Even a year ago when you were looking for a tablet, your main options were Apple or Android. If you're reading this, you probably favor Apple. However, there's now a third contender you need to consider before you buy a new tablet.
Thanks to increases in hardware speed, decreases in hardware cost and versions of Windows steadily optimized to work well on tablets, Windows tablets are finally ready for prime time. Of course, that still doesn't automatically mean you should buy one. Let's look at how iPads and Windows tablets stack up.
Hardware
When it comes to hardware, iPads and Windows tablets are generally similar. They have touch screens with similar screen technology. When it comes to size, iPads range from 7.9 inches to 12 inches, and Windows tablets go from 10 to 12 inches.
iPad and Windows tablets use different types of processor technology, with high-end Windows tablets offering the same processors as full laptops and desktops. Of course, Windows also needs a bit more oomph than iOS to run smoothly. It also means that the iPad tends to be more energy efficient, so battery life is typically better by a few hours.
Some Windows tablets can also hold more information than an iPad, with some like the Microsoft Surface reaching 1 terabyte of storage. Windows tablets can also have expandable storage thanks to microSD cards, where iPads can only use the cloud for additional space.
Other than that, both types of tablets have similar cameras, microUSB ports, HDMI out and other connectors and options. Where they really differ is the software and what it can do for you.
Winner: Both
Ease of use
If you're buying a tablet for someone who is less tech savvy, you want something that's simple to use. the iPad definitely has the edge over Windows in this category. iOS was designed from the ground up for mobile use, so it's a bit more focused.While Windows 10 has a tablet mode that works well on a touch screen, and mobile-optimized apps, it still has a lot of space devoted to supporting hardware from smartphones to desktops. It's much easier to run into areas that aren't easy to use on a touch screen or that are more technical than you might want to deal with.
The iPad also has access to the iTunes store for buying apps, movies, music and books. With Windows, you have to use several different sites and services to cover the same range.
Winner: Apple
Flexibility
While iOS might be easier to use, it isn't quite as flexible. With a Windows tablet (assuming it runs Windows 10 and not the old Windows RT), you can do anything you normally could with Windows. So, if you want to install your favorite third-party programs you've used for years, go right ahead. With an iPad, you would need to dig up an app that's similar, assuming someone had made one.It also means Windows tablets can run the native versions of software like Office or Photoshop. Yes, there are app versions of these for the iPad, but they are a bit limited.
On the flip side, an iPad has a lot more apps available, including popular game apps. Windows 10 does have an app store, but the offerings are still limited to major apps like Facebook. There is a project at Microsoft that makes it easier for app developers to turn iOS apps into Windows apps, so that might change eventually.
Earlier we mentioned the iPad was easier to use because you could get your apps, movies, music and books easily through iTunes. However, that ease also limits its flexibility. You can get some media through Google and other services, but the iPad works best with iTunes. If you want to get your music, movies and books from multiple services, it's easier with a Windows tablet.
A Windows tablet will also handle standard Windows hardware, such as printers, external drives, flash drives, keyboards, scanners and anything else. An iPad won't without some fiddling, if at all.
Winner: Windows
Security
Everyone knows that Windows has had plenty of security problems over the years. For quite a while, tablets were much safer because hackers weren't really paying attention to them. However, now that tablets are outselling PCs, they're in the crosshairs as well.
Still, the iPad remains fairly immune to viruses and security flaws. Thanks to a strictly controlled app store and fast security updates, no security problem remains around for long. Windows, on the other hand, has millions of threats ready to attack at any time.
Of course, Windows 10 is the most secure Windows operating system yet. Plus, there are plenty of security products available to keep you safe, and you can use the same ones you use for your home computers. And when Microsoft rolls out its monthly updates, you're going to get them right away, so you're sure you have the latest protection.
Winner: Apple
Cost
A tablet could be the best on the market, but if it's out of your price range then that's the end of that. In general, Windows tablets tend to be more expensive because they have larger screens and more powerful hardware, but iPads aren't known for being a bargain either.Microsoft's Surface tablets start at $499 for the 10.8-inch Surface 3 with 64GB, and continue up through $1,800 for the most powerful 12.3-inch Surface Pro 4. The least expensive iPad is the 7.9-inch mini 2 16GB for $269, and the prices go up to $1,079 for the 12-inch iPad Pro 128GB.
Of course, Microsoft isn't the only one that makes Windows tablets, and some of these third-party tablets might have prices more in your ideal range.
Our new KomandoTab2 is a great example. This capable Windows 10 tablet with a crisp 10.1-inch screen and 32GB of storage starts at just $299.95. It has a fast processor, front and rear cameras, and you can expand the storage with a microSD card.
Plus, unlike most other tablets, the KomandoTab2 ships with a case that includes a keyboard. That makes it perfect for typing up long emails or pages of your novel. Buy it today with promo code SAVE10 and you'll save 10% off its already low price.
Winner: Windows
Now that you have some idea of what kind of tablet you want, check out our handy tablet comparison charts to see what models are on the market and how they stack up.
