The iPad is the only tablet worth buying, argues a tech expert – NBC News

Apple's newest iPad Pro is here. Complete with an LiDAR scanner and full trackpad support, it appears to be even more of a PC replacement than previous models. Even if you arent looking to replace your trusty laptop, the iPad is an incredible device. In fact, its the only tablet Id recommend buying after years of covering consumer technology and Im not exactly what youd call an Apple fanatic. I use Windows on my main computer and a Chromebook for portable work. Ive also been a diehard Android phone user since the original Motorola Droid was released. In other words, this advice is not coming from a place of brand loyalty its coming from years of using the iPad alongside other tablets on the market.

While price has historically been a barrier to Apples products, the current iPad lineup ranges from affordable to fairly expensive (and powerful). No matter which one you buy, it can probably handle most actions, including:

You may see the more demanding actions perform better on the higher-cost iPad models, but for the most part any model should work well for general use.

The lowest-cost iPad which is just named the iPad is the seventh generation of Apples venerable tablet. It boasts a super-sharp 10.2-inch display, up to 128GB of storage and Apples A10 Fusion central processing unit (CPU). This is a slower CPU than more expensive models but you likely won't notice the difference. Im still using an older iPad with a comparable CPU and it runs like butter even when playing games. At $329, you couldnt ask for a better bang for your buck.

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When I bought my current iPad the 2016 9.7-inch iPad Pro I planned on using it for comic books, games and computer magazines (yes, Im a huge nerd). A big screen was a must for me, but if youre just looking to read ebooks, browse Facebook and take your tablet anywhere, the smaller 7.9-inch iPad Mini could be an alternative.

The iPad Air, as its name implies, is slightly thinner than the regular iPad. But the real improvement comes in a faster A12 Bionic CPU, more available storage (up to 256GB) and extra features like a wide-color, anti-reflective, True Tone display for a more natural-looking image.

At 12.9 inches, the iPad Pro is closer to the size of a laptop and has a higher price tag (though there is a smaller and more affordable 11-inch model). This is the iPad for people looking to replace their computer and thanks to the most powerful processor in an iPad the A12Z Bionic and up to 1TB of storage, it will work well for all your digital creations.

Android and Windows tablets can do similar things to an iPad, but the feel of using the device is why I chose an iPad. Android has struggled to get its tablet interface feeling as smooth and usable and many Android apps from big names like Spotify to various magazines and lots of smaller third-party tools are similar to phone apps blown up to fit the size of a tablet. Plus, a lot of apps come out on iOS before reaching other platforms, which can be frustrating if you have to wait for a new game to launch for your Android product.

I also prefer the iPad over Microsofts tablet. The app interface isn't comparable and I end up spending most of my time in a browser, which just seems silly for the price.

When it comes to longevity, I find that iPads last a relatively long time. Now, Android tablets might not get future updates since Google stopped manufacturing their own Android tablets. In addition to the actual product, I find that there are far more iPad-focused accessories like fold-out keyboard cases, than there are for any given Android tablet. Android and Windows tablets do have their advantages, of course.

Whitson Gordon is a freelance technology writer with bylines in the New York Times, Popular Science Magazine, PC Magazine and more. Previously, he was the editor-in-chief of Lifehacker and How-To Geek.

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The iPad is the only tablet worth buying, argues a tech expert - NBC News