(Image from Kenneth Ang blog site)

The season for giving is upon us once again and tablet PCs are definitely on many kids’ wish lists. You might want your kids to have their own tablets for entertainment, education, or just to stop them from hogging yours. Many tablets are designed with special features geared specifically for young minds.

Here are some general guidelines to follow before you make a purchase:

• Fragile tablets are definitely off the list.

Get a tablet PC that can withstand being handled and used constantly by children. Those with built-in protective rubber casings are ideal. There are also models that can be outfitted with protective casings to make them more suitable for rugged use. Whether the case is built-in or added on, the total weight of the tablet should be considered as well.

• A touch screen that responds immediately whenever the kid taps on a button is a must. Toddlers and young children are prone to get frustrated easily. You want the tablet to be seen as a source of entertainment and education, not frustration. Aside from having a responsive touchscreen, a tablet PC for kids must have big buttons and intuitive navigation.

• If you want it to have a camera, it is better to get a rear-facing rather than front-facing camera.

A rear camera will be more useful for kids to explore and learn how to take photos of their surroundings. A front-facing camera can be a bit let confusing for them to get used to.

• Battery life is also an important consideration.

As an alternative to a tablet with long battery life, you can also choose to buy an extra set of rechargeable batteries.

• In terms of software, needless to say it must have content that is appropriate for kids. Choose a tablet PC with access to an app store containing a variety of apps and games for kids. Most Android tablets for kids have access to Google’s Play store. If you don’t get one with Android, check the manufacturer’s app store for the number, variety, and prices of apps that they have available.

• Make sure it’s affordable.

This is one thing you have to consider in terms of overall cost – buy a cheap tablet but eventually spend more on apps or get a slightly more expensive one that access to a lot of cheap or even free apps.

• Adult supervision is a must.

Last but not least in terms of importance is the parental control feature of your kid’s tablet PC. You might think that putting the tablet on airplane mode is enough to keep the kids out of trouble but the problem with that is kids are so computer savvy these days. They can easily figure out how to get it out of airplane mode. In fact, your kids will probably navigate their way around your phone or tablet before they learn to read or write.

Thus, a tablet PC with robust parental controls is recommended; specifically one that requires a PIN or password to block access to sites not suitable for children. Built-in parental controls can allow you to disable social networking apps and in-app purchases. Parental controls also block the ability to install apps and prevent your kids from being able to change the tablet’s privacy settings. Another option to consider is parental control apps like Kid Mode and Funamo.

With these guidelines, shopping for tablet PCs that especially cater to kids should not be too difficult.

Abstract:

With the holiday gift-giving season fast approaching, what would be a better gift to give than the hottest gadget of the season, the tablet PC. But with so many models to choose from, what should you get, and for who? Here are a few suggestions.

 The Christmas holidays are just around the corner and everybody is starting to make lists of gift ideas and who to give them to.  Buying presents early is a great idea so that you can avoid trying to find everything at the last minute.  Avoiding the Christmas holiday rush will definitely help you keep your sanity.

All over the world it is traditional to give gifts to your loved ones during the Christmas season.  This year, electronics and gadgets are the most coveted gifts. Tablet PCs are selling like hotcakes because of their versatility; useful for work, school, or for entertainment.

There are many tablets to choose from and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. With the wide array of tablet PCs available in the market today, you might get dizzy just reading all their reviews.  Figuring out who will be receiving which device will be a big help in narrowing down the right tablet PC to buy.

Here are three of the hottest tablet PCs you may want to consider for the coming holidays.  See if you know who would be a perfect fit for them:

Apple iPad 4^th Generation ($499-$550)

The latest generation of the iPad is of course, what many consider to be the best among its many versions.

Perfect for: Anyone you are thinking of giving a present to who is not adept at using a tablet PC or is still learning how to use one. 

Why? The A6X processor is quick and responds to commands right away.  The Retina Display screen is gorgeous, especially when playing games or watching videos.  It already has LTE capability, making it more appealing since that means faster data connection for the user.  The new Lightning connector is also a new feature worth enjoying. Of course, this comes with access to the Apple iOS store, which still has the widest and best selection for apps.

Google Nexus 7 ($199-$260)

This 7-incher packs a lot of performance; a great device from the developers of the Android OS.

Perfect for: Nieces, nephews, or siblings who are still in school and will really appreciate the 16GB version of the Google Nexus 7.

Why? Among the smaller sized tablet PC’s, this baby still tops its class by a mile.  The size is perfect for toting everywhere and it is powerful enough to be able to handle school stuff.  Powered by the latest Android Jelly Bean, you know it has a smooth interface and fast performance. Any student taking all those notes in class can now do so without missing a beat, thanks to this tablet.

Asus Transformer Pad TF300 ($345-$470)

Is it a tablet or a laptop? Well, it can be both, and savvy techies keep piling on their love for this device.

Perfect for: People who use a tablet PC for work. 

Why? The Transformer lives up to its names as it can transform into a full size laptop, complete with a keyboard and extra data storage space when needed to furnish reports and data encoding. The device’s Tegra 3 processor enables it to transform easily from a tablet PC to a laptop in a matter of seconds.  The Transformer, simply put, is a great deal, giving you the best bang for your buck.

Fitting the recipient’s personality with each gadget will make the gift all the more significant and heartfelt. Now, all you need is the cash and you’re good to go!

You may be wondering if you can still sell Iconia W Series if it is already in an unusable condition. Luckily the answer is yes. Check out the website CashforTabletPCs.com because they buy laptops, tablets, and cell phones no matter what condition they are in. Even if you think that it is worthless and cannot be used anymore, you will still be able to sell it to this company. Aside from buying used electronics and refurbishing them to be resold, the company is also part of a global recycling effort of this industry.

There are still usable parts that can be recycled even in devices that are already beyond repair. Also, even if the parts themselves cannot be used anymore, the components can still be harvested, such as the metal in the wires. In a recent newspaper article, it has been reported that usable quantities of gold, copper, and other metals can be mined from the millions of used cell phones thrown away daily.  Thus, if you sell Iconia W Series you will be actively taking part in recycling. Aside from getting some cash from what you would have initially thrown away, you will also be helping in minimizing garbage and saving natural resources.

With the cash you’ll be getting from selling your broken Iconia, upgrading to a more advanced tablet would be easier. If you ask us, here are three tablets that could be worth your money:

•    Google Nexus 7
If you are an Android user, why not try this 7-inch tablet from the developers of the operating system themselves? This device is the first to be pre-installed with the latest version of the Android, the 4.1 Jelly Bean. Of course, you can trust Google to go all-out on its freebie apps courtesy of its Google Play store.

•    Kindle Fire HD 7”
With a better battery life and a display screen that has been described as excellent, this is one small tab you should consider. However, what’s weird is that the weak point of this device manufactured for the cyber world’s largest retailer is its slow-moving store!

•    A more affordable Iconia tablet
The W series is pretty much the premium line of Acer tablets, while the A series is only half its price. While it is true that Acer’s A series tablet have not been receiving that many favorable reviews as its W series brother, at least it has a slot for MicroSD cards, which means additional 32 GB of storage space for you!

Despite what the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs said about smaller tablet computers, Apple still produced their very own 7-inch tablet computer, entering the arena for smaller tablets. This smaller version of the iPad is called “the iPad Mini.” When it was released, a lot of people began comparing it to other tablets in the market, saying that the iPad Mini will thrash them all. Will it be good enough to attract customers to sell their iPad and buy it? How about if we compare it to the Samsung Galaxy Note 2?

Processor, RAM and Storage

The smaller iPad has the A5 chip processor, which is in the iPad 2. Although it is not the latest, it is not slow. The iPad Mini also has the PowerVR GPU, which delivers great gaming experience while it keeps the tablet cool. It also has 1 GB of RAM. You can also choose between black or white. As usual, you can choose your storage options from 14, 32 or 64 GB.

On the other hand, the Galaxy Note 2 from Samsung runs on a 1.6 GHz quad-core Exynos chip processor. It also has an amazing GPU that delivers outstanding gaming performance. It has 2 GB of RAM. Compared to the smaller iPad, it only has two options for storage: 16 GB or 32 GB, but with an SD support for 64 GB. So when it comes to processor, storage and RAM, the Samsung tablet computer is the winner.

Display

The Samsung Galaxy Note has a 5.5 inch screen with 306 pixels per inch, giving it a higher pixel density than the Apple iPad Mini. Moreover, the iPad Mini does not have the Retina Display. Another advantage of the Galaxy Note 2 is that it has better viewing angles than the iPad Mini. Although the Apple tablet’s screen looks great because of its size, the Galaxy Note 2 is still better when it comes to color vibrancy, pixel density and black reproduction.

Software

The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 runs on the latest operating system of Android, which is Jelly Bean. The iPad Mini also runs on the latest operating system of Apple, the iOS 6, which is very easy to use and has about 200 new features. Moreover, the App Store of Apple has more apps than the Google Play Store. To note, the Galaxy Note 2 does not use tablet apps, but rather the Android phone apps, of which you can choose from about 600,000. Since the App Store of Apple offers more, the iPad Mini wins here.

Camera

The Samsung tablet computer has rear and front cameras. The rear camera has eight megapixels while the front has 1.9 megapixels. On the other hand, the iPad Mini has a five-megapixel iSight back camera and a two-megapixel front camera that can record 720p video. It has five elements, which can give you great image quality even in low light. But still, the Galaxy Note 2 wins here since its camera is faster and offers better image reproduction. It is easier to take photos with it, as well since it is easier to hold.

Who Wins?

Although the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 wins in two categories, the two gadgets are still well-matched. However, which one is good enough to sell an old or broken iPad for? If you want better hardware, portability and camera, go for the Galaxy Note 2. If you want a larger screen and more apps, then go for the iPad Mini.

If you are an iPad disciple, you should have already heard of the surprise Apple presented during its press event on October 23. While many were expecting to hear some news on upgraded gadgets aside from the ‘big’ iPad Mini announcement, very few people were banking on the announcement of a 4^th generation iPad! We just didn’t see that coming!

But now that it has been finalized, being an iDevice fan, you definitely want that iPad in your hands! With the iPad Mini also launching on the same day, November 2, how will you be 100% prepared for this double-header? Even if you are emotionally prepared, the question is, are you financially ready for what appears to be an $828 spree in the coming weeks? The iPad Mini base model is said to retail at $329, while the iPad 4 16GB Wi-Fi will be $499. The good news is if you want to sell iPad 3, you can still get a fairly good price for it because Apple has not lowered its prices despite this new generation of devices.

I can help you to prepare for purchasing the iPad 4, or the iPad Mini, whichever you prefer, just in time for when it becomes available on the market. This will help you a lot in saving for the coming iPads.

Here’s how to prep for iPad 4 or the iPad Mini:

1. Research how to sell iPad WiFi 16GB or whatever model your iPad is from a reputable electronics refurbishing company. Visit all the sites you can get and trim down your choices to three or four. Then, compare these three or four most promising websites. Look into their track record, the convenience of their processes and the service they provide.
2. Create a backup of your files saved on your tablet. You won’t be sorry for doing this, even if you think all your files are dispensable.
3. Revert your unit to its original factory configuration by these methods:
   1. Plug in your cables and sync to iTunes, then click Restore.
   2. Unplug your cables and use the iPad alone for configuration settings. Tap your way to Settings>General>Restore.
   3. Normally, most iPad users use both procedures to safeguard their privacy. Nothing wrong in repeating these configuration methods for assurance.
4. Go back to the site of the refurbishment company you have chosen.
5. Begin your online transaction.
6. Pinpoint your iPad model. Be particular in how many GB of storage space your iPad has. Does it have 16, 32, or 64 GB of internal storage? Is it a Wi-Fi only model or Wi-Fi and 3G?
7. Identify unit condition (defects or history of accidents).
8. Ship the handset (refurbishing companies take charge of the shipping fee).
9. Get paid via PayPal or mailed check.

Being able to feel the slick iPad in your own hands will be a lot better than drooling over one in the store. Make the move and give it your best shot! Sell iPad now!

Here is the result of the survey. Apparently, breaking their iPads is more painful than:

• Getting in a minor car accident – 40%
• Having a root canal – 1 in 3 (32%)
• Breaking their nose – 16%
• Getting fired from their job – 10%

Brainshark’s survey was conducted in August. It shows how deeply entrenched the iPad has become into the lives of its users, either professional or personal. 92% of iPad owners say that the iPad supplements their laptop, but 51% think it is their primary device.

iPad’s Ubiquity

Now that almost 17 million iPads were sold (that’s two times more than the population of New York City) last quarter, it is safe to say that the iPad is not just any ordinary device, but a part of an everyday landscape and popular culture. The survey was on when and where iPad owners use their iPad:

• Naked – More than 1 in 3 (34%)
• On the toilet – 60%
• In the tub – 21%
• While walking… and bumped into someone! – 1 in 4 (24%)
• On vacation – 92%
• In a plane – 73%
• At a client meeting – 47%

Of course, the ever-presence of the iPad is the result of its features and the benefits owners receive from it. Another survey was done on what the grounds are for their use of iPads: Device’s portability (88%), ability to turn on instantly (77%), apps (72%) and ability to keep owners accessible (58%). Would you believe that 43% say that one benefit is having it as a pacifier for their kids? And 1 in every 4 person (about 27%) say that the iPad is simply a piece of art.

A Replacement Device

Many people now look at the iPad as a replacement device. 67% of the iPad owners say that the device replaces books for them, while others say it replaces their TV (31%), camera (31%), video camera (24%), GPS (32%) and MP3 player (51%).

Some even take it further: They regarded the iPad as more valuable than some appliances. 34% say that they would rather turn off their air-conditioner; 42% would turn off their heater.

Other than that, here are the percentages of iPad owners who say that they would rather lose these than their iPads:

• License – 42%
• Wedding ring – 1 in 5 (20%)
• Credit card or ATM card – 46% and 45% respectively
• Wallet – More than 1 in 4 (27%)

What’s Wrong With Them?

There is nothing wrong with them. It is completely understandable that they love the iPad so much because we all know that the iPad really helps us in our daily lives. Like any other technological device, it makes our lives easier. It hurts us when we break our iPads not only because of the expense we paid for it, but also because it has become a vital part of our everyday lives. It is like losing a part of ourselves. Will it be still useful once we break it? Maybe, it depends on how bad it is. But what if it won’t turn on anymore?

If your iPad is completely destroyed, don’t worry. CashforiPads.com is here for you. Just visit the website and sell your broken iPad for a good price!

Studies have shown that a lot of people readily pay cash for iPad apps and more developers prefer to launch in iOS first before Android. Developers generally write for iOS first since it is easier. Due to fewer constraints on their resources, releasing an iOS app before considering an Android release translates to higher revenue for these developers.

Developing an app for iOS means only tweaking for three devices: the iPad, iPod, and iPhone. These tweaks are optimizations for each device once every two years, when a new version of a device is introduced (for example, the new iPad in place of the iPad 2). Moreover, the iOS operating system gets upgraded once a year at most. On the other hand, Android developers are tasked to make their apps functional on all devices running on Android. That means the apps have to tweaked for every Samsung, Asus, Acer, Toshiba, and Google device, and that’s not even a quarter of them. Moreover, Google has aggressively hastened Android upgrades to being only six months after the introduction of the last Android version: Ice Cream Sandwich was at the top until Jelly Bean was introduced shortly after. That means more work for app developers, while any profits are still unknown.

But not everything is gloomy in the world of Android. Android apps have a lot in them that may make them in some aspects even better than iOS apps. After considering them, you may even sell your iPad and look into Android tablets, or just keep that thought in mind. Listed below are some reasons Android apps aren’t all that bad.

For one, developers have more freedom to develop apps for the Android Marketplace, meaning they are not very constrained, unlike in the iOS where apps can be rejected or censored because Apple might consider an app either too similar to one already existing or too simple without anything special to offer iPad users. In this regard, the Android Marketplace is more consumer-driven, giving users the ability to eventually choose more apps.

A study has also come forth that iOS apps crash more often than Android apps. These crashes would mean that apps developed in Android are more stable. However, a part of the report states that the crashes may also be caused by iOS users not updating to the latest version of the app. Not updating an app usually means a user wants to maintain a carrier unlock, maintain a jailbreak, or is too lazy to bother with updating. Either way, having apps crash while you are in the middle of a task is something you don’t want to deal with.

Another thing that makes Android apps more attractive to a lot of users is that they are generally more pocket-friendly, with free or cheaper apps. In some cases, the same app may cost the same in iOS or Android. However, there is a chance for you to find a similar app in the Android Marketplace that is cheaper compared to a larger amount of cash for iPad app.

The summer Olympics is one of the most much awaited event of the year and a lot of people are taking advantage of it especially those who sell iPad by highlighting the applications that showcase the Olympic events.  Developers have also taken advantage of this momentous occasion by creating applications that will help people keep track of what is happening in the Olympic arena. If you are a sports fan that wants to be updated all the time about what is going on in the Olympics then these apps should be on your iPad now.

1.    BBC Olympics

This Android-based app will give you access to all the latest news and stories happening during the Olympics.  You can also get text commentaries from BBC journalists as well as access to video highlights of the network’s

livestreams

. However, this application will only work with Android devices as Flash must be installed on your device for it to work properly.  There are a lot of versions of this app from US sports channels, but then, getting news from the locals is always better, right?

2.    London 2012 Join In

This is the official visitor’s guide app developed by the event organizers.  It lets you know what is happening all around the area where the games are held. It will help you a lot as it also gives live updates of the news including photos, videos, and social commentaries on the games and events.  This app gives you a sense of community, so you won’t get overwhelmed with all the events unfolding.

3.    Journey Pro

This is a useful app for the visitors who are in London for the first time. It will help you get around London with as little hassle as possible. There are interactive maps for the Tramlink, River Service, National Rail and London Tube services.  This will help you plan your journey in advance and not get lost in the urban jungle of London.  This should be perfect for neophytes traveling in London, so they won’t have to sell iPad, thinking it would be useless in a foreign country.

4.    London 2012

Not to be confused with the visitors app, this will help you be informed as to the status of the games, medal tally, event venues and other information essential to your Olympic experience.  This app is exclusive for iOS users only.

5.   London 2012 Official Mobile Game

For those who are not content with just sitting and watching athletes compete and have all the fun, this app is for you.  Of course, you still won’t be competing in the Olympics, but you’ll have the chance to compete virtually in some ‘real Olympic’ events.  There are 9 virtual options, from swimming to sprints.  You may not be in London, but at least, you got the feel of competition and the spirit of the games.

These are just some of the apps that will make your Olympic experience richer.  You can ask the stores that sell iPad to install these for you right away.

Plenty of tablets are around nowadays. They come in different sizes and designs. For example, Sony tried to break new ground with the Sony Tablet P. It’s a foldable tablet with two 5.5 inch screens. What made it a failure though, is the space between the two screens. If the screens were connected when opened, they would’ve had a hit tablet.

There is one category though, that seems to be a great alternative to the iPad – the 7 inch tablet. These tablets only have 7 inch screens, which is really good for reading and carrying around.

You can sell your iPad and get a 7 inch tablet instead. They’re much easier to hold anyway.

If you’re going to sell your iPad and buy a 7 inch tablet, you can look for these alternatives at a store near you.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0

 Samsung has plenty of tablets for you to choose from. The Galaxy Tab series is actually a popular alternative to the iPad, and offers several alternatives. You have the traditional 10 inch tablet, an 8.9 inch version and a 7 inch version.

The 7.0 is really popular because it’s really light and easy to hold. The Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 happens to be better than their previous offering, and it’s easy to see why.

The first thing about this tablet is the camera. There’s a 3.0 megapixel camera at the back and a VGA one at the front. The screen has a resolution of 1024 by 600 pixels but it doesn’t have the trademark Super AMOLED Plus display usually used on their high end devices. Even so, the screen looks really great.

Aside from that, you’ll get Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich with TouchWiz on top. It’s a significant leap forward from Android 3.0 Honeycomb. Everything feels really smooth and the interface looks really great.

This tablet is one of the first tablets to get Ice Cream Sandwich with a custom skin. Productivity is increased. The visuals are less customized than ever before. Samsung puts its focus on usability instead.

You’ll get plenty of multitasking options, Face Unlock and complete Google apps for you to use. Of course, you’ll also have access to the extensive marketplace of Android apps. All the apps you’ll find on the iPad, Android has them too!

It has a 1 GHz dual core tablet that’s more than enough for your needs. Everything feels responsive and typing is quick.

In terms of battery life, the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is really good. It lasts up to 8 hours! It even outlasts other tablets, considering that the battery is smaller.

But what makes this tablet really good is the price. It sells for only 250 dollars! That’s right; you get an Ice Cream Sandwich tablet for only half the price of an iPad!

You can sell your iPad and get this tablet, without having to shell out additional cash. It’s a steal!

Continuation

In the coming articles, we’ll take a look at a couple more Samsung tablets, and the Kindle Fire.