’t great devices for work. In fact, it can be one of the most productive devices you have. Sure, they excel in entertainment and media consumption, with hundreds of apps and games designed to keep you busy. But did you know that this device can double as a mobile computer? With the right accessories and apps, you can transform your iPad into a true workhorse that will help you get things done no matter where you may be.

Grab an iPad Pro

First and foremost, I must say that you should buy an iPad Pro if you plan on doing some serious work on your iPad. While you can get away with using a regular iPad, you have so many more options if you go with a Pro. First, you can get the Apple Keyboard and the Apple Pencil, which give you some of the best control of an iPad that I have ever seen.

Second, these devices are more powerful and often have more storage space. This is a must if you want to use your iPad to store files that you need for work. When you are running productivity apps, you will need a device that’s fast, and the iPad Pro more than delivers on this front. These are some of the fastest iPads on the market, and they have the very best screens. These are all a must if you are going to stare at them and use them for hours on end. Remember, while a regular iPad will work, I believe you will have a much better work experience if you stick with an iPad Pro.

Third Party Accessories a Must

Even if you use an iPad Pro, you are going to need a few other third party accessories, and this is even more important if you use a regular iPad. For a Pro, you may want to invest in a nice case to complement your accessories, for example. If you have a regular iPad, you will have to invest a little more in order to turn it into a workplace tablet.

You will need more than just a case. You will also need a keyboard and maybe a stylus to make navigation a little easier on your fingers and hands during periods of long use. Personally, I recommend a case that can hold your stylus while also being a keyboard. There are many options out there for you to choose from, and I recommend giving these a serious look so you can create a work experience that is pleasurable. If you don’t, you could find using your iPad tedious and maybe even a bit painful if you use it for long periods of time.

Apps, Apps, and More Apps

Now what is really key to transforming your iPad into a true mobile workstation is the apps. Now, you won’t find every desktop app available for an iPad. That’s just the way it is. Not every desktop app has a mobile version. In some cases, mobile apps are handicapped compared to the full desktop versions of the applications, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be useful.

In other cases, there are amazing apps out there that give you a full desktop experience right on your tablet. Microsoft Office is one of those, and could be one of the apps you use the most on your tablet. While your needs will be different from others, the App Store probably has the solution that’s right for you. Take your time and find the apps that fit your work needs, and you will be able to truly use your iPad as a mobile workstation.

Make Better Use of the Cloud

The most recent update of iOS has definitely improved this situation, but I still think the iPad lags behind the Surface and Android tablets in the arena of file management. First, the interface for managing your files is clunky at best, and you are limited on your storage, as Apple doesn’t give you the expansion options of microSD cards found on most Android tablets.

To solve this problem, I recommend making better use of the Cloud. It doesn’t really matter which one you use, as long as you have enough room to store and access all your files. Services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud Drive, and OneDrive give you more than enough storage for your files, so use the one you are most comfortable with. By putting your files on the cloud, you can access them from anywhere and you can be sure you have the latest version of the file you need whenever you need it.

Extra Cables and Chargers

While the battery life on an iPad and iPad Pro is very good, especially when using apps designed for productivity, you still don’t want to be left without a charger wherever you may be. That means investing in a few extra cables and maybe an extra charger or two just so you have one for home, the office and maybe one when you travel.

You may also want to consider getting a battery pack that you can use to charge your iPad when there isn’t an outlet close by. Trust me, I’ve been there. There is nothing more frustrating than running low on battery when you are trying to bang out a little work. So keep those chargers handy and that battery pack so if you are stuck in the airport or on a long flight, you can keep your battery charged and your iPad ready to go.

Final Thoughts

While the iPad may not be as good as a Surface for work, with the addition of the right accessories and some great apps, you should be able to turn your iPad into a serious contender for a mobile workstation. While it won’t work for everyone, especially those that need desktop apps, for many workers it can be the perfect for tool for getting work done while on the go.

Do you use your iPad for work? If so, I want to hear from you. Tell me about your experiences using your iPad for work in the comments below.

There was a time when using a tablet meant you had a choice of two operating systems – Android or iOS. Today, things are a bit different. Microsoft was famously late to the mobile party, but they have been making great strides in the last few years to catch up. Today, there are a wide range of tablets powered by Windows 10. While the Surface Pro may be the leader in the category, there are many third party tablets made by big time players such as Dell and Acer.

Like anything, there are pros and cons of using a Windows 10 tablet. In the end, for some they make perfect sense. However, for others, they may not fit their needs. Today let’s examine five pros and cons of using a Windows 10 tablet. By understanding both the good and the bad, you should be able to decide if using a Windows 10 tablet is right for you.

Pros of Using a Windows 10 Tablet

Despite what Android and iOS fans will say, there are many great reasons for using a Windows 10 tablet. Let’s look at some of the best benefits you will get when you use a Windows 10 tablet.

1. Full Desktop Experience

While Android and iOS are great, they aren’t really designed to give you a full desktop experience. They are created to be touch friendly devices for entertainment and a little light work on the side while you travel. A Windows 10 tablet, on the other hand, has been designed to give you the best of both worlds. Windows 10 includes a tablet and a desktop interface all in one operating system. That means that if you need a more productivity designed interface to get some real work done, you will have it on your Windows 10 tablet.

2. Seamless Workflow

One of the coolest features of Windows 10 is the ability to work on one device and then pick up right where you left off on another, all by using your Microsoft Account and the cloud. If you sign on to both your laptop or desktop computer running Windows 10, you can work and then open the same documents and pick up right where you left off without having to do anything on your tablet. This makes working both in and out of the office much simpler and will increase your productivity as you will spend less time moving files around and saving them to work in different applications.

3. Access to Desktop Applications

One of the biggest problems many people have with mobile devices is the lack of some application support. If you use apps such as Photoshop, for example, you have very limited options when using an iPad or an Android tablet. On Windows 10, however, you can install full desktop applications on your tablet. Remember, with Windows 10 on a tablet, it is still a full fledged desktop operating system, so you can use it just like you do a regular desktop PC. This makes accessing many different applications that aren’t normally available on mobile platforms a breeze so you can work on whatever app you need when you are on the go.

4. No Learning Curve

Look, I’m a huge fan of learning new operating systems and I take great pride in the ability to seamlessly switch between using Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and even Linux. But that’s what I do. Not everyone has the time or the desire to learn a new operating system. But if you are a big Windows 10 use and you pick up an Android tablet or iPad, that’s exactly what you have to do. If you don’t want to learn something new and just want something that works, then a Windows 10 tablet is a great option for you, as the operating systems will function exactly the same on your PC as they will on your tablet.

5. Improved Peripheral Support

Another big complaint many have with tablets is their lack of peripheral support. If you want to connect a hard drive, or maybe a camera, or whatever, your support will be limited. To be fair this has improved in recent years, but Android tablets and iPads still lack the same robust support found in Windows 10. However, if you use a Windows 10 tablet, that lack of support gets thrown out the window. Because its Windows, you will be able to connect whatever you want to it, providing, or course, that you have the right ports to connect them, and that varies depending on the Windows 10 tablet you buy.

Cons of Using a Windows 10 Tablet

While there are a lot of good reasons to choose a Windows 10 tablet, there are many reasons why you shouldn’t. Let’s check out the cons of using a Windows tablet so you know what you will be giving up when you make the switch.

1. The Price

To be fair, some Windows 10 tablets are pretty darn affordable. However, these devices are usually underpowered and sometimes poorly made, much like the really affordable Android tablets. The more advanced devices, such as the Microsoft Surface Pro will cost you almost as much as a high end laptop to purchase. Contrast that with some of the high end Android tablets and you will end up spending more for it.

2. Viruses and Malware

Because you are running a full version of Windows 10, your tablet will be vulnerable to viruses and malware just like your Windows 10 PC. While there have been instances of malware and security issues with Android and iOS, you can’t even compare them to the number of viruses and malware out there for Windows 10. If you run a Windows 10 tablet, make sure you also run good antivirus and anti-malware software as well.

3. Mobile Application Support

The Microsoft Store has hundreds, if not thousands of apps available for it. But the number of apps, and especially the number of popular apps, pales in comparison to the apps found on the App Store and the Google Play store. This is even more true when it comes to some of the more popular games out there. While you may be able to install desktop apps, some of the more popular mobile apps found on Android and iOS are just not available on the Microsoft Store. This gets better every day, but they still have a long way to go before it will ever rival the App Store and Google Play.

4. Touch Interface

The touch interface for Windows 10 is pretty darn good, but when you switch to tablet mode, it will take a little getting used to. That’s not to say it’s not good, but in my experience I just prefer the touch interfaces found on Android and iOS. Each release of Windows improves this experience, and you may think it is just fine. But to each their own. In some ways I believe that the touch interface just isn’t quite as robust and easy to use compared to the others, but it may be something you can get used to with just a little bit of usage.

5. Lack of Accessories

While Windows 10 tablets have great peripheral support, there aren’t as many accessories out there for them. By accessories I mean things like cases, specialized keyboards designed for the, etc. The iPad and Android tablets have tons of accessories you can buy that add to their functionality and just make them more fun and useful. While there are a few choices out there, you will find limited third party support for the devices. This will vary from tablet to tablet, of course. But overall you will have many more choices if you go with an Android tablet and even more if you pick up an iPad.

Parting Thoughts

There are many great reasons to use a Windows 10 tablet. If you need access to full fledged desktop applications, for example, a Windows 10 is the best choice, by far. However, if you prefer many of the mobile apps found on the Google Play and App Stores, then you will be missing out if you use Windows 10 as your tablet operating system. In the end, it comes down to how you will use it and what you need from a tablet. If you need an entertainment device only, then I would stick with iOS or Android, but if you need a device for both work and play, then a Windows 10 tablet is one of the best options for you.

What do you think? Do you like using a Windows 10 tablet or do you prefer to stick with Android or iOS? Let me know what you think in the comments below.

With so many tablet choices out there, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. The iPad was the first tablet that really kicked off the world of tablets, and today it’s still going strong. But, other device makers have seen their fair share of success. But which tablet is right for you? Today, I wanted to focus on the iPad and why it may be the best tablet choice for you. To that end, let’s examine six reasons to choose an iPad so you can begin to see if Apple’s flagship tablet is the right choice for you.

1. Better Design

We all love our devices to look and feel good, and that is one area where Apple excels. Even the person who hates Apple and refuses to buy their devices still recognizes the superior design and look of Apple products. The iPad is truly a work of art and a thing of beauty. While Samsung and a few other Android tablet makers have come up with designs that look good, they still can’t seem to match the overall design quality and look and feel of the iPad, or any other Apple device for that matter. If you want something that looks good and features top notch design, then an iPad is the device for you.

2. Seamless Integration with Apple Products

If you own an iPhone and maybe a MacBook Pro, then really there is no reason for you try any other type of tablet. The iPad is powered by iOS, just like an iPhone, and that means it’s designed to seamlessly integrate with every other Apple product on the market today with ease. If you have an iPhone, for example, you can connect iMessage on your iPad and send and receive text messages from your iPad without having to pick up your phone. If you need to share files between your devices, you can use AirDrop to place files on your iPhone or even your MacBook. For a truly cohesive user experience across all your devices, you will need to add an iPad and not some other type of tablet to your collection.

3. Better Accessories

Because of the popularity of the iPhone and the iPad, accessory makers have flocked to the products creating cases, keyboards, custom docks, and more. Sure, you can find accessories for just about any tablet out there, but even if you buy a Samsung your choices will be far more limited when compared to an iPad. Personally, I always add a case with a keyboard to my devices to increase their productivity, but there is so much more out there. If you want to customize and enhance your tablet experience, you will need good quality accessories, and you will find many more choices out there if you go with an iPad.

4. Better Developer Support

Now I believe some of you may argue with me on this one, but hear me out. Sure, the Google Play Store has more apps, suggesting more developer support, but let’s talk about app quality. Apple’s store has much better quality apps that are designed for the iPad. Apple strictly controls the apps that make it to the store, and as such you will find better compatibility. Compare that to Android, where many apps are just enlarged without any customization to try and accommodate larger screens. On top of that, some of the apps out there never even make it to Android, preferring instead to launch exclusively for the iPhone and iPad. If you enjoy playing with high quality apps, and want apps that look and work great, then the iPad is a much better option for you.

5. Find my iPad

This feature was first introduced on iPhones several years ago and today you can use it to find your iPad as well. We’ve all seen the stories of thieves getting busted thanks to this feature, but it’s also handy if you happen to leave it somewhere. This feature can be setup the first time you turn on your iPad, so you never have to worry about losing your device. Android does have a service just like this, but it’s not even installed by default on many devices. If you want to keep your device safe, then stick with an iPad.

6. Better Security

Speaking of keeping your device safe, malware and viruses are increasingly becoming a problem for tablet makers, with Android suffering more from this problem than other makers. This is due to the more open nature of the Android operating system. Apple, on the other hand, keeps tight control of their operating system and a close eye on their App Store, so it’s much harder for malware to make it through to the system. That’s not to say that it doesn’t happen, as the iPad is not immune to this type of malicious software, but it doesn’t happen quite as often compared to other systems. If security is a big concern of yours, you can easily avoid the security nightmares by going with an iPad.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are many great reasons to buy an iPad. But they aren’t right for everyone. For example, if you like customization and enjoy tweaking your tablet, then the limited customization of the iPad may not be the best option for you. But for many users, the iPad is an awesome choice in a tablet.

If you don’t mind some of the limits on customization, or if you own other Apple products, then the iPad will make a great addition to your technology collection. They are easy to use, filled with great features, and look and feel great.

I love tablets, even if the market has been in a bit of a slump as of late. For my family, we all use iPads. Do you use an iPad as your tablet of choice or are you thinking about getting one as your next tech investment? If so, tell me your thoughts on the iPad in the comments below. I would love to hear what you think about Apple’s line of tablets.

There are many people that believe that the tablet is a dying piece of technology. However, in my opinion, they still have their place. But more than that, they are evolving into something a little different. Today, convertible tablets are all the rage. These tablets are designed to be both a tablet and a laptop all rolled into one. This gives users the convenience of a tablet with the functionality of a laptop all in one device.

Gone are the days of having to invest your hard earned money in two different devices. Now you can buy one device that will do it all. This makes it easier not only for users to afford, but to maintain and use, as well. If you are unsure about buying a convertible tablet, then today is just for you. Below you will find five reasons why convertible tablets are here to stay and why you should consider buying one instead of a regular tablet and a laptop.

Larger Screens

Tablets are great for sitting on the couch or even getting a little email on the go, but if you need to do some serious work, the screens are just a little too small. However, many convertible tablets come with screens that are 12 inches or larger. Usually you will find them in the 12 to 13 inch range but you can even find some with larger 14 and 15 inch screens. Once you graduate to these screen sizes, it’s much easier to use and get the work done you need.

Keyboard and Trackpad

Touchscreens are great, but have you ever tried to type on them for extended periods of time? They aren’t very convenient are they? If you want to get real work done, you need a keyboard and perhaps even a trackpad to navigate your operating system. These simple tools make it easier to use your tablet so you can transform it into a true mobile workstation.

Better Battery Life

Because the devices tend to be a little larger than a regular tablet, most of these hybrids boast better battery life. Now I know your mileage may vary depending on which one you buy, but by and large you will find a hybrid that matches a tablet or even bests it. Add to that the better functionality, and you get a package that will let you work all day long with very few problems.

Full Operating Systems

One of the biggest problems with regular tablets is the mobile operating system that powers them. In most cases, you will find iOS or Android on tablets, and while they are great and pretty powerful, they are nothing like a desktop operating system. However, many hybrid tablets today come with a full version of Windows 10 installed on them. That means you can run whatever you want, whenever you want. In today’s world of working from anywhere, this is simply a must.

The Cool Factor

I know, you are probably thinking that this isn’t true. But think about it. We love our gadgets and technology these days. While this has always been the case in the “nerd” community, today even you regs like your devices. On top of that, you want them to look good and do neat stuff. Enter the convertible tablet. Not only is it a tablet, but it’s a laptop, too. The are always designed to be stylish and sleek, and we all love using the neat things they can do.

So Should You Switch?

Now here’s the big question. Should you make the switch? Really, it depends. Now I’m not saying you should run out and buy something new right away. If yours is working, then why get rid of it. After all, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Still, if you are in the market for something new, then you should consider one of these convertible tablets. But that doesn’t mean they are right for you.

For example, if you would like to use your tablet for work, you may need something with a keyboard attached to it in order to be more efficient. In this case, convertible tablets make a lot of since. At the same time, if you want one device for everything, then a convertible is the best choice for you, so you have the ability to use it as both a laptop and a tablet whenever you need it.

However, if you only use a tablet to watch movies and maybe play a few mobile games, then a convertible tablet may be overkill for your needs. Remember, these tablets are often a little more expensive than a traditional tablet, so why pay the added cost if you really aren’t going to use it. Sure, you may like the idea of it and it is cool, but will it really work for you? Probably not. If you aren’t going to use it, why waste your money?

Parting Thoughts

While tablet sales have been in a slump in the last year or so, convertible tablet sales have soared to record heights. It seems more and more people are discovering exactly how useful these devices can be. With only one device to manage, you can save money and time both when you buy it and when you maintain it. With only one device, you will take up less room in your home and office and with its ability to go with you anywhere, you can get your work done whenever and wherever you are.

Have you switched for a traditional tablet to a convertible? If so, which one did you buy and what are your thoughts about its functionality? Tell me your opinion in the comments below.

Email is one of the most important things we all do on our smartphones, computers and tablets. Every day millions of people are checking their email on their tablets, responding when necessary. While most tablets come with an app to handle email, these apps are often proprietary and don’t always come with the look or functionality we need from an email app. In many ways, they are basic apps designed to get the job done, but what if you need more?

Well, thanks to the open nature of Android, it is easy to download a new email app and make it the default app for sending and receiving email on your tablet. But which one do you download and use? Today, let’s check out a list of the six best email apps for Android tablets so you can find an email app that is right for you. In most cases, these apps are free, although some do have a paid option available. One thing is for sure, each one of these apps have been optimized to run on Android tablets, so you won’t get that ugly phone interface that you sometimes get when you install Android apps on your tablet.

Shall we get started? Great. Which one of the best email apps for Android tablets will be right for you? Let’s find out.

1. Blue Mail

Price: Free

Download on Google Play

I must admit, today this is my go to email app both on my smartphone and my tablet. In fact, today this is one of the most popular mail apps on the Google Play Store. It offers support for Outlook, Office 365, Yahoo, Exchange, Gmail, and virtually every other popular email server out there. It comes with a host of cool features and ways to customize the look of your email. Personally, one of my favorite features is the switch to turn off email that isn’t from an actual person, making it simple for you to find the emails you need without sorting through all those mailing list emails you get day in and day out.

2. Microsoft Outlook

Price: Free

Download on Google Play

There was a time when Microsoft had no email presence on Android or iOS. Today, things are different. The Microsoft Outlook app is one of the best apps out there for email. It supports every type of email system you can find, and it is particularly easy to use with Microsoft’s email services such as Outlook and Office 365. Business users who must connect to a company Exchange server will benefit, too, as it’s easy to setup and gives you a very familiar way of using your email when you’re not in the office.

3. Aqua Mail

Price: Free/$6.49

Download on Google Play

Aqua Mail has been around for quite a bit of time now, and if you ever use it, you will know why. It supports every email platform you can think of and it wraps it into a clean and clear interface that’s a real pleasure to use. One of the coolest features has to be the widgets that allow you to customize the look and feel of your emails. This is the perfect app for tinkerers and customizers. There is both a free and a paid version, with the paid version opening up more bells and whistles for you to customize and improve your experience.

4. Gmail

Price: Free

Download on Google Play

This app may come on most Android phones by default, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider it as your main mail app. With its clear interface and support for multiple mailboxes and other services such as Yahoo, Exchange, and others on top of Gmail, it’s a great email app that will be a true pleasure to use. As free email apps go, it doesn’t get much better, and it can truly be the only app you ever need to use for all your email needs.

5. Inbox by Gmail

Price: Free

Download on Google Play

This is a relatively newer app compared to the others on this list, and in many ways you could consider it email for power users. Designed primarily for Gmail users, it brings with it many new features and new organization methods to sort your emails. It easily integrates Google Assistant into the mix, so you can use it to help you get reminders and much more. Of course, just because it is designed for Gmail doesn’t mean it won’t work with other services. Like the Gmail app, it comes with all the support you need for this to be your go to email app on your tablet.

6. K-9 Mail

Price: Free

Download on Google Play

This is one of the oldest email apps created for Android, and in some ways it shows. It’s interface is much more basic and old school, if you will. Still, just because it looks a bit dated, doesn’t mean it isn’t powerful. In the early days of Android, K-9 Mail was the app for you to use if you needed to sync to an Exchange server, and it still offers that very useful feature along with support for just about every type of email service out there. This app is technically open source, so you can even download and customize it if you wish. At the end of the day, it is functional and very lightweight, making it a great app for older tablets or low end models that don’t have the power of the premium tablets.

Parting Thoughts

Email is more important today than it has ever been. While the desktop email applications pretty much have everything right, more work continues in the mobile world. The apps in this list represent some of the best email apps available for Android tablets today. They are gorgeous, easy to use, and provide users with access to all the features they will need to get their emails fast on their Android tablets.

Which email app do you use on your Android tablet? Do you stick with the default apps or do you download and run something different? Have you ever tried one of these on this list? Sound off in the comments with how you use email.

Tablets are truly amazing devices. They give us almost the same amount of functionality as a laptop but in a much smaller device. They are easy to carry with us wherever we go and they are perfect for both lounging on the couch watching a movie or sitting at a desk getting a little work done. But, that doesn’t mean they aren’t without their issues.

In fact, there are many common tablet issues that owners deal with every day. Today, let’s look at some of the most common problems you may encounter with your tablet and what you will need to do to fix them. These range from minor annoyances to issues that will interrupt your usage. But, there is always a solution to the problem. Shall we get started? Great!

Issue One: Navigation and Typing

One of the most common problems I hear from tablet owners is navigation. Sure, the touchscreens on these devices are second to none. It’s quite easy to tap and swipe around your tablet. However, if you want to get any serious work done on them, you will need more. The onscreen keyboards are tough to type on for long periods of time and I don’t know anyone that can do it as fast as a regular keyboard. On top of that, touching the screen constantly can get annoying and hurt your hand.

To fix these issues, you just need to dip into your wallet. There are many great keyboards out there that will give you the ability to type every bit as fast as you do on a laptop. Often they are built into cases so they perform more than one duty. To fix the constant screen touches, you can invest in a stylist to do the work for you. If that doesn’t do it for you, then you could connect a mouse to your device, assuming you have a Windows or Android tablet. If you don’t, then you will have to be happy with the Apple Pencil, if you have an iPad Pro.

Issue Two: Dirty Displays

Touchscreens are great, except when they get dirty, which is all the time. No matter how much you clean your hands, the natural oils in your skin will leave their mark on the tablet screen. There isn’t much you can do to prevent it. Over time, your screen will become one big smudge unless you do something about it. If you don’t, you will find that watching movies or even using your tablet for your email will give you a headache.

Now I’m not saying you have to clean it after every touch, but I would make regular cleaning a part of your regular tablet maintenance. Every week, wipe the screen down with a lint-free, soft cloth until the fingerprints and other marks are removed. Avoid using any cleaners as they can damage the coating on the screen and never use a paper towel as this paper is rough and can scratch the screen. With just a little regular clean up, you can keep your display clean and free from unsightly fingerprints that make the display hard to read.

Issue Three: Storage Space

One of the most common issues I hear from tablet owners is that they are out of space. Tablets don’t have the storage of most laptops, and that means you can’t keep your entire digital life on them without dealing with storage issues. So what can you do about it? It depends on the type of tablet you have.

If you have an Android tablet, for example, you can probably add a microSD card to it to increase the amount of storage you have. If you have an iPad, however, you don’t have that option. The only choices you have is to upgrade to an iPad with more storage or clean out your device.

To clean up your device, you first need to go through all your apps and remove any that you never use. These apps take up valuable space and if you don’t use them, why keep them? Next, you should try cleaning out your music and videos on your tablet. Try making use of cloud storage such as Google Drive or Dropbox to store your files instead. These files can easily be accessed using the apps found on the various App Stores, but they won’t take up valuable storage on your drive.

Issue Four: The Right Apps

This is a big issue for many tablet users. They have a specific set of needs in order to transform their tablets into true workhorses. Unfortunately, not every desktop app is available on mobile platforms. In some cases, you may find a mobile version, but in some cases they simply don’t exist. What do you do?

First, make sure there isn’t a mobile app. If there is, give it a try. Sometimes, these apps won’t be as feature-rich as their desktop counterparts, but that doesn’t mean they won’t get the job done when you need it. If there isn’t a mobile option, it’s time to head to Google and look for mobile app alternatives. In some cases, there won’t be an option. However, in my experience, there are solutions for your situation. If you can’t find a mobile version, you may want to switch to a Windows tablet that gives you a full version of Windows 10. These machines will install full desktop apps. While they may not be touch optimized, they will do exactly what you want them to do.

Issue Five: Battery Life

Ah battery life. It’s a problem we all face every day. Despite the fact that this is a first world problem only, it is one that can interrupt your day and your workflow if you use your tablet for work. If you find your battery life is running short, here is what you need to do.

1. Go through and remove any apps that you don’t need. These apps can run in the background sucking away valuable battery juice without you ever knowing.

2. Disable any apps that you don’t use often and prevent them from running in the background. 3. Turn off automatic updates so your device isn’t constantly check for updates. Just make sure you check for updates from time to time.

4. Turn off notifications on all the apps you don’t really need notifying you. If you really have problems with your battery, you can disable them entirely. But I would recommend keeping some of them active as they can be quite useful.

5. Turn down the screen brightness. Your display is the biggest battery hog of them all. The brighter it is, the more battery it will use. Turn it down and you will be able to save quite a bit of your battery.

These tips should help you conserve your battery so you can get more out of a charge when you really need it. After all, you don’t want your battery dying when you are in the middle of working now do you?

Parting Thoughts

Tablets are great devices. In fact, they are one of my favorite gadgets, and I’m a gadget guy. But, like any device, they have their quirks. In most cases, it’s fairly easy to get around these common tablet issues with just a few changes in how you use them and a small investment of your time and money.

What problems have you encountered with your tablet? Did you find solutions to it or do I need to update this list with more issues and how to fix them? Tell me about your experience in the comments below.

Are in the market for a new tablet this holiday season? If so, there has never been a better time to buy. Outside of the discounts and sales you will find out there, the tablets themselves have never been more powerful and more feature-rich than they are today. Trust me, that’s a good thing.

Of course, when shopping for a new tablet, you will be faced with buying an Android tablet, a Microsoft tablet or an Apple iPad or iPad Pro. There definitely is no shortage of choices. While that’s great, it can make your decision more difficult.

Now every tablet has its own strengths and weaknesses, and I’m not here today to try and push you to one particular brand. For some of you, an Android tablet will make more sense. While others will want a Microsoft tablet because you need a tablet on the Windows platform. Others will want to stick with the company that made tablets the success they are today – Apple. The iPad Pro is one of the best tablets on the market, and there are many reasons for you to choose one of these tablets over the others out there. Today, let’s examine some of the strengths of the 2017 iPad Pro and why you should consider buying one this year.

The A10X Fusion Chip

With each new iPad release, Apple continues to improve the processor. This makes the new iPads even faster than the previous models, and you can really tell with this year’s refresh of the iPad Pro line. This chip includes three fusion cores and a 12-core graphics processor. This added power gives your apps more than enough to run quickly and the graphics processor means games and anything you do on the display will be a superb experience. The chip is paired with Apple’s M10 motion co-processor and 4GB of RAM to give you all the power you will ever need to run any mobile app out there with ease.

The Camera

While trying to shoot video with an iPad can be difficult, there are times when it can be useful. Sure it’s easier to do it with your smartphone, but if you need a larger view finder or want to setup a stable camera somewhere for recording, the iPad Pro can do it with ease. It includes the iPhone 7’s 12MP iSight camera with a 7MP FaceTime HD front-facing camera and includes all the bells and whistles found on the iPhone 7. Now some have questioned why it didn’t include the dual camera design of the iPhone 7 Plus or even the iPhone 8 camera technology, but that’s more than likely due to cost. After all, an iPad is never your primary camera so why add to the cost with including the higher end cameras? Still, these cameras are great pieces of equipment and will take amazing shots if you give them a chance.

The Display

Remember, when you buy a tablet, you will be using the screen for everything. From navigation to sitting back and watching movies, the display on a tablet is probably the most important piece of hardware. The new iPad Pro doesn’t disappoint. With screen sizes available in both 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch, these displays are a bit larger than previous models. This gives you more room to work with, and it is essential if you want to get any real work done on your device.

On top of that, the 264PPI Wide Color Retina display with True Tone is one of the most beautiful displays I have ever seen. The colors are accurate and vibrant, and if even includes a laminated display and anti-reflective coatings to make it easier to view in a variety of conditions. Of course, the biggest seller is ProMotion. This new screen refresh technology makes the iPad Pro feel even faster than it actually is. The screen is hugely responsive thanks to this technology so every touch, tap and swipe will be fluid and fast.

Battery Life

As we have already discussed, the iPad Pro comes with larger displays than previous models. One might worry that these larger displays will lead to shorter battery life. However, even these latest models boast a 10-hour battery life. To accomplish this, Apple has modified the battery specs over previous models slightly. The 10.5-inch iPad Pro, for example, has a 30.4-watt-hour battery, while the 12.9-inch has kept the 41-watt-hour battery to give it the power it needs.

Smart Connector & Accessories

The smart connector comes standard on all iPad Pro models, and it allows you to connect a wide range of powered devices to your iPad Pro. The end result is a wide range of accessories, including many different keyboards, that will allow you to easily connect to your iPad Pro so you can enhance its ability. Combine that with Apple accessories such as the Apple Pencil, and you have all the navigation accessories you will ever need to transform your iPad Pro into a serious work machine.

So Should You Upgrade to the iPad Pro?

Really I think now is a great time to upgrade your device. Of course, whether or not you should do it is entirely up to you and your situation. If your iPad or tablet is aging and you are looking for something new, I strongly encourage you to consider the iPad Pro. Just keep in mind that these iPads are more expensive than the standard iPad, so make sure your budget can handle it. If you do upgrade, I can guarantee you will be happy with your purchase.

Parting Thoughts

The 2017 iPad Pro is one of the most powerful iPads and tablets on the market today. Only a few devices can rival its overall power and accessories and features in the world of standard tablets. If you are in the market for a new tablet, I strongly suggest you take a closer look at the iPad Pro line of tablets. I think you will find they are the perfect tablet for your needs, especially if you need something for both work and play.

Have you purchased one of the latest iPad Pros from Apple this year? If so, what do you think about the design and experience? Tell me what you think in the comments below.