Congratulations on deciding to explore the world of tablets! Whether you're looking to replace an aging laptop, want a more portable way to stay connected, or simply curious about what these devices can offer, you've come to the right place. Tablets have become incredibly versatile tools that bridge the gap between smartphones and computers, offering the perfect balance of portability and functionality for many everyday tasks.
If you've never owned a tablet before, the array of options and technical specifications can feel overwhelming. Don't worry—this guide is designed specifically for newcomers. We'll walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding what tablets can do to choosing the right one for your needs and getting it set up properly. By the end, you'll feel confident making an informed purchase and getting started with your new device.
A tablet isn't just a big phone or a small laptop—it's a unique device category that excels at content consumption, casual productivity, and portability. Understanding what you want to use it for is the first step to choosing the right one.
What Exactly Is a Tablet?
A tablet is a portable computing device featuring a touchscreen display, typically ranging from 7 to 13 inches diagonally. Unlike traditional computers, tablets don't have physical keyboards attached—you interact primarily through touch, tapping, swiping, and typing on the screen itself. Most tablets can connect to optional keyboards for extended typing sessions, blurring the line between tablet and laptop.
Inside, tablets contain many of the same components as smartphones: a processor for computing power, memory for running apps, storage for saving files and apps, a battery for portability, and various sensors and wireless radios. What sets them apart is the larger screen, which makes them better suited for activities like reading, watching videos, browsing the web, and light productivity tasks.
What Can You Do With a Tablet?
Modern tablets are remarkably capable devices. Here's a sampling of common uses:
- Web browsing: The larger screen makes websites easier to navigate than on phones
- Email and communication: Check emails, video chat with family, stay connected on social media
- Entertainment: Stream movies and TV shows, play games, listen to music and podcasts
- Reading: Digital books, magazines, news articles—many find tablets ideal e-readers
- Productivity: Create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations; take notes; manage calendars
- Creative work: Digital drawing and illustration, photo editing, music creation
- Education: Online courses, educational apps, research and study
Understanding Tablet Operating Systems
Tablets run on operating systems, the foundational software that determines how you interact with the device and what apps are available. There are three main options in the Australian market, each with distinct characteristics.
iPadOS (Apple iPad)
iPadOS powers all Apple iPads and is known for its smooth, intuitive interface and tight integration with other Apple devices. If you already own an iPhone or Mac, an iPad will feel familiar and work seamlessly with your existing ecosystem. The App Store offers a vast selection of high-quality apps, and iPads typically receive software updates for many years.
The trade-off is less flexibility—Apple controls the experience tightly, which means fewer customisation options but also less complexity. iPads tend to be more expensive than comparable Android tablets, though they often hold their value better over time.
Android (Samsung, Lenovo, and others)
Android is Google's mobile operating system, used by manufacturers like Samsung, Lenovo, and Google itself. Android offers more variety in hardware choices across all price points, from budget tablets under $300 to premium devices rivalling iPads. You'll find more customisation options and flexibility in how you use the device.
However, the Android tablet experience can be less consistent, as different manufacturers modify the software differently. App availability is generally excellent, though some apps are better optimised for iPads. Software updates vary by manufacturer—Samsung tends to offer good long-term support, while budget brands may not.
iPadOS: Best for Apple users, premium experience, excellent app quality
Android: More choices and price points, greater flexibility, varies by brand
Windows: Best for laptop replacement, runs full PC software, less tablet-optimised
Windows (Microsoft Surface and others)
Windows tablets, like the Microsoft Surface series, run the same Windows operating system as desktop and laptop computers. This means they can run traditional PC software, making them excellent for productivity tasks that require specific programs. They're essentially portable touchscreen computers.
The downside is that Windows wasn't originally designed for touch, so the tablet experience can feel less polished than iPadOS or Android. Windows tablets also tend to be more expensive and have shorter battery life due to the demands of running a full desktop operating system.
Key Specifications Explained
When comparing tablets, you'll encounter various technical specifications. Here's what matters most for beginners:
Display Size and Quality
Screen size is measured diagonally in inches. Smaller tablets (8-10 inches) are more portable but offer less workspace. Larger tablets (11-13 inches) provide more screen real estate but are heavier and less pocket-friendly. Consider how you'll use your tablet—if portability is paramount, opt for smaller; if you'll use it mainly at home, larger screens are nicer.
Display quality is determined by resolution (how many pixels), brightness (important for outdoor use), and panel type. Generally, more expensive tablets have better displays. For most users, any tablet from a reputable brand will have an adequate display.
Storage Capacity
Storage determines how many apps, photos, videos, and files you can keep on your tablet. Entry-level tablets typically offer 32-64GB, mid-range devices 128-256GB, and premium tablets up to 1TB or more. If you plan to store lots of videos or games, prioritise storage. If you'll mainly stream content and keep photos in the cloud, you can get by with less.
Some Android tablets support microSD cards for expandable storage—a useful feature absent from iPads.
Connectivity Options
All tablets include Wi-Fi for internet connectivity. Some models also offer cellular connectivity (4G/5G), allowing internet access anywhere with mobile coverage—useful for frequent travellers but requires an additional data plan. Most beginners find Wi-Fi-only models sufficient, as you can use your phone's hotspot when away from Wi-Fi.
- Screen size: Choose based on portability vs. workspace needs
- Storage: 64GB minimum; 128GB+ if storing media locally
- Battery life: Look for 10+ hours for all-day use
- Weight: Under 500g for easy portability
Choosing the Right Tablet for Your Needs
With the basics understood, let's match tablets to specific use cases.
For Basic Tasks and Entertainment
If you want a tablet for web browsing, email, streaming video, and casual games, you don't need the most powerful or expensive option. Budget tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab A series or the base iPad offer excellent value. Expect to spend $400-700 AUD for a capable device that will serve you well for several years.
For Serious Productivity
If you plan to use your tablet for work—creating documents, managing spreadsheets, attending video conferences—consider mid-range to premium options. The iPad Air, Samsung Galaxy Tab S series, or Microsoft Surface Go offer the performance and features needed for productivity. Keyboard accessories are essential for this use case. Budget $800-1500 AUD.
For Creative Work
Artists and designers should prioritise tablets with excellent stylus support. The iPad Pro with Apple Pencil and Samsung Galaxy Tab S series with S Pen are industry favourites for digital art. These premium devices offer pressure-sensitive stylus input and powerful processors for demanding creative apps. Expect to invest $1200+ AUD for tablet and stylus.
Setting Up Your New Tablet
Once you've purchased your tablet, proper setup ensures a smooth experience.
Initial Setup
When you first power on your tablet, you'll be guided through setup: choosing language and region, connecting to Wi-Fi, signing into or creating an account (Apple ID for iPad, Google Account for Android, Microsoft Account for Windows), and configuring basic settings. Take your time with this process—the decisions you make here affect your experience.
Essential Security Steps
Protect your tablet and data by setting up a PIN, password, or biometric lock (fingerprint or face recognition). Enable the "Find My" feature (called Find My iPad on Apple, Find My Device on Android) so you can locate or remotely wipe your tablet if it's lost or stolen. Review app permissions and only grant access that apps genuinely need.
Recommended First Apps
After setup, consider installing these essential apps:
- A web browser you prefer (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)
- Your email app of choice
- Cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox)
- Video streaming services you subscribe to
- A note-taking app
- Any apps for services you already use (banking, shopping, etc.)
Tips for New Tablet Users
As you begin using your tablet, keep these tips in mind:
Explore the settings: Spend some time in the Settings app learning what options are available. You might discover useful features like night mode for easier reading in the dark, or accessibility features that make the device easier to use.
Learn the gestures: Tablets rely heavily on touch gestures. Learn basic gestures like swiping up from the bottom to go home, swiping down for notifications, and pinching to zoom. Your tablet's setup process or help documentation will cover these.
Keep it updated: Install software updates when prompted. Updates include security patches and new features that keep your tablet running smoothly and safely.
Back up your data: Set up automatic backups to cloud storage so your photos, documents, and settings are protected if something happens to your device.
Welcome to the world of tablets! With patience and exploration, you'll quickly become comfortable with your new device and discover how it can enhance your daily life.