Other tablets to consider
Photo: Nena Farrell
Google Pixel tablet for $399: Google has a spotted history of Android tablets, from the high point of the Nexus 7 to the good average of pixel tablets (7/10, Wired recommends). The 10.2-inch LCD screen is one of the highlights. The size and 439 grams are just right for carrying around, while Google’s useless Android software is simple and logical. However, the Google Tensor G2 processor may be under pressure, with only 8 GB of RAM. What sets it apart is the speaker dock, which turns the pixel tablet into a large smart home monitor. However, unlike the Nest Hub Max, you can remove the screen from the dock and use it alone. The charging dock’s speakers are huge and sound great, and the Peakel tablet Tablet’s microphone and large screen are very simple. This is especially great if you are in the Google Home Smart Home ecosystem, as you can double the lock screen as the control panel for all your devices. Pixel tablets can’t compete with the OnePlus Pad 3 or Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Fe, but using the dock, it becomes a unique dual-use product with a focus on smart homes.
Grandson priced at $780: If you want a tablet for an older relative, or if you feel like you would rather have an easy-to-use device than a tablet and a phone, Grandpa (8/10, wired advice) may be an option worth investigating. It’s an 8-inch tablet with front and rear cameras, with a box, charging dock, stylus, and the included 4G LTE connection. The interface has been simplified and controlled using large buttons with clear text and quick access to key websites, applications and features including voice and video calls. The grandson aims to help those who are still unfamiliar with the technology still love everything it has to offer. In addition to the basics, there are 15 different games, curated music stations, streaming radios, magnifying glasses and flashlight tools, emails, and a network of voice and video calls for private homes only. If anyone has a problem, there is also 24/7 customer support, as well as companion apps for other family members. We like the concept of grandchildren and the way they promise to help more people enjoy modern technology without worrying or feeling overwhelmed by complex software. However, you won’t buy it like other tablets on our list, and the grandson comes with a monthly subscription. Pay one year upfront, the fee is $780, while the monthly plan costs $95 per month. While this does include 4G LTE connectivity and 24/7 customer support, it still makes it an expensive system. However, what it offers is unusual and few other tablets are so simple to use the software, and customer support may only be worth it for some.
Amazon Fire HD 8: Small tablets are no longer common, but the Fire HD 8 gets both size and price. The 8-inch screen has a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, which may not sound like a lot, but can watch videos and play a few games. Like Fire Max 11, it has an Android version of Amazon version that doesn’t install Google Play, but you can still download Netflix and most other video apps and access everything on Amazon Prime. The compact size and 337 grams of weight make it perfect for carrying around in a bag, the battery lasts about 13 hours on a single charge, and there is also a pair of cameras for video calls as well. This is not a high-performance tablet, the cheapest model has only 32 GB of storage, and even charging is basic, and it is likely to take a lot of five hours to charge. However, since this is $100, it is easy to forgive the disadvantages. If you want a smaller tablet that is more powerful, the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 would be a better choice, but none of this works due to the small screen. Amazon regularly puts its Kindle and Fire range on sale, so beware of better deals if you’re not in a hurry.
Tablet computer accessories
Twelve South Hoverbar duo (Gen 2) for $80: South will tell you that the Hoverbar Duo is designed for Apple iPad, but look closely at its FAQ and you’ll see that it’s compatible with other devices, with a minimum of 5 inches and a maximum height of 8.68 inches. Check the specs, which means it will hold the OnePlus Pad 3, Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE, and many other devices. This is good news because iPad owners can’t keep this great stance. We love it thanks to the QuickSwitch tab, which allows you to dislodge the flexible arms from the desktop stand and attach it to the rack, greatly improving its versatility. If you use a tablet on a desk, the desktop stand is great, but the rack rack means your tablet can be placed on the ground, making it convenient to use in the kitchen or places where the surface is simply not available, such as a bathroom or bedroom. South’s 12 products are always well-made and beautifully designed.
KeyChron B1 Pro is $40: If you want to work on a tablet, you may need a physical keyboard. Most tablets have specific keyboard cases, but they can be very expensive and are not the only option. A standalone Bluetooth keyboard makes sense because it can be used with other mobile devices or desktop computers. Choose wisely and easily carry around. KeyChron’s keyboards are all excellent, and if you want to slide it into the bag with your tablet, the 425g, 75% layout B1 Pro is a great choice. KeyChron claims that the internal battery will last 1,200 hours a day to charge, can customize the keyboard’s map, and it is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers when you are not using it with your tablet. Unfortunately, the keyboard is not backlit, which does limit its use a little bit, but for $40 it is a solid value given its versatility, build quality and a pleasant typing experience.
IKEA Havrehoj tablets represent for $15: Tablets come in dozens of different positions, but IKEA’s representatives represent a strong blend of value, design, and versatility. It is made of metal, with a soft cork surface that the tablet sits and is able to lift, lower and tilt the platform for the right position. There is even a small hook on the back of the stands for a pair of headphones. There is a gap in the support of the tablet in the middle, so you can still charge the slate in the portrait direction. IKEA’s tablet stand is very simple and suitable for any brand of tablets, and it’s also a high value. Pair it with the KeyChron B1 Pro keyboard and you can set a cool, low-cost setup for work and video.
Staedtler Noris Digital Pencils cost $28: The world of contrast is confusing. There are two different standards to note, and the well-known writing implementation brand Staedtler supports devices with EMR screens, which include Samsung’s phones and tablets, as well as many Chromebooks and other tablets. The Noris is made of upgraded wood with a true tactile feel, a 0.7mm tip modeled with classic pencils, and 4,096 pressures that make it appealing to artists. Noris is an interesting alternative to the Samsung S Pen series. It has no battery, so it does not require charging. You don’t have to install special software; it’s compatible with the tablet’s screen, rather than a specific application, and even comes in two sizes to make it fit different hand-made sizes.
Penoval USI 2.0 stylus priced at $60: The EMR standard is added by the USI (Universal Stylus Program) standard, which is used by Google Pixel tablets, Amazon Fire Max 11 and many Chromebooks. The Penoval USI 2.0 stylus features a D-shaped aluminum body that holds and feels, a triangular nib and magnet that connects it to the body of the tablet. Unlike the EMR stylus that pick up power from the device’s screen, the USI stylus has its own battery that should last 90 hours before charging with a USB-C cable. Like the EMR stylus, it has a 4.096 level of pressure sensitivity, palm repulsion technique and eraser at the end of the pencil. This may sound like a small thing, but it’s a wonderful part of the stylus experience, as it’s surprisingly beneficial to flip the pen to remove something on the screen. It also doesn’t need to be paired with the tablet, so it works immediately.
Samsung Type-C USB Flash Drive costs $27: Some Android tablets use microSD cards with expandable storage, but not all cards are available. In addition to buying external storage devices to increase local memory, you may find it necessary to transfer files between devices, while external drives make it simple. There are a lot of options out there, but we like the portability, memory options range, durability and speed of the Samsung USB flash drive. The tiny memory stick supports the USB 3.2 Gen 1 standard, transfers data at 400 MB/s, connects to most devices with USB-C ports, and is resistant to water, shocks and magnetic fields. It does not require power and is made specifically for mobile devices, so you should not experience performance or compatibility issues.
