Tablet Computer

A tablet computer, often just called a tablet or tab, is a marvel of modern engineering. Imagine a mobile device , sleek and sophisticated, where the circuitry , the vibrant display , and a self-sufficient rechargeable battery are all seamlessly integrated into a single, remarkably thin and flat package. These aren’t just fancy screens; they are computers, possessing a similar breadth of capabilities to their more cumbersome counterparts, though admittedly, they trade some input/output (I/O) flexibility for their elegant form. Modern tablets owe their existence to the evolution of the smartphone . The primary distinction? Tablets are generally larger, boasting screens that measure 7 inches (18 cm) or more diagonally. They also may forgo the direct cellular network connection that defines a phone. Unlike traditional laptops , which historically ran operating systems designed for desktop environments, tablets typically embrace mobile operating systems , much like smartphones.

The interface is pure tactile poetry. The touchscreen display responds to the nuanced language of gestures – a flick of a finger or the precise touch of a digital pen (stylus). Gone are the days of the clunky computer mouse , the ever-present touchpad , and the full-sized keyboard that characterize larger computers. Portable computers, in general, can be categorized by the presence, or absence, of a physical keyboard. Tablets, specifically the “slate” and “booklet” varieties, forgo physical keyboards entirely, relying on a virtual keyboard that materializes on their touchscreens for text entry. To bridge this gap, most tablets offer seamless connectivity to external physical keyboards via Bluetooth or USB . It’s worth noting that 2-in-1 PCs are a distinct category, featuring integrated physical keyboards separate from the tablet form factor.

The very concept of a tablet, this portable computing slate, wasn’t born yesterday. It was an idea gestating in the mid-20th century, famously visualized by Stanley Kubrick in his prescient 1968 science fiction masterpiece, 2001: A Space Odyssey . Prototypes and refined concepts began to emerge in the latter decades of that century. Then, in 2010, Apple unleashed the iPad , a device that didn’t just enter the market; it redefined it, achieving unprecedented mass-market popularity. From that point forward, tablets exploded in ubiquity, rapidly establishing themselves as a significant product category for personal, educational, and professional applications. Their utility is vast: viewing presentations, engaging in video-conferences, devouring e-books, losing oneself in movies, sharing cherished photos, and so much more. As of 2021, the global tablet user base stands at a staggering 1.28 billion, according to Statista . Apple continues to command the largest share of this market, with Samsung and Lenovo trailing closely behind.

History

The genesis of the tablet computer and its associated operating systems can be traced back to the pioneering work in pen computing . The fundamental idea of electrical devices with data input and output capabilities displayed on a flat information display dates back to at least 1888, with the invention of the telautograph . This ingenious device utilized a sheet of paper as its display, with a pen connected to electromechanical actuators to reproduce handwriting at a distance. Throughout the 20th century, the vision of such devices persisted, manifesting in various forms: from intricate blueprints and functional prototypes to actual commercial products . Beyond academic and research endeavors, numerous companies ventured into the market during the 1980s, experimenting with a diverse array of input and output methods.

Fictional and Prototype Tablets

The concept of the tablet computer was significantly amplified and disseminated to a broader audience through its recurring appearance in science fiction works during the latter half of the 20th century. These fictional portrayals served as powerful conceptual blueprints. Notable examples include:

• Isaac Asimov envisioned a “Calculator Pad” in his seminal novel Foundation (1951).
• Stanisław Lem described the “Opton” in his 1961 novel Return from the Stars .
• Gene Roddenberry ’s iconic Star Trek: The Original Series (1966) featured numerous devices akin to tablets, often used for data retrieval and communication.
• In the Dr Who episode “The Dominators” (1967), the Educator Balan is depicted using a tablet with swipe gestures for data input.
• Arthur C. Clarke ’s “newspad,” a sophisticated electronic newspaper device, was memorably depicted in Stanley Kubrick ’s landmark 1968 film, 2001: A Space Odyssey .
• Douglas Adams incorporated a tablet computer into his beloved 1978 novel, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy , and its subsequent comedy adaptations .
• The science fiction television series Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987) prominently featured tablet computers designated as PADDs , consistently utilizing a touchscreen interface, sometimes with a stylus.
• A particularly advanced device, exceeding the capabilities of today’s tablets, made a brief appearance in Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle ’s 1974 novel, The Mote in God’s Eye .
• The Star Wars franchise introduced datapads, first detailed in the 1991 novel Heir to the Empire and later visualized in the 1999 film Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace .

In parallel with these fictional explorations, tangible projects were also laying the groundwork for real-world tablet computers:

• In 1968, the visionary computer scientist Alan Kay conceived of the “KiddiComp,” later elaborating on this concept as the Dynabook in his influential 1972 proposal, “A Personal Computer for Children of All Ages.” This vision outlined functionality remarkably similar to modern laptops and tablets, with the notable exception of near-perpetual battery life, and specifically targeted children as its target audience .
• A significant patent for a touchscreen tablet capable of detecting external force applied to a specific point on its surface was filed in Japan in 1979 by a team at Hitachi , comprising Masao Hotta, Yoshikazu Miyamoto, Norio Yokozawa, and Yoshimitsu Oshima. This invention later received a US patent.
• In 1984, Hartmut Esslinger designed a conceptual Macintosh tablet featuring a touch display and an integrated keyboard. A prototype of this design is now housed in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art .
• In 1992, Atari presented developers with the Stylus, subsequently renamed the ST-Pad. This device was built upon the Atari ST platform and incorporated early handwriting recognition capabilities. Concurrently, Shiraz Shivji’s company, Momentus, demonstrated a failed x86 MS-DOS based Pen Computer featuring its own graphical user interface (GUI).
• The European Union initiated the NewsPad project in 1994, inspired by the fictional devices of Clarke and Kubrick. Acorn Computers developed and delivered an ARM -based touchscreen tablet computer for this program, branding it the “NewsPad.” The project concluded in 1997.
• During the COMDEX trade show in November 2000, Microsoft unveiled a prototype handheld device, using the term Tablet PC to describe it.
• In 2001, Ericsson Mobile Communications announced the DelphiPad, an experimental product developed in collaboration with Singapore’s Centre for Wireless Communications. This device featured a touch-sensitive screen, the Netscape Navigator web browser , and ran on the Linux operating system .

Early Tablets

The lineage of commercially viable tablet computers includes several notable predecessors to what we recognize today. Products like the Pencept PenPad, the Linus Write-Top , and the CIC Handwriter paved the way. However, it was in September 1989 that Grid Systems released the GridPad , widely considered the first commercially successful tablet computer. These early devices, including the GridPad, were all based on extended versions of the MS-DOS operating system.

The year 1992 marked significant developments. IBM announced and began shipping the ThinkPad 700T (2521) to developers, running on GO Corporation ’s innovative PenPoint OS . AT&T’s EO Personal Communicator , released in 1993, also utilized PenPoint OS and ran on AT&T’s proprietary hardware, including the AT&T Hobbit CPU. Apple Computer entered the scene in 1993 with the launch of the Apple Newton personal digital assistant. This device ran on Apple’s custom-developed Newton OS , initially powered by a Motorola processor incorporating an ARM CPU, a design Apple had co-developed with Acorn Computers . The Newton platform’s design and operating system were later licensed to Sharp and Digital Ocean , who produced their own variants.

The early 1990s saw considerable media hype surrounding pen computing . Microsoft , then the undisputed leader in PC software, responded by releasing Windows for Pen Computing in 1992 to challenge PenPoint OS. The company embarked on the WinPad project, collaborating with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Compaq to develop compact devices featuring a Windows-like operating system and handwriting recognition. However, this project was ultimately abandoned two years later, leading to the release of Windows CE in the form of “Handheld PCs ” in 1996. That same year, Palm, Inc. introduced the first in its line of PalmPilot PDAs, which featured touch and stylus input and initially ran on a Motorola Dragonball (68000) CPU. Also in 1996, Fujitsu released the Stylistic 1000, a tablet-format PC running Microsoft Windows 95 on a 100 MHz AMD486 DX4 CPU with 8 MB of RAM. It offered stylus input and the option to connect a conventional keyboard and mouse. In 1999, Intel announced a touchscreen tablet computer powered by its StrongARM processor, initially named WebPAD, which was later rebranded as the “Intel Web Tablet.”

The year 2000 saw the release of the “FreePad” by Norwegian company Screen Media AS and German company Dosch & Amand Gmbh. This device was based on Linux and utilized the Opera browser for internet access, which was provided via DECT DMAP, offering speeds up to 10 Mbit/s. The FreePad featured 16 MB of storage, 32 MB of RAM, and an x86 compatible 166 MHz “Geode” microcontroller from National Semiconductor . Its screen measured 10.4 or 12.1 inches and was touch-sensitive. It also included slots for SIM cards, enabling functionality as a television set-top box. Although sold in Norway and the Middle East, the company was dissolved in 2003. Sony entered the market in late 2000 with its Airboard tablet in Japan, offering full wireless internet capabilities.

The late 1990s saw Microsoft actively promoting the Handheld PC platform, powered by their Windows CE operating system. While many devices on this platform were not strictly tablets, some touch-enabled tablets did emerge, such as Fujitsu’s PenCentra 130 and Siemens’s SIMpad . Microsoft made a more concerted push into the tablet space in 2002 with its Microsoft Tablet PC initiative, envisioning these devices as mobile computers for field professionals. However, these early Microsoft tablets faced significant hurdles, primarily due to their high price points and usability issues. Many were too heavy for prolonged one-handed use, and their reliance on legacy applications designed for desktop interfaces made them less than ideal for the slate format.

Nokia had been contemplating an “Internet tablet” concept for years before 2000. An early prototype, the Nokia M510, was manufactured in 2001, running on EPOC and featuring an Opera browser, integrated speakers, and a 10-inch 800x600 screen. However, it was never released, largely due to concerns that the market wasn’t ready. Nokia officially entered the tablet market in May 2005 with the Nokia 770 , which ran Maemo , a Debian-based Linux distribution custom-tailored for their line of “Internet tablets.” The device’s user interface and application framework, known as Hildon , represented an early example of a software platform designed for general computing on a tablet, with a strong focus on internet consumption. Despite its innovative approach, Nokia did not fully commit to Maemo as its sole future mobile platform, leading to competition with other in-house initiatives and its eventual replacement by Series 60 . Nokia defined its “internet tablet” as a portable information appliance that bridged the gap between a personal digital assistant (PDA) and an Ultra-Mobile PC (UMPC), prioritizing internet access and media playback. They also developed two mobile phones, the N900 running Maemo and the N9 running MeeGo.

Prior to the market-defining launch of the iPad, Axiotron introduced the Modbook , a significantly modified Apple MacBook that functioned as a Mac OS X -based tablet computer. The Modbook leveraged Apple’s Inkwell technology for handwriting and gesture recognition and incorporated digitization hardware from Wacom . A third-party driver was supplied to enable Mac OS X to interact with the integrated tablet’s digitizer.

Following the introduction of the Ultra-mobile PC , Intel launched the Mobile Internet Device initiative. This effort involved taking similar hardware and integrating it with a tablet-optimized Linux configuration. Intel co-developed the lightweight Moblin (mobile Linux) operating system, capitalizing on the success of its Atom CPU series in the netbook market. In 2010, Nokia and Intel merged their Maemo and Moblin projects to create MeeGo, a Linux-based operating system designed to support both netbooks and tablets. The first tablet to utilize MeeGo was the Neofonie [WeTab], released in Germany in September 2010. The WeTab ran an extended version of MeeGo called WeTab OS, which included runtimes for Android and Adobe AIR , along with a proprietary user interface optimized for the device. On September 27, 2011, the Linux Foundation announced that MeeGo would be succeeded by Tizen in 2012.

Modern Tablets

Steve Jobs unveiling the iPad in San Francisco on January 27, 2010.

Android emerged as the dominant platform for tablet computers in the late 2000s. Initial plans for Android-based tablets surfaced in 2008, with the first products appearing in 2009. Among these early devices was the Archos 5, a compact model with a 5-inch touchscreen , initially released with a proprietary operating system before being updated to Android 1.4 in 2009. The Camangi WebStation followed in the second quarter of 2009. The first LTE Android tablet arrived in late 2009, manufactured by ICD for Verizon and named the Ultra. A variant, the Vega, was released around the same time, with the Ultra featuring a 7-inch display and the Vega a larger 15-inch screen. Numerous other devices followed in 2010. Many manufacturers strategically delayed their tablet releases until the arrival of Android Honeycomb , an operating system specifically adapted for tablet use, which debuted in February 2011.

Apple is widely credited with defining a new category of consumer electronics with the iPad , profoundly shaping the commercial tablet market in the years that followed. Its launch in 2010 propelled tablets into the mainstream consciousness and established it as the most successful tablet of its era. Competitors like Samsung ’s Galaxy Tab quickly followed, further solidifying the trends toward the features we now associate with modern tablets. In 2011, the U.S. military began testing iPads and other competing devices, ultimately clearing them for secure use in 2013. By March 2012, PC Magazine reported that 31% of U.S. Internet users owned a tablet, primarily for content consumption, such as watching videos and reading news. The iPad line proved to be the top seller, with 100 million units sold between its release in April 2010 and mid-October 2012. However, by 2013, the iPad’s market share (by unit volume) had declined to 36%, while Android tablets saw their share climb to 62%. Android tablet sales volume reached 121 million devices in 2012 and an additional 52 million in 2013. Other notable Android devices included Amazon’s Kindle Fire , with 7 million units sold, and Barnes & Noble’s Nook , with 5 million units sold.

The BlackBerry PlayBook was announced in September 2010, running the BlackBerry Tablet OS . It was officially released to consumers in the US and Canada on April 19, 2011. Hewlett-Packard announced the TouchPad , powered by WebOS 3.0 and a 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU, with a planned June 2011 release. However, on August 18, 2011, HP announced the discontinuation of the TouchPad due to sluggish sales. In 2013, the Mozilla Foundation revealed a prototype tablet model, developed with Foxconn , that ran on Firefox OS . Firefox OS was eventually discontinued in 2016. Canonical hinted at Ubuntu’s availability on tablets by 2014. In February 2016, a commercial release of the BQ Aquaris Ubuntu tablet running the Ubuntu Touch operating system occurred. Canonical ceased support for the project due to a lack of market interest on April 5, 2017, after which it was adopted by the UBports community project.

As of February 2014, a significant 83% of mobile app developers were targeting tablets, though 93% were still focused on smartphones. By 2014, approximately 23% of B2B companies had reportedly deployed tablets for sales-related functions, according to a Corporate Visions survey. The iPad maintained a dominant presence in North America, Western Europe, Japan, Australia, and most of the Americas. Android tablets found greater popularity across most of Asia (with China and Russia being exceptions), Africa, and Eastern Europe. In 2015, tablet sales experienced a plateau, failing to increase. Apple remained the leading seller, but its market share dipped below 25%. Gary Riding, a vice president at Samsung , noted in early 2016 that tablets were primarily succeeding in the business sector. Newer models were becoming more expensive and were increasingly designed with keyboard and stylus integration in mind, reflecting evolving usage patterns. As of early 2016, Android held a commanding 65% of the market, with Apple in second place at 26%, and Windows a distant third with the remaining 9%. By 2018, out of approximately 4.4 billion computing devices in circulation, Android accounted for 2 billion, iOS for 1 billion, with the remainder being PCs in various forms (desktops, notebooks, or tablets) running diverse operating systems like Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux.

Since the early 2020s, advancements in foldable technology have been integrated into tablet computer designs. Samsung ’s Samsung Galaxy Z Fold phones can unfold into compact tablets, and manufacturers like Asus and Lenovo have introduced larger tablets, in the 12-to-17-inch class, capable of folding into a more portable form factor, often resembling a laptop.

Types

Tablets can be broadly categorized based on several factors, including physical dimensions, the type of operating system installed, input and output technologies employed, and their intended uses.

Slate

The iPad mini , iPad Air , and iPad Pro exemplify the slate form factor.

The size of a slate tablet can vary considerably, with models starting around 6 inches (approximately 15 cm). Larger slates can exceed 10 inches (25 cm), with examples like the Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2 at 12.2 inches (31 cm), the Toshiba Excite at 13.3 inches (33 cm), and the Dell XPS 18 reaching an impressive 18.4 inches (47 cm). As of March 2013, the Sony Xperia Tablet Z held the distinction of being the thinnest tablet on the market, measuring just 0.27 inches (6.9 mm) in thickness. On September 9, 2015, Apple introduced the iPad Pro , featuring a larger 12.9-inch (33 cm) screen, significantly expanding the display real estate compared to the standard iPad .

Mini Tablet

Mini tablets are distinguished by their smaller size and reduced weight compared to slate tablets, typically featuring screen sizes between 7–8 inches (18–20 cm). The market saw the emergence of commercially successful mini tablets from companies like Amazon.com (with the Kindle Fire ), Barnes & Noble (the Nook Tablet ), and Samsung (the Galaxy Tab ) in 2011, followed by Google’s Nexus 7 in 2012. While functioning similarly to larger tablets, these mini versions often come with less powerful specifications.

On September 14, 2012, Amazon released an upgraded Kindle Fire, the Kindle Fire HD , boasting a higher screen resolution and enhanced features while maintaining its 7-inch form factor. In October 2012, Apple introduced the iPad Mini , featuring a 7.9-inch screen, approximately 2 inches smaller than the standard iPad , though less powerful than the then-current iPad 3 . On July 24, 2013, Google launched an updated Nexus 7 with a Full HD display, dual cameras, stereo speakers, improved color accuracy, enhanced performance, built-in wireless charging , and a variant supporting 4G LTE for major carriers. In September 2013, Amazon further refined its Fire tablet line with the [Kindle Fire HDX]. November 2013 saw Apple release the iPad Mini 2 , which retained the 7.9-inch screen size and offered hardware specifications nearly on par with the iPad Air .

Phablet

• Main article: Phablet

Smartphones and tablets share many similarities, with the primary distinctions being the typically smaller screen size of smartphones and the frequent absence of cellular network capabilities in tablets. Since 2010, the market has seen the introduction of crossover touchscreen smartphones with screens exceeding 5 inches. This screen size, larger than that of traditional smartphones, led to the creation of the hybrid category known as the phablet , a term popularized by publications like Forbes . The word “phablet” is a portmanteau blending “phone” and “tablet.”

At the inception of the phablet category, screen sizes typically ranged from 5.3 to 5.5 inches. As of 2017, screens up to 5.5 inches are generally considered standard for this category. Prominent examples of phablets from 2017 onwards include the Samsung Galaxy Note series (with newer models featuring 5.7-inch displays), the LG V10 /V20 (5.7 inches), the Sony Xperia XA Ultra (6 inches), the Huawei Mate 9 (5.9 inches), and the Huawei Honor (MediaPad) X2 (7 inches).

2-in-1

• Main article: 2-in-1 PC

A Microsoft Surface Pro 11 exemplifies a prominent “laplet,” a type of 2-in-1 detachable tablet.

A 2-in-1 PC represents a hybrid device that merges the functionalities of both a tablet and a laptop computer. Unlike standard tablets, all 2-in-1 PCs are equipped with physical keyboards . These keyboards are designed to either be concealed by folding them back and underneath the touchscreen (termed “2-in-1 convertible”) or to be detached entirely (“2-in-1 detachable”). 2-in-1 devices typically also offer the option of displaying a virtual keyboard on their touchscreens when the physical keyboard is not in use. Some 2-in-1s are powered by processors and operating systems akin to those found in laptops, such as Windows 10 , while retaining the operational flexibility of a tablet. Furthermore, 2-in-1s may feature standard laptop I/O ports, including USB 3 and DisplayPort , and can connect to conventional PC peripheral devices and external displays. While simple tablets are primarily utilized for media consumption , 2-in-1s possess the capability for both media consumption and content creation , often leading them to be referred to as laptop or desktop replacement computers .

There are two primary classifications of 2-in-1 devices:

The Asus Transformer Pad is a 2-in-1 detachable tablet powered by the Android operating system .

• Convertibles: These devices feature a chassis design that allows the physical keyboard to be folded and concealed behind the main unit. The Lenovo Yoga series is a notable example of this design.
• Detachables or Hybrids: These devices have physical keyboards that can be completely detached from the main chassis , even while the 2-in-1 is operational. Examples include the Asus Transformer Pad and Book series, the iPad Pro , and Microsoft’s Surface Book and Surface Pro lines.

Gaming Tablet

Certain tablets are specifically enhanced for gaming, incorporating physical gamepad buttons such as a D-pad and thumb sticks to improve the gaming experience alongside the touchscreen and other standard tablet functionalities. These gaming tablets are primarily designed to run native operating system games and emulator games. NVIDIA’s Shield Tablet , featuring an 8-inch (200 mm) display and running Android , is a prime example. It allows users to play Android games purchased from the Google Play store. Furthermore, PC games can be streamed to the tablet from compatible computers, particularly those equipped with higher-end NVIDIA video cards . The Nintendo Switch , a hybrid console, and its successor, the Nintendo Switch 2 , can also be considered gaming tablets. They operate on their own system software and feature detachable Joy-Con controllers with motion control capabilities (with the successor’s controllers also incorporating mouse control, replacing the IR motion camera sensor). The Switch supports three gaming modes: table-top mode using its kickstand, traditional docked/TV mode, and handheld mode. While not strictly fitting the conventional tablet form factor due to their size, other handheld consoles, including the smaller version of the Nintendo Switch and its successor, the Nintendo Switch Lite , and the PlayStation Vita , are often perceived as gaming tablets or tablet replacements by the gaming community and reviewers due to their internet browsing and multimedia capabilities.

Booklet

Booklet tablets are characterized by their dual-touchscreen design and a clamshell configuration that allows them to fold similarly to a laptop. Notable examples include the Microsoft Courier , which was unfortunately discontinued in 2010, the Sony Tablet P (often considered a commercial failure), and the [Toshiba Libretto W100].

Customized Business Tablet

Customized business tablets are purpose-built to meet the specific hardware and software requirements of a particular business client, typically through a business-to-business transaction. For instance, a transportation company might require a tablet with a more accurate GPS module than typically found in consumer-grade devices. In such cases, a tablet can be customized with a professional-grade antenna to ensure superior GPS signal reception. These tablets may also be ruggedized for demanding field operations. On the software side, the same transportation company might opt to remove certain functionalities from the Android system, such as the web browser, to mitigate unnecessary cellular data consumption by employees, and instead integrate custom package management software. Other business applications might necessitate specialized hardware features like a resistive touchscreen .

Table ordering tablets, such as those found in casual restaurants , are touchscreen tablet computers designed for customer use. These devices enable patrons to order food and beverages, engage in games, and settle their bills. Since 2013, various restaurant chains, including Chili’s , Olive Garden , and Red Robin , have adopted these tablets. As of 2014, Ziosk and Presto were the most prevalent brands in this sector. However, these devices have drawn criticism from restaurant servers who contend that some establishments base employee hours on customer feedback unrelated to service quality.

E-reader

Any device capable of displaying text on a screen can function as an E-reader . While e-readers were traditionally designed primarily for reading digital e-books and periodicals, modern e-readers that utilize mobile operating systems like Android have incorporated advanced functionalities, including internet browsing and multimedia capabilities. For example, the Huawei MatePad Paper is a tablet that employs E ink technology instead of a conventional LCD or LED panel, focusing on digital content consumption while retaining internet and multimedia features. Some e-readers, such as the PocketBook InkPad Color and the ONYX BOOX NOVA 3 Color, even feature colored e-ink panels and speakers, allowing for a richer multimedia experience and video playback.

Amazon’s Kindle line was initially limited to e-reading functions. However, a firmware update introduced internet browsing and audio playback capabilities, positioning Kindles as viable alternatives to traditional tablets. These devices offer the advantage of a more readable e-ink display and extended battery life, while still providing access to a broad range of multimedia content compared to older models.

Hardware

System Architecture

The tablet market is largely dominated by two major processor architectures: ARM Ltd. ’s ARM architecture and the x86 architecture from Intel and AMD. Intel’s x86 architecture, including x86-64 , has been the backbone of “IBM compatible” PCs since 1981 and powered Apple’s Macintosh computers starting in 2006. These CPUs have been integrated into tablet PCs over the years, generally offering superior performance and the ability to run full versions of Microsoft Windows , along with desktop and enterprise applications. Non-Windows x86 tablets, such as the JooJoo , also exist. Intel announced its intention to enter the tablet market with its Atom processor in 2010. In October 2013, Intel’s foundry operation revealed plans to manufacture FPGA-based quad-core processors for both ARM and x86 architectures.

ARM has become the preferred CPU architecture for manufacturers of smartphones (95% ARM), PDAs, digital cameras (80% ARM), set-top boxes , DSL routers, smart televisions (70% ARM), storage devices, and tablet computers (95% ARM). This dominance began with the release of the mobile-focused and power-efficient 32-bit ARM610 processor, originally designed for the Apple Newton in 1993, and the ARM3-based Acorn A4 laptop in 1992. The chip was subsequently adopted by Psion, Palm, and Nokia for their PDAs and later smartphones, camera phones, and cameras. ARM’s licensing model fostered this success by enabling device manufacturers to license, modify, and fabricate custom System-on-Chip (SoC) derivatives tailored to their specific products. This approach allowed manufacturers to extend battery life, reduce component count, and shrink device sizes.

The multiplicity of licensees ensured that numerous fabricators could supply nearly identical products, fostering price competition and driving down unit costs significantly compared to their x86 equivalents. While ARM historically had limited support from Microsoft, with only Windows CE being available, the release of Windows 8 in 2012 saw Microsoft announce expanded support for the architecture. This led to the introduction of Microsoft’s own ARM-based tablet, the Microsoft Surface , alongside an x86-64 Intel Core i5 variant, the Microsoft Surface Pro. Intel’s tablet chip sales reached 1 million units in 2012 and 12 million units in 2013. Intel chairman Andy Bryant stated in 2014 that the company’s goal was to quadruple its tablet chip sales to 40 million units by the end of that year, viewing it as a strategic investment for 2015.

• See also: Mobile Internet Device § Intel MID Platforms

Display

A critical component of any tablet computer is its touchscreen display, which facilitates intuitive interaction. This allows users to navigate effortlessly, input text via a virtual keyboard that appears on the screen, or tap icons to launch applications and open files. The Linus Write-Top by Linus Technologies is recognized as one of the earliest tablets to incorporate this functionality, featuring both a stylus for precise input and handwriting recognition capabilities. The system’s responsiveness to on-screen touches, rather than mouse clicks or keyboard inputs, is paramount for seamless operation, relying heavily on precise eye–hand coordination .

Touchscreens typically fall into two main categories:

• Resistive Touchscreens: These are passive displays that respond to physical pressure applied to the screen. They offer a high degree of precision , making them suitable for emulating a pointer (a common interface element in tablet computers) but may require periodic calibration. Due to their sensitivity to pressure, a stylus or fingernail is often used for input. These stylus-oriented systems are generally less suited for multi-touch gestures.
• Capacitive Touchscreens: While typically less precise than resistive screens, capacitive touchscreens are significantly more responsive. They require a conductive material, such as a human fingertip, for input, making them less common in stylus-centric devices but prevalent in consumer electronics. Most finger-driven capacitive screens do not inherently support pressure input (with exceptions like the iPhone 6S and later models), although some tablets utilize pressure-sensitive styluses or active pens .
• Some advanced tablets can distinguish between individual palms, while certain professional-grade tablets incorporate pressure-sensitive films, similar to those found on graphics tablets . Some capacitive touchscreens can even detect the size of the touch area and the applied pressure.

Since the mid-2010s, the vast majority of tablets have adopted capacitive touchscreens with multi-touch capabilities, largely replacing the earlier resistive touchscreen devices that necessitated the use of styluses for input.

Additionally, specialized electronic paper tablets, such as the Sony Digital Paper DPTS1 and reMarkable , utilize E ink technology for their displays.

Handwriting Recognition

Many tablets offer stylus support and incorporate handwriting recognition capabilities. Digital pens from manufacturers like Wacom and [N-trig] provide a high resolution of approximately 2500 DPI for handwriting input, significantly exceeding the resolution of capacitive touchscreens by a factor of ten. These pens also feature pressure sensitivity, enabling the creation of characters with variable stroke widths, which is particularly beneficial for rendering complex scripts like Chinese, Japanese, and Korean writing, thanks to their built-in “pressure sensing” technology. Pressure sensitivity is also a valuable feature in digital art applications, such as Autodesk Sketchbook . Both iOS and Android platforms offer applications dedicated to handwriting recognition, and in 2015, Google introduced its own handwriting input feature supporting 82 languages.

Other Features

Following the advent of capacitive screens and the groundbreaking success of the iPhone in 2007, several features became commonplace in tablets. These include advanced multi-touch capabilities (allowing users to interact with the screen at multiple points simultaneously for various actions), other natural user interface elements, flash memory solid state storage , and the “instant on” feature enabled by warm-booting . The integration of external USB and Bluetooth keyboards further defined the modern tablet experience.

Most tablets released since the mid-2010s have utilized versions of ARM processors, prioritizing extended battery life. The ARM Cortex family offers sufficient power for tasks such as internet browsing , light creative and productivity work, and playing mobile games .

Other notable features commonly found in tablets include: high-definition, anti-glare displays , touchscreens, lighter weight and longer battery life compared to similarly sized laptops, wireless local area and internet connectivity (typically via Wi-Fi with optional mobile broadband ), Bluetooth for peripheral connections and local device communication, ports for wired connections and charging (such as USB ports ), early devices incorporated IR support for use as TV remote controllers , docking stations , keyboards, added connectivity options, onboard flash memory , slots for removable storage, integration with various cloud storage services for data backup and syncing across devices, and local storage accessible over a local area network (LAN).

• Speech recognition : Google introduced voice input in Android 2.1 in 2009 and expanded it with voice actions in 2.2 in 2010, initially supporting five languages and now covering around 40. Siri , Apple’s personal assistant, debuted on the iPhone 4S in 2011 and now supports nearly 20 languages. In both cases, voice input is processed on central servers, necessitating a network connection for most commands.
• Near-field communication : This technology allows for short-range wireless communication with other compatible devices, including ISO/IEC 14443 RFID tags.

Software

Current Tablet Operating Systems

Similar to conventional PCs, tablets run on several different operating systems , although dual-booting is uncommon. Tablet operating systems generally fall into two primary categories:

• Desktop computer operating systems
• Mobile operating systems

Tablets running desktop operating systems tend to be thicker and heavier, requiring more storage and more cooling , resulting in shorter battery life. However, they offer the ability to run processor-intensive graphical applications alongside mobile apps and typically provide more ports .

Conversely, mobile-based tablets are more energy-efficient due to their smaller processors, allowing for significantly longer battery life compared to typical laptops. They are primarily designed to run mobile applications.

In the first quarter of 2018, Android tablets held a 62% market share, while Apple’s iOS accounted for 23.4%, and Windows 10 held 14.6%. By late 2021, iOS usage stood at 55% globally (with regional variations, e.g., below 50% in South America and Africa), and Android held 45%. Despite this, Android tablets generally see more usage than iOS tablets in most countries, with notable exceptions like the U.S. and China.

Android

• Main article: Android (operating system)

Android is a Linux -based operating system provided by Google as open-source software under the Apache license . It is primarily developed for mobile devices, including smartphones and tablet computers. Android supports various hardware configurations, including low-cost ARM systems. The first tablets running Android were released in 2009. Manufacturers such as Motorola and Lenovo delayed their tablet releases until after 2011, when Android underwent significant revisions to incorporate more tablet-specific features. Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) , released in 2011, and subsequent versions introduced support for larger screen sizes, particularly tablets, and granted access to the Google Play service. Android encompasses the operating system, middleware , and essential applications. Some vendors offer customized Android tablets, such as the Kindle Fire and Nook , which focus on mobile content consumption and utilize their own app stores rather than the broader Google Play system, contributing to fragmentation within the Android market. In 2022, Google signaled a renewed focus on in-house Android tablet development, a commitment projected to span several years.

Android Go

• Main article: Comparison of Android Go products § Tablet computers

A limited number of tablet computers are released with Android Go pre-installed.

Fire OS

As previously mentioned, Amazon Fire OS is a mobile operating system derived from Android, developed by Amazon for its Fire range of tablets. It is a fork of the Android platform, with a user interface and core functionalities heavily customized to prioritize content consumption and seamless integration with Amazon’s proprietary storefronts and services.

ChromeOS

Several devices running ChromeOS emerged in the market between 2017 and 2019, available as either tablets or 2-in-1s featuring touchscreen displays and 360-degree hinges.

HarmonyOS

HarmonyOS (HMOS) is a distributed operating system developed by Huawei with the goal of facilitating seamless collaboration and interconnection across a diverse range of smart devices within an Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. Its current multi-kernel design allows the operating system to dynamically select appropriate kernels from its abstraction layer to accommodate devices with varying resource constraints. For IoT devices, the system is based on the LiteOS kernel, while for smartphones and tablets, it utilizes a Linux kernel layer augmented with AOSP libraries. This enables support for Android application package (APK) apps through the Android Runtime (ART) and the Ark Compiler, in addition to native HarmonyOS applications developed using the integrated development environment (IDE) known as DevEco Studio .

iPadOS

• Main article: iPad , iPadOS , and iOS

The iPad operates on iPadOS . Prior to the introduction of iPadOS in 2019, iPads ran iOS , the operating system originally developed for the iPhone and iPod Touch . The first iPad was released in 2010. Although built upon the same underlying Unix implementation as macOS , iPadOS presents a distinctly different user interface. iPadOS is optimized for touch input from the user’s fingers and lacks the stylus-dependent features found in earlier tablet interfaces. Apple pioneered multi-touch gestures, such as the “pinch to zoom” action, where users move two fingers apart or together to adjust the magnification. Both iPadOS and iOS are architected for the ARM architecture .

Kindle Firmware

• Main article: Amazon Kindle

Kindle firmware is a proprietary mobile operating system specifically engineered for Amazon Kindle e-readers. It is built upon a custom Linux kernel but is entirely closed-source and proprietary, exclusively running on Kindle devices manufactured by Amazon.

Nintendo Switch System Software

The Nintendo Switch system software , codenamed Horizon, is the updatable firmware and operating system that powers the Nintendo Switch hybrid video game console/tablet and the Nintendo Switch Lite handheld game console . It is based on a proprietary microkernel architecture. The user interface includes a HOME screen, featuring a top bar, a screenshot viewer (“Album”), and shortcuts to the Nintendo eShop, News, and Settings.

PlayStation Vita System Software

The PlayStation Vita system software serves as the official firmware and operating system for the PlayStation Vita and PlayStation TV video game consoles. It employs LiveArea as its graphical shell. An optional add-on component, the PlayStation Mobile Runtime Package, is also available. The system is built on a Unix-like foundation derived from FreeBSD and NetBSD. Due to its capabilities in internet browsing and multimedia playback, it is often regarded by the community and reviewers as a gaming tablet or a tablet replacement.

Ubuntu Touch

• Main article: Ubuntu Touch

Ubuntu Touch is an open-source (GPL ) mobile operating system originally developed in 2013 by Canonical Ltd. and continued by the non-profit UBports Foundation since 2017. Ubuntu Touch can operate on a pure GNU/Linux base on phones equipped with the necessary drivers, such as the Librem 5 and the PinePhone . To ensure compatibility with hardware originally shipped with Android, Ubuntu Touch utilizes the Android Linux kernel and Android drivers and services through an LXC container, without incorporating any of Android’s Java-like code. As of February 2022, Ubuntu Touch is available on 78 different phones and tablets. The UBports Installer provides a user-friendly tool that allows less experienced users to install the operating system on third-party devices without risking hardware damage.

Windows

• Main article: Windows 10

Following the release of Windows for Pen Computing for Windows 3.1 in 1991, Microsoft continued its support for tablets running Windows XP under the Microsoft Tablet PC designation. These Microsoft Tablet PCs were pen-based, fully functional x86 PCs equipped with handwriting and voice recognition capabilities. The Windows XP Tablet PC Edition specifically provided enhanced pen support. Tablet functionality was subsequently integrated into both the Home and Business editions of Windows Vista and Windows 7 . Tablets running Windows could utilize the touchscreen for mouse input, handwriting recognition, and gesture support. Following the Tablet PC initiative, Microsoft launched the Ultra-mobile PC program in 2006, aiming to bring Windows tablets to a smaller, touch-centric form factor. In 2008, Microsoft showcased a prototype of a dual-screen tablet named Microsoft Courier , but the project was ultimately canceled.

In 2012, Microsoft released Windows 8 , introducing significant revisions to the operating system’s user interface and platform, specifically designed for touch-based devices like tablets. The operating system also featured a new application store and a novel category of applications optimized for tablet usage. Microsoft also introduced Windows RT , a version of Windows 8 intended for ARM-based devices. The launch of Windows 8 and RT was accompanied by the release of devices running these operating systems from various manufacturers (including Microsoft itself with the Surface ), encompassing slate tablets, hybrids, and convertibles.

Released in July 2015, Windows 10 introduced what Microsoft termed “universal apps .” These apps, an evolution of Metro-style apps , were designed to function across multiple Microsoft product families with largely identical codebases. This includes PCs , tablets, smartphones , embedded systems , Xbox One , Surface Hub , and Windows Holographic . The Windows user interface was redesigned to facilitate seamless transitions between a mouse-oriented interface and a touchscreen -optimized interface, adapting to the available input devices, particularly on 2-in-1 PCs . Both interfaces incorporate an updated Start menu . Windows 10 superseded all previous editions of Windows.

Hybrid OS Operation

Several hardware manufacturers have developed hybrid devices offering the capability to operate with both Android and Windows Phone operating systems. In rarer instances, devices supported Windows 8.1 , such as the now-canceled [Asus Transformer Book Duet]. However, Ars Technica has commented that “dual-OS devices are always terrible products. Windows and Android almost never cross-communicate, so any dual-OS device means dealing with separate apps, data, and storage pools and completely different UI paradigms. So from a consumer perspective, Microsoft and Google are really just saving OEMs from producing tons of clunky devices that no one will want.”

Discontinued Tablet Operating Systems

BlackBerry 10

BlackBerry 10 , based on the QNX OS, was developed by BlackBerry . As a smartphone OS, it was closed-source and proprietary, exclusively running on phones and tablets manufactured by BlackBerry. Once a dominant platform in the late 2000s, its global market share significantly diminished by the mid-2010s. In late 2016, BlackBerry announced its continued support for the OS, with a commitment to release version 10.3.3. However, BlackBerry 10 would not receive major updates as BlackBerry and its partners shifted their focus to Android-based development.

BlackBerry Tablet OS

BlackBerry Tablet OS is an operating system from BlackBerry Ltd based on the QNX Neutrino real-time operating system . It was designed to run Adobe AIR and BlackBerry WebWorks applications and was available for the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet computer. The BlackBerry Tablet OS marked the first tablet to run an operating system from QNX (now a subsidiary of RIM). The OS supported standard BlackBerry Java applications. Support for Android apps was also announced through sandbox “app players,” which could be ported by developers or installed via sideloading by users. A BlackBerry Tablet OS Native Development Kit, for developing native applications using the GNU toolchain , was in closed beta testing. The inaugural device to run BlackBerry Tablet OS was the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet.

Application Store

• See also: App store

Applications that are not pre-installed on a device are typically obtained through online distribution . These platforms, known as app stores , provide centralized catalogs of software, enabling “one-click” purchasing, installation, and updates directly on the device.

Mobile device manufacturers often adopt a “walled garden” approach, where they exert control over the available software applications (“apps”). This involves restricting the use of Software development kits to approved developers. Such control can help mitigate the risk of malware , ensure software adheres to approved content rating standards, maintain application quality, and prevent competition. Major players like Apple , Google , Amazon , Microsoft, and Barnes & Noble have all implemented this strategy. B&N initially allowed the installation of arbitrary apps but, by December 2011, restricted third-party installations. Apple and IBM have formed a partnership to cross-sell IBM-developed applications for iPads and iPhones to enterprise clients. Proponents of open-source software argue that Apple’s approach and similar “walled garden” app store models deviate from the spirit of personal control traditionally offered by personal computers.

Sales

Around 2010, the adoption of tablets by businesses began to surge, particularly for use in conferences, events, and trade shows. In 2012, Intel reported that its tablet program had enhanced the productivity of approximately 19,000 employees by an average of 57 minutes per day. By October 2012, shipments of display screens for tablets started to surpass those for laptop display screens. Tablets became increasingly prevalent in the construction industry , where they were used to access blueprints , field documentation, and other vital information, reducing the need to carry large quantities of paper. In a November 2012 article, Time magazine described the product’s popularity as a “global tablet craze.”

As of the beginning of 2014, 44% of U.S. online consumers owned tablets, a substantial increase from just 5% in 2011. Tablet usage also became increasingly common among children. A 2014 survey indicated that mobile devices were the most frequently used objects for play among American children under the age of 12, surpassing video game consoles, board games, puzzles, play vehicles, dolls, and action figures. Despite this trend, the majority of parents reported that mobiles were “never” or only “sometimes” used as toys. By 2014, nearly two-thirds of American children aged 2 to 10 had access to a tablet or e-reader . Adults increasingly used tablets as personal internet-connected televisions. A 2015 study revealed that one-third of children under five owned their own tablet device.

Following a period of rapid sales growth in the early 2010s, the tablet market experienced a plateau in 2015. By the third quarter of 2018, sales had declined by 35% from their peak in the third quarter of 2014. Nevertheless, worldwide tablet sales surpassed desktop computer sales in 2017, while global PC sales remained flat for the first quarter of 2018. In 2020, the tablet market witnessed a significant surge in sales, with 164 million units shipped globally, driven by a heightened demand for work from home and online learning solutions.

Unit sales or shipments of the global tablet market from 2010 to 2019. (Figures from 2010 to 2014 are sales estimates provided by Gartner ; figures from 2014 to 2019 are shipment estimates provided by IDC )

Unit shipments of the global tablet market from 2020 to the present. (Figures up to 2023 are provided by IDC ; figures for 2024 are provided by Canalys )

By Manufacturer

Global tablet market share by unit shipments, percent (2011–2019)

Global tablet market share by unit shipments, percent (2020–present)

By Operating System

According to a survey conducted by the Online Publishers Association (OPA), now known as Digital Content Next (DCN), in March 2012, it was found that 72% of tablet owners possessed an iPad, while 32% owned an Android tablet. By 2012, Android tablet adoption had seen an increase. 52% of tablet owners owned an iPad, while 51% owned an Android-powered tablet (note that percentages do not sum to 100% as some owners possess multiple types of tablets). By the end of 2013, Android’s market share had risen to 61.9%, followed by iOS at 36%. By late 2014, Android’s market share had climbed to 72%, with iOS at 22.3% and Windows at 5.7%. As of early 2016, Android commanded a 65% market share, Apple held 26%, and Windows accounted for 9%. In the first quarter of 2018, Android tablets held 62% of the market, Apple’s iOS captured 23.4%, and Windows 10 held 14.6%.

Market share (Q3 2022)

• Android : 49%
• iPadOS : 38%
• Windows : 11%
• Others: 2%

Source: Strategy Analytics [239]

Use

Sleep

• Main article: Electronic media and sleep

The blue light emitted from the back-lit screens of tablets can potentially interfere with one’s ability to fall asleep when reading at night, primarily through the suppression of melatonin . Experts at Harvard Medical School recommend limiting tablet use for reading purposes in the evening. Individuals with a delayed body clock, such as teenagers, who are prone to staying up late and sleeping in later, may be particularly susceptible to increased sleep deficiencies. Software applications like F.lux for PCs and Android apps such as CF.lumen [242] and Twilight [243] aim to mitigate this impact by filtering out blue wavelengths from the display. iOS 9.3 includes a feature called Night Shift that adjusts the device’s display colors to a warmer tone during later hours.

By Plane

Due to various factors, including the electromagnetic waves emitted by these devices, the use of any electronic device was historically prohibited during the take-off and landing phases of commercial flights. However, on November 13, 2013, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) announced that the use of mobile terminals could be permitted on flights operated by European airlines during these phases starting in 2014, provided that their cellular functions were deactivated (i.e., “airplane” mode was activated). In September 2014, EASA issued updated guidance allowing EU airlines to permit the use of tablets, e-readers, smartphones, and other portable electronic devices throughout all phases of EU flights without requiring airplane mode, although each airline retains the discretion to implement this policy. In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration authorized the use of portable electronic devices during all flight phases while in airplane mode in late 2013.

Tourism

Certain French historical monuments are equipped with interactive digital tablets known as “HistoPad.” These devices, integrated with an iPad Mini , offer an augmented and virtual reality experience, allowing visitors to explore various aspects of the site in a personalized and interactive manner.

Professional Use for Specific Sectors

Some professionals, particularly in fields such as construction, insurance, lifeguarding, and surveying, utilize ruggedized tablet models designed for demanding field environments. These devices are built to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations, shocks, and harsh climatic conditions, and some are hardened against drops and screen breakage. Tablets equipped with satellite connectivity, such as the Thorium X, [249] can operate in areas lacking conventional network coverage, a crucial feature in aeronautical and military applications. For instance, U.S. Army helicopter pilots are transitioning to tablets as electronic flight bags , benefiting from rapid and convenient synchronization across large groups of users and seamless information updates. U.S. Army chaplains deployed with troops have found tablets invaluable for accessing Army regulations, field manuals, and other critical information to support their services; however, power generation, speakers, and specialized tablet backpacks are also necessary for their deployment.

Prisons

In the United States, specialized tablets provided by JPay and Global Tel Link are available in numerous correctional facilities. These tablets have faced criticism from the Prison Policy Initiative due to exploitative microtransactions and concerns that they serve as a justification for reducing funding for essential programs, such as prison libraries .

See also

• Comparison of tablet computers
• History of tablet computers
• List of tablet PC dimensions and case sizes
• Lists of mobile computers
• Mobile device
• 2-in-1 laptop
• Laptop–tablet convergence

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External links

• Media related to Tablet computers at Wikimedia Commons

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