Microsoft Surface devices bridge the gap between tablets and laptops. They offer access to the complete Windows 10 experience, can run full programs like Photoshop and have many of the same connections as your laptop, like USB and HDMI out.

• Surface devices are built for doing. Unlike Android or iOS tablets, they allow you to run full programs on an unabridged operating system just the same as you would on a laptop or desktop.
• Surface tablets are fitted with a range of powerful processors (up to Intel Core 7) and offer large storage space of up to 1TB for a mobile performance without compromise.
• Surface devices offer fewer apps than Android and iOS devices. However, users may find that the ability to run full programs is consolation enough.

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The amount of storage space that you need is dependent on how you use your tablet. If in doubt, opt for a tablet with as much storage space as you can afford.

• Establish how much space you need before buying as some tablets don’t allow you to expand storage capacity. Remember that an HD film uses about 3.5GB and 12 albums about 1.5GB.
• If you only intend to surf the web, collate photos and perform other basic tasks, then a 16 or 32GB hard drive should offer you all the space you need.
• If you use your tablet for professional purposes or if you want to use it to store your media library, consider a tablet with 64GB or more.

The processor and RAM dictate how quickly and how well your tablet can process information. If you intend to perform specialist tasks, you need to pay close attention to what’s inside a tablet.

• If you are shopping for a tablet for general use, then processing power and RAM may not be of concern. Most tablets feature a quad-core processor which is more than adequate for everyday tasks.
• However, if you plan to run heavy software then RAM and processor speed is important. Microsoft Surface devices for, example, are available with Core i7 processors and up to 16GB RAM — enough to rival any desktop.
• iPads are fitted with AX chips, which means they are classified differently. In the broadest terms, the higher the chip number, the better the performance. The A9X chip in the iPad Pro, for example, is powerful enough to edit 4K video.

Apps are integral to how most tablets function. They usually provide a robust interface that is optimised for touchscreens — and come in almost every variety imaginable.

• Apps are programs that are intended for a specific use. They are downloaded from the Appstore, Google Play and the Windows Store depending on the operating system of the device.
• There is a huge variety of apps available. Watch your favourite shows on Netflix, make international calls on Skype, find your way around with Google Maps — and so much more.
• iOS and Android devices offer a much greater selection of apps than the Microsoft equivalent. Always check to see if the apps you want to use are compatible with the device that interests you.

Most tablets offer excellent levels of connectivity. However, it is important to establish exactly how you intend to use your tablet to ensure you get the features that meet your need.

• If you need to be able to share documents without an Internet connection, then you may wish to consider a tablet with a USB port.
• Shopping for a tablet with Bluetooth connectivity will allow you to wirelessly pair with a host of peripherals such as keyboards and speakers.
• Some tablets also feature HDMI ports, so you can watch videos stored on your tablet through your TV.