The tablet computer, a cross between a computer and a smartphone, is arguably of the most important new age device. One of the most popular tablet operating systems is Android with a wide variety of tablets available from a number of different manufacturers. While there are many different Android tablets, there is one thing all users should be doing, backing it up.

Here’s three different methods you can use to backup your Android tablet.

Method 1: built-in backup If your tablet is running Android OS 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), you can backup tablet settings and application data to Google’s servers by opening Settings, scrolling down toPersonal and selecting Backup & reset. If you can’t find Personal, open Settings and scroll down to Privacy. In both windows, select Backup my data. Your data will be stored on Google’s servers and if you select Automatic Restore, your tablet will automatically restore data when you instruct it to do so e.g., during a factory reset.

Method 2: use a third party app For many, the built-in backup is enough, but, there are some users who want a more robust option, or would prefer to backup their data onto a hard drive. To do so, you can use a third party app like MyBackup Pro, which allows you to backup both applications and data. The data is stored on your tablets SD card, or on a server. When you need to restore your device, reinstall the application and press Restore. This option is also referred to as local backup.

Method 3: cloud backup If you’re not too picky about your applications, but are more worried about documents you could back them up using a cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox. These services sync with your tablet and will store important documents in the cloud, giving you access regardless of the device you’re using. To use these apps, first install them and then go to Settings followed by Accounts and sync. Tap the program name to be given upload options.

It’s recommended to, at the very least, use method 1. For maximum effectiveness, use a combination of all three. If you’re unsure of which method you should be using for the Android tablets in your company, please contact us, we can help.

Android Tablets have a lot to offer to businesses, they are a versatile platform that are essentially an extension of your office. Many software vendors have realized this and have started to develop business software that will make your tablet even more useful. As with most computers, there are a wide variety of tablets out there with somewhat confusing specifications.

Here’s an overview of what the main technical specifications of tablets are, and what they mean.

Screen There are two important screen measurements: size and resolution. The majority of Android tablets feature the screen size in the name e.g., Asus 10.1”. What this means is the screen is 10.1 inches diagonally. The resolution is given as two sets of numbers e.g., 1280 x 800. This is the number of pixels that make up the screen. The general rule of thumb is: the higher the resolution, the higher the viewing quality. It’s important to actually look at the screen before you purchase the tablet.  

Processor The processor is the tablet’s brain, and is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz). A higher number will result in the tablet being able to run more applications and a smoother operating experience.

Many companies are marketing “dual core” processors. This means there are two processors acting together. Generally, the higher the number of cores, the faster the tablet will run. If you’re going to be using applications that require a lot of computing resources e.g., presentation apps, you’ll want a device with more processing power. Most users will be fine with a processor speed higher than 1 GHz.

Memory Memory is often confused with storage. While they are similar, memory relates to RAM which is used to run apps and execute commands given by the user. Most new tablets will come with 1 GB (Gigabyte) of RAM, which is more than enough to operate.

Internal/expandable storage Storage is where your apps, pictures, music, etc., are installed and stored. Many Android tablets have both built-in and expandable storage. Built-in storage is inside the tablet, and can’t be expanded. Manufacturers often include the amount of built-in storage in the tablet’s name e.g., Asus 10.1” 64GB. This means there are 64 gigabytes of space or about 16,000 songs. Keep in mind that this amount is before the operating system and essential programs are installed.

Expandable storage is in the form of memory cards that can be removed, much like your digital camera. The most common form of memory card is the SD or Secure Digital. Be careful though, as not all tablets have expandable storage and those that do have a limit on the storage capacity of the card, typically a maximum of 32GB.

Battery Android tablets are notoriously power hungry, especially with devices that have faster processors and bigger screens. Batteries are measured in mAH and the higher the number is, the longer you’ll be able to use the device.

While at first glance the technical specifications of a tablet can be a little overwhelming, they are actually fairly easy to understand. The important thing is to not be sucked in by sheer numbers alone. Take your time, read reviews and actually try the tablets before you buy. If you have any other questions about the Android platform, please contact us.

Android tablets are quickly becoming the go-to tablet for companies and manufacturers. The openness of the OS and the ability to personalize it has major appeal. If you have an Android tablet, or have been reading about them you have probably come across the term “root”. If you’re not quite sure what this means for you and your tablet, we’re here to help.

Before you root your tablet it’s beneficial to know the pros and cons associated with it.

What is Rooting? When you buy an Android tablet, it will have limitations placed on the OS by the maker of the tablet to prevent inexperienced users from inadvertently ruining their device. What rooting does is give users access to the basic or “root” level of the tablet, in other words it removes all restrictions placed on the OS. If you’ve heard the term “jailbreaking” for Apple’s products, rooting is akin to that.

Benefits to Rooting There are a number of upsides to rooting your Android tablet. Some of the most positive features are:

• Access to More Applications. If you root your tablet, you’ll have access to a wide variety of apps not available to unrooted tablets. If you go to the Google Play store, and type in Root you’ll see a list of apps that are only available to rooted tablets. Some of the most useful include ones that allow you to do a full backup of your system or change your layout.
• Improved Performance. When you root your tablet, you’ll be able to control its performance. This includes being able to make it open and close apps faster or decrease processor speed which will increase battery life.
• Latest Version of OS. Companies that create tablets and devices that use the Android OS are notorious for taking a long time to update the OS. Case in point: Google released Android 4.0 in December 2011 and some devices still haven’t been upgraded. If you root your tablet, you’ll be able to update your device to the newest version of the Android OS by using a ROM - the most basic level of software that allows your Android device to operate. ROMs are akin to drivers used by computers.

Drawbacks to Rooting There are some drawbacks to rooting that you should be aware of. The first issue is that if you do root your tablet, the warranty will be voided. If the manufacturer finds that you’ve rooted your device, they could refuse to fix it, forcing you to go to less than reputable dealers.

The second problem is that if rooting is carried out incorrectly you run the risk of “bricking” or “bootlooping” your device. Bricking is when your tablet’s software glitches causing the tablet to stop working, making it about as useful as a brick. Bootlooping is similar to bricking, however your phone will boot up, turn off, boot up and turn off in an endless cycle.

The final downside to rooting is security. There has been an increasing number of malware apps designed specifically for Android devices. If you have a rooted tablet and download apps not from Google Play, there’s a higher chance that the app you download will be infected.

Should I Root? With both powerful benefits and potentially nasty problems, the question is, “Should you root your tablet?” The answer is a bit ambiguous in that it really depends on what type of user you are. Advanced users who want to micromanage their device will be able to do just that if they root, while users who are happy with their tablet will not see much of a difference.

If you do choose to root your tablet, search the Internet for guides on how to root your device and carefully follow the instructions. Should you like to learn more about rooting, or Android tablets please drop us a line, we’re more than happy to hear from you.