Based on screen size, tablets today fall roughly into two categories, regardless of whether they are running Windows, iOS, or Android: big and small.

Okay, we admit: That's just a wee bit vague. We here at Computer Shopper are sticklers for accuracy, so when we're feeling formal, we prefer to call them compact tablets (slates with screens from 7 to 8 inches) and full-size tablets (8.9 inches and up). In the case of full-size tablets, the more precise measurements range from 9.7 inches for Apple's iPads, 10.1 inches for many Android tablets, and 10 to 12 inches for most Windows models. But who are we to argue with popular nomenclature? You say you're shopping for a "10-inch tablet"? It's our job to help you find the best one within striking distance of that size.

Once you've made your first choice—to opt for a tablet of this size class, rather than a smaller one—you immediately face a second and even more important choice: which operating system and apps platform make the most sense for you. (You may already know, so this may have actually been your first choice. If this is your second or third tablet, we suspect you have a pretty good idea of what works for you.) Either way, though, this is a three-way fork in the road among the choices mentioned above: Apple's iOS, Google's Android, and Microsoft Windows 8 or 8.1.

At a basic level, all can do the same stuff. Whichever the OS, all tablets come with basic functionality for Web browsing, e-mail, video and image viewing, and a bunch more. Your OS choice determines what additional apps you can install. Immense numbers of them are available for Android, iOS, and Windows 8 (although most in the last group run in the traditional desktop mode, rather than the more tablet- and touch-friendly tile or Modern mode).

Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2: the 10-inch Android version

A deep comparison of the benefits and drawbacks of each platform is far beyond the scope of this article, but here's a nutshell version. If productivity apps are your key concern—say, using full versions of Microsoft Office or free equivalents—and interacting and data-sharing seamlessly with Windows programs is important, a Windows tablet is what you want. The key thing following from that: If you'll need to do lots of keyboard input, you should evaluate the keyboard-attachment options available with any given Windows tablet. Microsoft's most recent-gen Surface tablets have decent magnetic-attach keyboards if you're willing to pay the premium for them. Lenovo, too, offers a keyboard attachment that is better than most in its Yoga Tablet 2 10-inch for Windows.

The general consensus, though, is that due to the relatively light selection in the Windows app store, Windows tablets are geared toward productivity, while iOS and Android ones are more toward fun or passive consumption. In the case of the latter two OSs, it's worth browsing their respective stores (the App Store and the Google Play store) to get a feel for what's available—and taking into account the apps you may already run on your Apple iPhone or Android smartphone.

We think there's a moderate advantage in ease of use and app quality for iOS, but Android is a more-than-viable alternative, especially if you're familiar with it from a smartphone. Android tablets also tend to be cheaper, if bottom-line price matters most.

Source: www.computershopper.com