Apple's iPad
Apple's iPad was the first tablet to really make it big, thanks in part to its iOS software platform, which started life on the iPhone. This is the iconic grid layout that lets you browse through several screens of apps, tapping each one to fire it up. It's incredibly simple and smooth, and best of all, it features seamless integration with iTunes and the AppleApp Store, so buying and downloading music, movies, games and so on is ridiculously easy.
The downside is that you'll be buying into Apple's rather specific 'way of doing things' -- every app in the App Store has to be approved by Apple itself, and the Californian company can be quite restrictive about what it lets you do with your phone. Apple will tell you this is to guarantee you the best user experience -- so nothing that's likely to break or slow down your device will be allowed. On the other hand, sometimes people prefer more freedom from their tablet.
Android alternative?
In which case, consider Android. This is Google's mobile operating system, and it gets better with every new iteration. The first tablet-specific version of Android was known as Honeycomb and although it never really made an impact on the market, some of its better features have found their way into Ice Cream Sandwich -- a more recent version of the OS designed to run on both phones and tablets.
The latest version is known as Jelly Bean, which at the time of writing could only be found on Google Nexus phones and now tablets, the first of which is the Nexus 7 slate. You can expect to see updates to this latest version of Android being pushed out by other device manufacturers in due course. Jelly Bean brings a bunch of extra features, most notably super-smooth page transitions and a piece of software called Google Now. The latter brings you live information on things like traffic or your sports team's scores, before you even need to search for them.
Android has its own (less restrictive) app store too, and Android devices tend to let you do more with your tablet. You can play with all sorts of weird video formats, there's true multi-tasking, and you can fill your home screen with glorious live widgets that give you all kinds of information without you needing to fire up the app.
Microsoft is also making a push into the tablet world this autumn with the release of Windows 8. Microsoft has shown off its Surface tablet, which looks like a sleek piece of kit, but we'll reserve final judgement until we've spent some time with the new software later this year. Stay tuned for more information.
Hardware
The first question you'll want to ask yourself is "what size tablet do I need?" While the iPad is certainly popular, some find its 10-inch display too bulky. It can make holding it in one hand uncomfortable after a while. Seven-inch slates like the Google Nexus 7 are easier to hold and are more portable, but you won't have as much screen to enjoy films and apps on.
When buying, be sure to check out the processor -- a faster chip is often an indicator of a really snappy tablet. The last thing you want in your spangly new device is to feel like menus move sluggishly, or for everything to stop for a few moments every time you fire up an app.
Most new tablets tend to pack at least a dual-core processor, meaning it can split its power to do multiple tasks at once. Some even boast quad-core processors, which promise even better performance.
Whether you need a quad-core processor is down to what you need a tablet for. If you just do a spot of web browsing on the sofa, a lower-powered chip will be fine. If you like playing the latest games and editing photos, you'll want to look at the more powerful end of the spectrum.
While many tablets pack a camera, it's not something you need to obsess over -- after all, do you really plan on taking out a big slate to take pictures? Most cameras found on tablets are there to take a quick snap to share to Facebook or Twitter. All of the recent ones pack front-facing cameras, which are very handy for making video calls over FaceTime, Skype or Google Hangouts.
Tablets like the Asus Transformer Pad Infinity and the upcoming Microsoft Surface come with keyboard docks, which make typing out long emails particularly easy. If you plan on doing a lot of work on a tablet, these hybrids might be worth a look -- although you can use Bluetooth keyboards with most tablets on the market.
Now you're primed in the mystical art of tablet choosing, why not browse through some of the best options below. Be sure to check out the full tablet reviews section to see what other slates are available.
Additional writing by Luke Westaway.
Apple's new iPad
Apple's new iPad is the best tablet money can buy, thanks to winning software and a killer app selection. The new screen, camera and processor are welcome additions, though they're modest improvements compared to the still compelling iPad 2. As such, if you already own an iPad, you shouldn't feel at pains to upgrade.Read more
Reviewed on 7 March 2012
Asus Transformer Pad Infinity 700
The Asus Transformer Pad Infinity 700 offers a great Full HD screen, a searingly powerful processor, a handy keyboard dock and Google's Ice Cream Sandwich software, making it the best 10-inch Android tablet around. Read more
Reviewed on 2 March 2012
Google Nexus 7
With the latest Android Jelly Bean software, a high-definition screen and quad-core processor, the Google Nexus 7 is a jaw-dropping bargain.Read more
Reviewed on 27 June 2012
Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9
Large enough to enjoy a film on but smaller than a hardback book, 8.9 inches could be the perfect size for a tablet. Add good build quality and great performance and the only thing holding back the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 is its shocking price-tag. Read more
Reviewed on 31 January 2011
Toshiba AT300
The Toshiba AT300 provides a better design and more powerful processor than its predecessor and it costs less than the iPad. However, Google's Nexus 7 offers the same punch for a lot less money, if you can handle a smaller screen. Read more
Reviewed on 31 May 2012
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