A tablet is a portable computer with a touchscreen, no keyboard or mouse attached
A tablet is a flat, handheld device that runs on a rechargeable battery and lets you do things by touching the screen instead of using a keyboard or mouse. The most common tablets are iPads (made by Apple) and Android tablets (made by Samsung, Amazon, and others). They sit between a smartphone and a laptop in size—usually between 7 and 13 inches across the screen—and weigh between one and two pounds.
Unlike a laptop, a tablet has no moving parts. There is no keyboard you can fold out, no trackpad, and no ports where you plug in cables (though most tablets have a charging port and sometimes a headphone jack). You control everything by tapping, swiping, and pinching the glass screen with your fingers. Because there is nothing to break or wear out, tablets tend to last longer than laptops if you take care of them.
Tablets run operating systems—the software that makes them work. Apple tablets run iPadOS, and most other tablets run Android. These operating systems are simpler than the Windows or Mac systems on computers, which is why tablets are easier to learn but less flexible for advanced work like video editing or programming.
Key Takeaways
- A tablet is a touchscreen device smaller than a laptop but larger than a phone, with no keyboard or mouse attached.
- The two main types are iPads (Apple) and Android tablets (Samsung, Amazon, and others), and they run different operating systems.
- Tablets are good for reading, watching videos, browsing the web, and running apps, but less powerful than laptops for complex tasks.
- Battery life on most tablets is 8 to 12 hours of regular use, and they charge through a USB port or wireless charging pad.
How tablets connect to the internet
Tablets connect to the internet in two ways: through WiFi (wireless internet in your home or a coffee shop) or through a cellular connection (using a SIM card, like a phone does). Most tablets sold are WiFi-only, which means they can only connect when you are near a WiFi network. Some tablets have a cellular option, which costs extra and requires a monthly plan from a carrier like Verizon or AT&T, but lets you use the internet anywhere.
If you buy a WiFi-only tablet, you can still take it anywhere—you just need to be near WiFi to read things or stream videos. Many people use their phone as a hotspot, which means the phone shares its internet connection with the tablet so you can use the tablet on the go.
What you can do on a tablet
Tablets are built for consuming content and light creation. You can read books and magazines, watch movies and TV shows, browse the web, send email, and video chat. Most tablets come with a camera on the front (for video calls) and sometimes a camera on the back (for taking photos). You can read apps—small programs that do one thing well—from an app store (Apple's App Store for iPads, Google Play for Android tablets).
Many people use tablets for work tasks like writing documents, making spreadsheets, or giving presentations, especially if they buy a keyboard case that attaches magnetically. However, tablets are slower and less flexible than laptops for heavy work. If you need to edit large video files, run specialized software, or work with many programs at once, a laptop is a better choice.
Tablets are also popular for drawing and design work if you buy a stylus—a pen-like tool that works on the screen. Apple's iPad Pencil and Samsung's S Pen are the most common, and they let you draw, take handwritten notes, and mark up documents.
Storage and memory on tablets
Tablets come with built-in storage—usually 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB. This is where your photos, videos, apps, and documents live. Unlike a laptop, you cannot add more storage by opening the device and inserting a new drive. Once you fill up your tablet's storage, you have to delete things or move them to cloud storage (like iCloud, Google Drive, or OneDrive) to make room.
Tablets also have RAM (random access memory), which affects how fast they run. More RAM means the tablet can run more apps at once without slowing down. Most tablets have 4GB to 8GB of RAM, which is enough for everyday use. You cannot upgrade RAM on a tablet—it is built in when the device is made.
Battery life and charging
Most tablets last 8 to 12 hours on a single charge with regular use like browsing, reading, and watching videos. If you are doing heavier tasks like gaming or video editing, the battery drains faster. Tablets charge through a USB-C port (the newer standard) or a Lightning port (Apple's older standard), and most come with a charging cable and power adapter in the box.
Tablet batteries degrade over time—after two to three years of regular charging, you may notice the battery does not hold a charge as long as it did when new. If your tablet is still under warranty, the manufacturer may replace the battery for free or a small fee. After the warranty expires, you can take it to a repair shop, though battery replacement usually costs between $50 and $150 depending on the tablet model.
Tablets versus laptops and phones
A tablet is not a replacement for a laptop if you do heavy work, but it is lighter and easier to carry. A phone fits in your pocket, but a tablet's bigger screen is easier on your eyes for reading and watching. The table below shows how they compare for common tasks.
| Task | Tablet | Laptop | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading books or articles | Excellent | Good | Fair |
| Watching videos | Excellent | Good | Fair |
| Writing long documents | Fair | Excellent | Poor |
| Video editing | Fair | Excellent | Poor |
| Portability | Good | Fair | Excellent |
| Price | $300–$1,200 | $400–$2,000 | $200–$1,500 |
Caring for your tablet
Tablets are durable if you protect them from drops and water. Most tablets are not waterproof, so keep them away from spills, rain, and bathrooms. A protective case and screen protector cost $20 to $50 and can prevent expensive damage. If your tablet gets wet, turn it off when ready and let it dry completely before turning it back on—do not use heat like a hair dryer, which can damage the screen.
Keep your tablet's software updated by installing updates when the manufacturer releases them. Updates fix security problems and add new features. You can usually set your tablet to update automatically when it is plugged in and connected to WiFi. Avoid downloading apps from sources other than the official app store, because they may contain malware or viruses.
If your tablet is running slowly, restart it by turning it off and back on. If that does not help, delete apps and files you no longer use to free up storage space. Over time, tablets slow down as they age, but a factory reset (which erases everything and reinstalls the operating system) can restore speed—just back up your important files first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a tablet instead of a laptop for work?
It depends on your work. Tablets are fine for email, web browsing, and light document editing, especially with a keyboard case. For heavy work like programming, video editing, or running specialized software, a laptop is better. Many people use both—a tablet for travel and a laptop for serious work.
Do tablets need antivirus software?
No. iPads and Android tablets have built-in security that prevents most malware. The main risk is downloading apps from untrusted sources, so stick to the official App Store or Google Play. If you are concerned, you can install a security app, but it is not necessary for most users.
How long do tablets last before they become too slow?
Most tablets stay fast enough for everyday use for three to five years. After that, they may slow down as the battery degrades and the operating system gets heavier with updates. You can extend the life by deleting old files and apps, but eventually you may want to upgrade.
Can I print from a tablet?
Yes. Most tablets can print wirelessly to printers that support AirPrint (Apple) or Google Cloud Print (Android). You can also email documents to yourself and print from a computer, or use a printer app from the manufacturer. Check your printer's manual to see if it supports wireless printing.
What is the difference between an iPad and an Android tablet?
iPads run Apple's iPadOS and work only with Apple devices. Android tablets run Google's Android system and come from many makers. iPads tend to be more expensive but have longer software support. Android tablets offer more variety in price and features. Both are good—it depends on your budget and whether you use other Apple devices.