Get the Most From Your Tablet PC With These Must-Have Accessories

When buying a tablet, you need to consider the cost of the various accessories that you will also need. You can't just buy a tablet, take it with you everywhere, and hope it won't get scratched or damaged, for example. Also, you probably want it to be a bit more functional than the default "out of the box" state. That is where the following accessories for your tablet will come in handy. Learn more here about this topic.

1. Protective cover

Tablets aren't cheap, so spend the extra money on a sleeve to protect them. The first thing to avoid is scratches. Since everything is basically a big screen, you don't want to end up with scratches all over the place, right? Putting your new stylish tablet in your purse with your keys, pens, loose change and whatever else is a surefire way to destroy your screen in no time.

You can buy cheap cases for less than $ 10. But why would you when you just shell out a couple hundred for your tablet? Most cases cost between $ 20 and $ 50. Spend the extra money. There are plenty of stylish leather cases out there and many of them fold flat to double as a kind of stand (great for watching movies!). There are even waterproof cases, but I'm not sure I'll take mine to the pool or bathroom anytime soon, personally.

2. External keyboard

Unfortunately, one of the drawbacks of tablets is not being able to type very easily. Yes, there is an on-screen keyboard with all the keys, but you don't want to type a lot with it. The portability of a tablet is great, but if you're going to be typing a lot, it might be worth investing in a portable external keyboard.

Make sure the tablet you are considering buying is configured to accept an external keyboard dock. If not, you may want to double-check your options. If so, you should be able to buy one at a fairly inexpensive price. Some models may even be compatible with a standard wireless keyboard. Check with the manufacturer.

3. Camera connector

This varies quite a bit between the different tablet models. Some make it easy to transfer photos using USB or some other standard technology, while others require the purchase of additional accessories. As with the external keyboard, make sure you are clear about whether you need to buy any extras if you plan to take a lot of photos with your tablet (or if you need to add images to your tablet).

Also, is it easy to transfer directly from your digital camera? Is there direct connectivity between devices or do you have to download from your camera to your computer and then transfer to your tablet? Apple, for example, has a special "kit" that makes it easy for iPad users to transfer directly between the camera and the tablet. If you need to transfer files from your camera frequently, be sure to find out the exact process, otherwise it could end up being quite frustrating. If you think you'll only have to do that once in a while, it's probably not a big deal.

4. HDMI cable

Similarly, if you need or want to display your photos, movies, presentations, etc. on a big screen (at work, for example), you will definitely need to check the specifications of the tablet you are considering. What ports does it have? Will you be able to connect an HDMI cable directly or will you need some kind of adapter?

Most home tablet users probably won't have a great need for this, but if you're going to use your tablet in a professional environment, having the ability to connect via HDMI is a must-have feature. Adapters and cables are cheap, but you need to make sure your device is capable of handling HDMI.

5. Digital pencil (ballpoint pen)

There are three reasons why a stylus is useful. First of all, anyone who does design work or needs to sketch concepts in meetings, etc. you will find an invaluable accessory in a stylus. Second, if you prefer to take notes with a pen (and / or you don't have an external keyboard), this will be a convenient way to take notes right on your tablet. And finally, some people prefer to use a "stylus" to navigate the screen and control what they are doing.

Fortunately, a stylus isn't an expensive accessory, so if you think you prefer to control things with a stylus, this "digital compromise" might be for you. And if you need to add handwritten notes to your reports, brochures, presentations, etc., this is the easiest way to do it!