Before 2010, most people had desktops or laptops. Today, tablets are the most popular option for portable computing.
With touchscreens and optional keyboards, tablets are extremely versatile. They’re smaller than many laptops, which make them easy to tote around in a purse or backpack. Their high-quality cameras and optimized operating systems combine the best features of a smartphone with those of a laptop. Plus, they’re becoming more affordable.
iPad Pro
Although rumor has it that Apple will be releasing the iPad Mini 5 in 2019, that is just speculation. The company usually releases new products shortly after announcing them, and there is no certainty that the iPad Mini line will continue. If it does, it may come as a smaller, entry-level iPad Pro Mini, echoing the iPad Pro that was released in the last quarter of 2018.
Specs
Screen: 12.9 or 11 inches/ 2,732 x 2,048 or 2,388 x 1,668 resolution Multi-Touch display
Dimensions: 11.04 x 8.46 x 0.23 inches/9.74 x 7.02 x 0.23 inches
Weight: 1.40/1.03 pounds
Processor: A12X bionic chip with 64-bit architecture and embedded M12 coprocessor
Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
Camera: 7 megapixels front, 12 megapixels rear
Storage: Up to 1 terabyte
Operating System: iOS 12
New Features
The new iPad Pro has all of the advanced features that Apple has to offer, including Face ID instead of Touch ID, a liquid retina display, a more powerful chip for faster graphics, and compatibility with a second-generation Apple Pencil, which charges wirelessly as it magnetically attaches to the tablet.
Thinner bezels provide more screen real estate, and True Tone technology makes the display easy on the eyes. You can get around using gestures instead of buttons, and the much-maligned Lightning connector has been swapped out for a USB-C connector. The camera also offers Portrait mode, which has become a popular selling point for new Apple products.
Price and Release Date
The new iPad Pro models went on sale on November 9, 2018. The price of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at $999, and the 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $799. The Smart Keyboard Folio offers front and back protection and can be purchased separately.
Lenovo Tab P10
The Lenovo Tab P10 will be a premium version of Lenovo’s new Android tablets. These feature a wide range of options with prices for every budget.
Specs
Screen: 10.10 inches, 1,920 x 1,200 Multi-Touch display
Dimensions: 9.53 x 6.57 x 0.27 inches
Weight: 0.97 pounds
Processor: Snapdragon 450
Battery Life: Up to 15 hours
Camera: 8 megapixels front, 5 megapixels rear
Storage: 64 gigabytes internal storage with expandable microSD storage up to 256 gigabytes
Operating System: Android Oreo
New Features
Lower-end Lenovo Tab models have plastic frames that aren’t as protective as the metal one featured in the P10. This tablet also has a full HD display and a dual-glass design that’s as attractive as it is protective.
This tablet has Dolby Atmos audio for clear, full sound. Plus, a fingerprint sensor lets you add profiles for everyone in the family, keeping settings separate.
The Lenovo Tab P10 has a USB-C 2.0 port, which some older models don’t have. A PIN connector on the bottom is compatible with a portable keyboard.
Price and Release Date
The price should start around $300, but the U.S. release date for this tablet has not been finalized. If you can’t wait for this tablet to launch in 2019, check out the Lenovo Android Tab series (the E7, E8, E10, and 10) tablets that were released in the fall of 2018.
Microsoft Surface Pro 6
Although this tablet was officially released in October 2018, it remains one of the best tablets to buy in 2019.
The kickstand lets you stand the tablet vertically on any surface. You can attach a keyboard, but it isn’t rigid enough to use on your lap. Still, it’s an ideal option for those who are familiar with the Windows operating system and want the flexibility of a two-in-one convertible tablet.
One important thing to note is that this product does not include a USB-C port.
Specs
Screen: 12.3 inches, 2,736 x 1,824 PixelSense display
Dimensions: 11.5 x 7.91 x 0.33 inches
Weight: 1.71 pounds
Processor: Intel Core 8th generation i5
Battery Life: Up to 13.5 hours
Camera: 5 megapixels front, 8 megapixels rear
Storage: SSD options for up to 1 terabyte
Operating System: Windows 10 Home
New Features
This tablet’s ample display can be controlled using gestures or touch. The advanced processor is 67 percent faster than its predecessor.
One of the standout features is the long battery life. With the new chips, this device gets 3.5 more hours of battery life for a total of 13.5 hours.
The design is slightly different than that of the Surface Pro 5 as the power button and volume control are now on the side of the device. Although other design features are similar, the device now comes in black.
Price and Release Date
The Surface Pro 6 was first available in October 2018. The price starts at $899 if you purchase this item directly from Microsoft. As you configure the storage, memory, and processor, the price increases. You will also have to spend an additional $129 for a Surface Pro Type Cover if you want to use this as a laptop.
Google Pixel Slate Tablet
The Google Pixel Slate gives you five models to choose from. It’s a moderately priced tablet that offers some valuable features.
Specs
Screen: 12.3 inches, 3,000 x 2,000 Molecular Display touchscreen
Dimensions: 11.45 x 7.95 x 0.28 inches
Weight: 1.6 pounds
Processor: Intel Celeron (Starter model), Intel Core i7 (Premium model)
Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
Camera: 8 megapixels front and rear
Storage: 32 gigabytes SSD (Starter model), 256 gigabytes SSD (Premium model)
Operating system: Chrome OS
New Features
This is the first tablet with a Chrome operating system, which is similar to an Android device. As such, it supports Android apps but contains Chrome security features.
Unlock the device with a new fingerprint sensor, which is more secure than the Smart Lock that is available on previous models. This tablet also has two USB-C ports but no SD card slots or headphone jack.
Price and Release Date
The launch of the Google Pixel Slate Tablet was announced in October 2018, and preorders were opened on November 6, 2018.
This tablet is currently available for sale with a price that starts at $599. The Pixel Slate keyboard is sold separately for $199.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
Samsung’s answer to the iPad Pro is this Android tablet.
Specs
Screen: 10.5 inches, 2,560 x 1,600 touchscreen display
Dimensions: 9.81 x 6.47 x 0.28 inches
Weight: 1.06 pounds
Processor: Snapdragon 835
Battery Life: Up to 16 hours
Camera: 13 megapixels front and rear
Storage: 64 or 256 gigabytes
Operating System: Android Oreo
New Features
The design has changed significantly from the Galaxy Tab S3. The display is larger, there is no home button, and the bezels are thinner. Plus, users can navigate using gestures.
One of the highlights of this tablet is that it comes with Google Assistant and far-field microphone technology. The keyboard case features a nesting spot for the tablet, making it extremely similar to a laptop.
DeX mobile desktop software makes it easier to navigate when you’re doing traditional computing, such as working with spreadsheets. It even lets you open multiple windows at once.
The other changes involve audio. Four speakers and Dolby Atmos support provide a high-quality listening experience.
Price and Release Date
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 was released in August 2018. The price starts at $649.99 on Samsung’s website. This includes a stylus. The book cover keyboard is sold separately for $149.