Tablets

Compact Tablet Comparisons

Compact tablets trade screen area for portability. With a display around eight inches, they fit in a jacket pocket or a small bag and are comfortable to hold in one hand for long stretches, something full-size tablets rarely manage. That makes them popular for reading, travel, note-taking on the move, pilots and field work, and as a handheld gaming screen.

The small size shapes everything else. Keyboard support is usually limited to Bluetooth, since there is no room for a full-size keyboard cover, so a compact tablet is a poor fit if you plan to type long documents. Pen support can still be excellent, though, and the higher pixel density of a small screen makes text look especially crisp. Battery capacity is lower than in bigger tablets, but manufacturer battery ratings are often similar because the smaller screen draws less power.

When you compare compact models, focus on the chip, base storage and stylus generation. Generations can be several years apart, so a newer model may bring a considerably faster processor, more base storage and support for a newer pen, while the body and screen stay almost unchanged. That is useful to know if you are weighing a discounted older model.

It is also worth asking whether a compact tablet or an e-reader fits you better. If most of your time goes into books, an E Ink reader is lighter on the eyes in bright light and lasts far longer between charges. If you also want comics, magazines in color, video, web browsing and apps, the compact tablet is the more flexible tool.

8 comparisons · 2 products