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8 things students should consider when buying tablets that double as work computers

A tablet can double as a work computer with the right set of accessories.

Tablet for studentsA tablet with a tri-fold folio case. (Image credit: kaboompics/Pixabay)

Students struggle to decide between a laptop and a tablet while considering a device for academic purposes. Often, they will have to settle for one of the options due to budget constraints.

If you have decided to get a tablet, there are ways to convert it into a work computer, provided you have chosen the right product. And to help you with choosing the right device, we have put together a list of things to keep in mind.

Always get the biggest possible option

Apple aims to make the iPad Pro a PC replacement. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)

Tablets are fun when they have an excellent display, and if you are looking for a tablet that can double as a work computer, we suggest choosing one with the biggest possible screen. If not, we recommend getting a tablet with at least an 11-inch screen. If you are a gamer, also look for other display parameters like a higher refresh rate.

Focus on the operating system

Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro reveal what the iPad Pro is capable of. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)

Tablets either run on Android or iPadOS. However, within Android, there are several options. For example, the OxygenOS 14 on the OnePlus Pad 2 (review) offers a completely different user experience compared to the OneUI 6 on the Galaxy Book S10+ or the iPadOS.

If you already have an iPhone, an iPad will be a better option, as it makes it easy to share files and the internet. If you are an Android smartphone user, you can either consider an Android tablet or an iPad.

See if it has an official keyboard folio

The Magic keyboard transforms the iPad Pro almost into a Mac. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)

Some of the tablets come with their own keyboard case that can instantly transform it into a computer. In most cases, keyboard cases are sold at a discount when bought with the tablet. If not, there are other alternatives such as Logitech K480, which can accommodate most Android tablets and iPads and convert them into a full-fledged computer.

A pencil or a stylus will come in handy

Apple Pencil Pro gains new features such as haptic feedback and squeeze to select. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)

Just like a keyboard, also look for a tablet with stylus support. This comes in handy to not only take notes in class, but can also be used to sketch on the digital canvas, sign documents, and more. If you are considering an iPad, get an Apple Pencil. Even on the Android side of things, there are a plethora of tablets with stylus support, and some tablets include a stylus as a part of the package.

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Look for a tablet with cellular connectivity

This tablet has a 12.7-inch screen with 3K resolution. (Express Photo)

Some tablets now come with 4G/5G connectivity options. In fact, on some tablets, you can even make voice calls. If you are a student who is always on the go, buying a tablet with cellular connectivity will make a lot of sense. The tablet can also be used as a Wi-Fi hotspot to connect other smartphones or laptops to the internet.

Do not compromise on storage

An excellent Android tablet for most users. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)

If you are thinking of a tablet that should double up as a computer, you might end up storing a lot of data on the device. Hence, it is important to choose a device with more storage. We recommend getting a tablet with at least 256 GB of internal storage. You can also look for options with a microSD card slot for additional storage expansion.

See if it has a fast USB-C port

Xiaomi Pad 6 runs on MIUI 14 for tablets (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/Indian Express)

Most tablets, including the budget options, now come with a USB-C port. However, only a few options include a fast USB 3.0 class USB-C storage, which not only enables faster data transfer but can also be hooked into an external monitor or television. This is really important when you want to get some serious work done on your tablet.

Battery life and fast charging matters

The tablet comes with a free tri-fold case. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)

Always go for a tablet with the biggest possible battery, possibly with fast charging. Most tablets, including iPads, include a charger in the box, and most tablets can easily last for an entire day without any issues. However, some devices like the OnePlus Pad 2 offer much faster charging speeds, which will help you save time in charging the device and focus on other things in life.

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