Top 3 Reasons Why YOU Should Ditch Your Laptop and Get a Tablet PC

It’s coming up to 2011 and a lot has happened in the past year in the realm of technology – from the introduction of the Apple Ipad, to mobile phones taking Android into worldwide dominance. It’s important to stay up on the cutting edge of the curve when it comes to the latest developments and functionality. Here are the top 3 reasons why students, business owners, writers, artists, travellers or the average social media user should put down the laptop and grab a hot new tablet PC.

1.       Touch Screen Technology is the Wave of the Future. The possibilities are endless and rapidly developing – actions by touch make processes quicker, more accurate and predictive as well as easier for the user. Ability to zoom with a finger, rotate, swipe screens, scroll and type are opening the doors into futuristic possibilities out of science fiction. It has never been so easy to access your email, stay in touch with friends and be productive on the go.

2.       Increased Mobility. Tablets like the 10” Epad Extreme are so lightweight and versatile it can go places that a laptop would make awkward. No more lugging around a carry bag with a wide array of plug-ins, attachments, mice or even needing a table setup to get work done. The G-Sensors allow you to tilt your tablet in portrait or landscape mode – so depending where you are, how your positioned and what you are doing, you will surely find the most comfortable and easy position.

3.       The Price is Right. You no longer have to pay $700 to get a tablet PC with the appropriate accessories – there are now lower cost and equal functionality alternatives to the Ipad without the price tag – I’ve never been much of an Apple fan anyway. Apart from Samsung, Blackberry and Dell all launching 5-7 inch glorified touch phones (to me you at least need a 9” screen, thanks) you can find low cost tablet PCs right here in Canada at BuyTablets.ca.

5 Things To Consider When Buying A Tablet PC

There are alot of tablet PC manufacturers, and even more resellers popping up in the international marketplace. As a Canadian, here are a few key points when looking to buy a tablet:

1. Where will the tablet REALLY be shipped from?
Most tablet websites do not actually ship the product from the country they operate in. This is called dropshipping - even though it may be an American website - the reality is, the product will be shipped direct out of China. Even though the shipping is usually free, the most common shipping method for these will be EMS - which for North Americans will give you a 20-30 day delivery time AFTER the order has been processed and sent (which in itself can be a couple days).

2. How honest is your source with customs?
Importing electronics into Canada can be a nightmare - especially if the supplier decides to provide false documentation. Many companys choose to DE-VALUE your goods when shipping in order to save you, the customer, very costly import taxes, GST/PST/HST and brokerage fees. While this sounds like a great idea and may save you money, you can get royally screwed over as if anything happens to your items during shipping, the insurance value is far less than what you paid. In addition, if customs performs a random check and finds the value to be inaccurate, they have full authority to seize and destroy your items. You are now SOL.

3. What is the hardware quality? Is there a guarantee/warranty?
Can you be sure your supplier didn't go with the lowest bidder on manufacturing? The honest answer is, not really. All you can do is trust those who have done the homework, and do a little yourself. Look for tablets with a warranty from Canadian sellers and moneyback guarantees - this indicates companies that will actually stand behind the product.  It is far easier to return a broken item to a local seller, than ship one back to China. Cheaper tablets are definately not better, and sometimes you will be lucky if it lasts a month - never buy one "as is".

4. What is the software package?
Barebone tablets are the norm when buying overseas and outdated firmware makes for frustrating experiences. Currently the ONLY source for a consumer friendly software package with everything you need out of the box is BuyTablets.ca. Don't waste your time trying to figure out how to get wallpapers, Office Software, Kindle, Youtube, Android Market, etc. on your tablet! Buy one that is ready to go.

5. What are your needs/budget?
It's important to find a reliable tablet that does everything you need it to do, with the extras you want. Consider your options and weigh in functionality versus cost to make the right choices.

Happy Shopping!

Quick steps to root your Android Tablet - for the non-techie

First post! Straight up, I'm going to save everyone alot of trouble and hours of trial and error with trying to root your tablet device. For those not aware, ROOTING is getting access to the core system files and data.

• Make sure you aren't wasting your time and have a quality Android tablet - like from here: www.buytablets.ca/product.html (Shameless self promotion, but nevertheless very true)
• Now go here and download UniversalAndRoot - the easiest way to get root access for your tablet. Save the .apk file on your SD card, put the SD card in your tablet and boot it up.
• Your tablet should have came with the "Super User" application installed - verify this as you will need it later.
• When your tablet starts up, open the file browser and navigate to where you saved the universal androot .apk file. Click on the file and install it.
• After installing, open the app and click on the ROOT DEVICE command. This will comlete the required tasks in one click and you will get a confirmation.
• Go to Google market (again, if you order a quality tablet from buytablets.ca you will have Market available) and search for "Root Explorer".
• Download the latest version and install. This program is your root navigator.

At this point, you have all the tools required to mod your system! Have fun and don't break it!!!