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Tablet Buying Guide

Why buy a tablet?
Tablet features
Operating systems
Apps
Internet connection
Tablet
Jargon buster
Tablet recommender

Tablet Jargon Buster

Tablets are brand new technology, so naturally there's lots of jargon to learn. Not to worry, we've put together a handy dictionary of terms to help you get to grips with your gadget.

Jargon termWhat it means
TabletA slim, light entertainment device with a touchscreen and powerful features.
TouchscreenAn intuitive display panel with sensors that react to heat and pressure from your fingers or from a stylus pen.
Operating SystemAlso known as 'OS' or 'Platform'. Just like the Operating System on a PC or smartphone, your tablet's Operating System (or 'OS' for short) keeps things running smoothly and manages any programmes you have open. The OS also has a big impact on how your tablet looks and feels, adding styles, themes and wallpapers to the homescreens and menus.
User InterfaceA skin that sits over the top of your tablet's Operating System and adds a unique look and feel to its menus and homescreens.
AppsApps (applications) are small pieces of software that help you make the most of every day. There are thousands of apps to discover, from cinema listings and weather alerts to shopping lists and recipes.
ProcessorA processing chip that allows your tablet to run programmes. The faster the processor, the smoother and faster your tablet will run.
RAM(Random Access Memory) - The internal memory that your tablet reserves for running processes, programmes and completing tasks.
Megabyte/GigabyteIn relation to tablets, a Megabyte (MB) is a value of speed and data - your tablet's 3G internet allowance and internal memory are measured in MB and GB. There are 1,024 MB in a Gigabyte (GB).
Storage space / built-in memoryThe amount of available memory for you to store your photos, apps, games, movies and music on.
3G3G is a wireless internet connection for mobile devices that works using your mobile network's signal. It's the easiest way to get online on the go.
Wi-FiWi-Fi allows you to connect a device to the internet through a network hub, when you're close enough to that hub to receive its signal, usually within a metre. It's a fast connection that's ideal for downloading heavy content.
BluetoothBluetooth is a short-range wireless connection between enabled devices.
TetheringTethering is a secure internet connection between a 3G smartphone and a Wi-Fi enabled tablet. It allows your smartphone to share its 3G browsing speeds and data allowance, so you can get online on your tablet wherever there's a mobile network signal.