Let’s face it—we’re all getting older, and using a bulky computer while trying to keep it updated and navigate from Windows 10 to Windows 11 can be overwhelming. All this confusing technology we have to deal with might have a simpler solution.
While many people have started using their phones as their primary technology device, many of us older folks have trouble looking at such a small screen. Have you considered getting a tablet? I have a lot to tell you about this option.
There are many different tablets you could buy, so let’s talk about them. We’re going to discuss iPads versus Android tablets versus the Kindle Fire, covering all the core differences between these options.
iPads: Premium Build and Performance
Let’s start with the iPad. I own one, and they’re built like tanks with real premium construction. The technology is very, very good, and it has a bunch of apps (they don’t call them programs anymore). These include word processing applications. As a matter of fact, my close personal friend wrote a 300-page book on wine using his iPad, dictating the entire thing into the device.
Apple iPads work on the iOS system, which is very advanced but very easy to use. Three of my grandchildren, including one with autism, have iPads, and they all use them constantly.
Android Tablets: More Choices, Variable Quality
Next are Android tablets. There are more choices with Android tablets, generally at lower prices and with more customization options. Some offer great performance, while others are very basic. Here’s the problem—and it’s a big one—with Android tablets.
Android is a completely evolving operating system that changes constantly. Depending on the brand name of your Android tablet, you’ll get different versions of the operating system. So you’re going to run into some challenges there, though perhaps not insurmountable ones.
I am an iPad owner, but I also have an Android tablet in my bedroom that I use to watch movies. It’s very nice, even though it’s an older Android tablet with an old version of the operating system. I can still access the Netflix app and watch movies, plus read my local newspaper and more.
Kindle Fire: Budget-Friendly Amazon Integration
The next option is the Kindle Fire, which is an Amazon product. It’s budget-friendly and operates under a modified version of the Android operating system. It has a very limited ecosystem and is more focused on Amazon services. Yet I have friends who swear by them and love everything about them. The Kindle Fire does everything they need. Plus, if they buy a Kindle book, it’s right there, or they can watch movies on Amazon Prime directly on their device.
By the way, the graphics on the screen are rather incredible. I cannot believe the quality of pictures on my friend’s two-year-old Kindle Fire—they’re incredibly good.
Price Ranges
Let’s talk about price ranges:
iPads start at around $329 for a base model and go up to $1,000+ for an iPad Pro.
Android tablets range from $100 to $800, depending on the brand and specifications.
Kindle Fire tablets are very affordable at $60 to $150. That Kindle Fire with the color screen offers wonderful performance and superb picture quality.
Performance Considerations
If you want to multitask or play high-end games, you’ll need to consider which tablet can handle these tasks. My grandchildren, including my seven-year-old autistic granddaughter, play intense games on their iPads. She has an iPad Air, and the performance is incredible.
There are high-end Android tablets, like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S series, that are competitive with iPads. Kindle Fire tablets are much slower and better suited to light tasks.
Screen Quality and Sizes
iPad and high-end Android tablets have sharp, bright screens that are ideal for media consumption. The Kindle Fire has lower resolution, yet when you’re watching a video, the quality is surprisingly good.
Size ranges vary considerably. I have an iPad Mini, which I like because it’s easy to carry around and comfortable to use while sitting in my recliner. My friend John, who wrote the book on wine, also uses an iPad Mini. The Mini is very portable, but tablets are available up to 13 inches and slightly larger.
Battery Life
Battery life is another important consideration. iPads and Kindle Fires generally provide at least 10 hours of use. Android tablets vary by model. The Android tablet I have in my bedroom has a 13-inch screen, but if I don’t have it plugged in, I can’t watch a whole movie. Then again, it’s an older tablet.
Accessories
All tablets have accessory options. For iPads, you can get the Apple Pencil, Magic Keyboard, and many third-party accessories. Android tablets offer similar options—some models support pens and keyboards, but accessory support is inconsistent across different manufacturers. Kindle Fire has very limited accessory support, though you can get a nice cover that holds it up on your desk.
Storage Options
Storage is something you need to consider carefully. iPads and Android tablets come in various storage sizes, from 64 gigabytes to one terabyte. Cloud options exist, but you should consider local storage on your device for apps and media. Kindle Fire tablets start as low as 16 to 64 gigabytes, but most support a micro SD card for expansion.
Parental Controls and Ecosystem
All tablets have parental controls for kids’ use, which goes without saying.
Regarding ecosystem and brand loyalty, iPads work seamlessly with Mac computers and other Apple devices. There are people who are devoted Apple users and love this integration. Android users often prefer tablets from Samsung or Lenovo for easy syncing with Google accounts. Kindle Fire works best with Amazon Prime and is ideal for people who mainly want to use it for content consumption.
Making Your Decision
I hope this gives you some education about tablets and helps you make a decision. It basically depends on what you want to do and what you want to accomplish with a tablet.
For me, I use my iPad for word processing (using voice typing) and a couple of programs. There used to be an audio program I liked, but I don’t anymore—for more advanced audio work, I have to go to my computer.
Android tablets appeal to many people because there’s a wider variety of options. Again, it depends on what you’re doing. If you’re just reading books, Kindle Fire tablets are inexpensive and will get the job done.