Tablets have rapidly emerged as one of the most in-demand personal electronics items. By providing the portability of a smartphone along with some of the more robust functionality users expect from a laptop, tablets make great productivity tools. Many business professionals who spend time outside of a traditional office setting find that tablets are the best choice for an on-the-go computing tool. Android, a mobile operating system (OS) from Internet giant Google, has several version iterations and includes many desirable features. Business professionals should get to know the key features they should seek in an Android tablet, along with top-rated models.

When shopping for Android tablets, business professionals can turn to a number of sources, including mass-market computer stores and smaller electronics retailers. However, no place tops eBay's mix of convenience, product selection, and competitive prices when shopping for an Android tablet.

Why Business Professionals Need a Tablet

Android tablets are relative newcomers on the consumer electronics market and still considered a nice-to-have item instead of a necessity for most consumers. However, that is not the case for business professionals. By using a tablet, a mobile professional can check email, host a video chat, process transactions, and conduct Internet research, all from one easy-to-transport device. While a tablet cannot cover all the complex tasks a mobile laptop can address, the tablet's smaller footprint gives them a definite advantage in portability.

In addition, some tablets include optional keyboard attachments, which give business users a definite productivity boost. Other tablets include digital pens for effortless note-taking during meetings. Moreover, tablets provide a flat working surface, which makes them a great tool for facilitating discussions during important meetings, such as sales calls. For ecologically conscious businesses, tablets offer a distinct advantage by allowing companies to cut back on paper use. As another advantage, tablet batteries typically last twice as long on batteries on other mobile devices.

For these reasons and more, tablet adoption among businesses of all sizes is accelerating rapidly. Research suggests that enterprise tablet purchases could soar to 96 million by 2016, up from just 14 million in 2011. This extraordinary growth is a testament that companies recognize the tablet as a top mobile computing tool.

Key Things to Think About When Selecting an Android Tablet

One great advantage of the Android OS is that Google licenses it to several manufacturers to create an array of feature-rich devices. As a result of the diverse selection of Android tablets on the market, picking the right one can seem like a daunting task at first. However, business professionals need to consider a couple of key factors when making an Android tablet buying decision.

Screen Size

Tablets come in two size variants: small size tablets, which are typically 7 inches, and large size tablets, which include 8.9 to 10-inch tablets. While smaller tablets offer greater portability, they also feature less screen real estate. Android tablets are available in all sizes, with Samsung Android tablets sold in five screen sizes, along with a 5.5-inch phone/tablet hybrid. For business users, weighing portability vs. functionality is a key decision factor when choosing between small and large size tablets.

Top Android Tablets for Business Professionals

Android tablets offer several benefits, including being available from many manufacturers in a variety of sizes and designs. Purchasers should be aware that several versions of the Android OS exist, with the latest version having the most advanced functionality. Another plus is Android's seamless integration with Google software, such as Gmail, Google Chat, and Google Maps. While manufacturers release new Android tablets and upgraded versions into the marketplace all the time, it is a good idea for business professionals to familiarize themselves with key features of some of the best-rated Android tablet models prior to purchase.

Because Google licenses the Android OS across several hardware manufacturers, purchasers should make sure that they choose Android tablets which are Google endorsed. In addition, all Android tablets should come with the Google Play Store, which provides access to a library of apps, pre-installed.

Accessories for Android Business Tablets

After selecting an Android tablet, business users may want to upgrade their devices with aftermarket accessories. While some accessories are specific to a particular brand or model, some work across several devices. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Tab has a full-size keyboard dock, which can also keep the device charged. A headphone jack and digital pens are also available for this leading business tablet.

One accessory that works for multiple tablets is the M-Edge Convertible Sleeve, which can be used to store and transport tablets. Other useful Android tablet accessories include car or wall mounts and speaker docks. Business users need to explore options for potential accessories for the particular Android tablet model they choose.

Source: www.ebay.com