Tablet computers
Is it worth buying one? Or do you still need a laptop?
We've tested 64 tablet computers.
Find a tablet computerTablet or laptop?
The answer is: consider a tablet. If all you’re doing is surfing and emailing, then a tablet is ideal. Tablets are lightweight and super easy to use on the couch or in bed – they don’t have the size or bulky battery-charging requirements of a laptop.
If you do a bit of typing (longer than emails) or you’re looking for a lightweight work option, then you might want to invest in a detachable or bluetooth keyboard or even go for the Surface Pro range. In general, tablets can be great replacements for much of what you do on a laptop.
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IP ratings
If you plan on taking your devices out and about with you, it’s important they can withstand the elements. Ingress Protection (IP) ratings indicate how resistant a device is to water and solids (dust/dirt).
IP ratings have two numbers. The first relates to solids, such as dust, and has a maximum rating of 6. The second relates to water and goes as high as 8. An X rating means it hasn’t been assessed for that type of protection.
Examples:
- IP55 and IP65 – Protected from most dust and low-pressure sprayed water
- IP67 – Dustproof and resistant to water up to a metre in depth
- IPX7 – Hasn’t been tested on dust particles, but is resistant to water up to a metre in depth.
See here for more on IP ratings and the different levels of protection.
