Essential Accessories for Your New Tablet: Tablets have become an indispensable tool for productivity, entertainment, and communication. Whether you’ve just purchased a new tablet for work, school, or leisure, accessories can enhance the device’s functionality, comfort, and overall user experience.
In this article, we’ll explore the essential accessories for your new tablet, covering everything from protective cases to productivity-boosting tools, as well as answering common questions to help you make the most of your new device.
Essential Accessories for Your New Tablet
1. Protective Cases and Covers: Safeguarding Your Investment
One of the first accessories you should consider is a protective case or cover. Tablets, especially with their large screens, are prone to scratches, dings, and accidental drops. A good case can provide much-needed protection from everyday wear and tear.
Folio Cases and Keyboard Cases Folio cases are popular for their slim design and versatility. These cases often double as stands, allowing you to prop up your tablet in various orientations for comfortable viewing or typing. Brands like Apple (for iPads), Samsung, and Logitech offer high-quality folio cases that come in a variety of colors, styles, and materials. If you want additional functionality, a keyboard case is a great choice. These cases include a built-in keyboard, turning your tablet into a laptop-like experience, making them perfect for work and study.
Rugged Cases For those who are prone to dropping their tablets or want extra protection, rugged cases offer a higher level of durability. These cases are built to withstand drops, shocks, and dust, ensuring that your tablet remains safe in any environment. Brands like OtterBox and UAG specialize in rugged cases, offering heavy-duty protection without compromising too much on style.
Slim Cases If portability is your main priority, a slim and lightweight case may be the best choice. These cases provide basic protection from scratches and minor impacts while adding minimal bulk to your tablet. Moko and ProCase offer various slim cases that offer excellent protection while keeping your tablet’s sleek design intact.
2. Screen Protectors: Keeping Your Display Safe
The screen of your tablet is the primary interface for interaction, which makes it one of the most vulnerable parts of the device. A screen protector can safeguard it from scratches, fingerprints, and even cracks from accidental drops.
Tempered Glass Protectors Tempered glass screen protectors are the best option for providing full protection to your tablet’s screen. They offer a high level of scratch resistance, are easy to apply without bubbles, and are generally more durable than plastic protectors. Many tempered glass protectors also feature anti-glare properties, which reduce reflections and improve visibility in bright environments. Popular brands like Belkin, ZAGG, and Spigen offer high-quality tempered glass screen protectors.
Film Protectors While not as durable as tempered glass, film screen protectors are a lighter option that still provides scratch resistance and fingerprint protection. These protectors are generally more affordable and come in multiple layers, providing an additional shield against the elements. Tech Armor and Maxboost are two reputable brands for film-based protectors.
3. Stylus Pens: Enhance Your Creativity and Productivity
A stylus is an excellent accessory if you’re looking to boost your tablet’s functionality. Whether you’re using it for sketching, note-taking, or precise navigation, a stylus adds a layer of precision that’s hard to replicate with your finger.
Active Stylus The Apple Pencil is the go-to stylus for iPad users, offering pressure sensitivity, low latency, and precision. For Android tablets, brands like Wacom and Samsung offer excellent options. These active styluses work well for tasks that require accuracy, such as graphic design, digital art, or detailed note-taking.
Universal Stylus If you’re using a non-Apple tablet and don’t need the advanced features of an active stylus, a universal stylus may be sufficient. These styluses are often more affordable and work with a wide range of tablets. Brands like Adonit and Logitech offer universal styluses that are perfect for basic tasks such as browsing or annotating documents.
Magnetic Stylus Holders If you opt for an active stylus, you may want a convenient place to store it. Many tablet cases come with integrated stylus holders, but there are also standalone accessories that magnetically attach to your tablet, such as iPad Pencil Holders or Wacom stylus holders, to keep your stylus secure when not in use.
4. External Keyboards: Boosting Typing Efficiency
While typing on a tablet’s on-screen keyboard can be convenient for short messages, it’s not always the most efficient way to work. If you plan on typing longer documents or emails, an external keyboard can make a huge difference.
Bluetooth Keyboards Bluetooth keyboards are the most common accessory for tablets. These keyboards connect wirelessly and provide a full typing experience, often with adjustable stands for optimal angles. Many Bluetooth keyboards also feature a compact design, making them easy to carry in a bag or backpack. Logitech, Anker, and Brydge offer some of the best Bluetooth keyboards, with options for both iPad and Android users.
Keyboard Cases As mentioned earlier, keyboard cases combine a protective cover with a built-in keyboard, turning your tablet into a mini laptop. These keyboards often use Bluetooth or a physical connector to pair with your tablet, and some models, such as the Logitech Slim Folio or Apple’s Smart Keyboard, provide excellent tactile feedback for faster and more comfortable typing.
Folio Stand Keyboards A folio stand keyboard offers a great balance between portability and usability. This type of keyboard can be folded or attached to your tablet to provide an upright stand, making it ideal for both typing and watching content. Logitech’s Combo Touch and ZAGG Pro Keys are examples of folio stand keyboards that work with a range of tablets.
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5. Tablet Stands and Holders: Comfortable Viewing and Hands-Free Use
Tablet stands and holders are essential for hands-free use, whether you’re watching a movie, attending a video conference, or using your tablet as a second screen. A stand provides ergonomic positioning and ensures that you don’t have to hold your tablet for extended periods.
Adjustable Stands Adjustable stands allow you to find the perfect angle for viewing or typing. Many of these stands are foldable and compact, making them easy to store and carry with you on the go. Brands like Lamicall and Twelve South offer excellent adjustable tablet stands that can hold your device in both portrait and landscape modes.
Desktop Stands If you plan on using your tablet primarily at home or in an office setting, a desktop stand can provide additional stability and adjustability. Viozon and MoKo offer desktop tablet stands that feature multiple adjustable heights and angles for optimal comfort during use.
Car Tablet Holders For those who like to use their tablet while traveling, a car tablet holder is a must-have. These holders allow you to mount your tablet to the back of a seat for convenient movie watching or navigation during long car rides. Brands like Tackform and Macally provide reliable, adjustable car tablet holders.
6. External Storage: Expanding Your Tablet’s Capacity
Although tablets come with internal storage, it’s often limited, especially when using high-resolution media or installing multiple apps. If you find yourself running low on storage, external storage solutions can help.
External Hard Drives or SSDs External hard drives or solid-state drives (SSDs) are perfect for backing up your tablet data, storing media files, or transferring documents. Many modern tablets support USB-C connections, making it easy to connect an external SSD for additional storage. Popular brands like Seagate and SanDisk offer portable drives that are compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
USB Flash Drives If you need quick, on-the-go storage expansion, a USB flash drive is a convenient option. Some USB drives come with dual connectors, offering both USB-A and USB-C ports, so they can work with a wide range of tablets. SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive and Lexar JumpDrive are examples of flash drives that are designed for compatibility with tablets.
7. Portable Chargers: Keeping Your Tablet Powered On the Go
Tablets have large batteries that can last several hours, but if you’re using your tablet for work, travel, or long days out, you may need extra power to keep it running.
Portable Power Banks Portable power banks can provide much-needed battery life when you’re on the go. Anker, RAVPower, and Zendure offer high-capacity power banks that are capable of charging your tablet multiple times. Look for models with USB-C outputs for faster charging and compatibility with the latest tablets.
Solar Chargers For those who spend a lot of time outdoors, a solar charger is an excellent option. Solar chargers can provide a steady charge for your tablet, even when you’re off the grid. Goal Zero and Anker offer solar panels and portable chargers that harness solar energy to keep your devices powered.
FAQs
How do I choose the right case for my tablet?
When choosing a case, consider the level of protection you need, the tablet’s size, and how you plan to use it. If you need a balance of portability and protection, a folio or slim case may be best. If you’re accident-prone, a rugged case could be more suitable.
Can I use an external keyboard with my tablet?
Yes, most tablets support external keyboards, either via Bluetooth or a physical connector. You can choose from Bluetooth keyboards or keyboard cases, depending on your preference for portability and typing comfort.
How do I install a screen protector?
To install a screen protector, first clean the tablet screen thoroughly to remove any dust or fingerprints. Align the protector with the screen, slowly apply it, and smooth it out to remove any air bubbles.
Do I need a stylus for my tablet?
A stylus is not necessary for everyday tasks but is highly recommended if you plan to use your tablet for note-taking, drawing, or any activity that requires precision. Active styluses offer greater accuracy and features compared to basic models.
Can I expand the storage on my tablet?
Yes, you can expand your tablet’s storage using external storage devices like USB drives, microSD cards (if supported), or external hard drives. Tablets that support USB-C typically have a wider range of compatible external storage solutions.