In the field of programming, tablets are gradually becoming a popular choice for development. This is due in part to the versatility and mobility that they offer. In this article, we will explore some of the best tablets for programming in 2024. We will also discuss the benefits that they offer to developers and how to best use a tablet for coding.
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Why trust our review?
We have personally reviewed and tested the most popular and high-rated tablets available on the market at the present moment. This review is being continuously updated as the new models come out and become available to users.
Our reviews are based on thorough research of specs, common problems, user ratings, and personal experience. As you read through the article, be confident that you are receiving the most thorough and accurate advice on the new tech available today.
Why are tablets a popular choice for programming?
There are various reasons why tablets have become a popular choice for programming. Tablets are lightweight and portable, which makes them ideal for working on the go. This is particularly useful for developers who need to frequently travel for work. Tablets are also intuitive and easy to use. This makes them ideal for beginners who are just starting out in programming. What’s more, tablets can be used for a variety of tasks, including programming, browsing the web, and checking email. This versatility makes them a versatile tool for any developer.
Advantages of Programming on a Tablet
Tablets offer several advantages that make them convenient devices for programming. These advantages include:
- Portability: Tablets are small and light, making them easy to carry around. This is especially beneficial for developers who travel frequently. You can also use them as a second monitor for your computer setup.
- Connectivity: Most tablets are equipped with Wi-Fi and cellular data connectivity. This allows developers to stay connected to the internet even when they are on the go.
- Battery life: Tablets have long battery lives, which is ideal for developers who need to work for extended periods of time without access to a power outlet.
- Weight: The weight of tablets is another advantage. They are much lighter than laptops, making them easy to carry around.
- Price: Tablets are typically more affordable than laptops, making them a budget-friendly option for programmers.
Disadvantages of Programming on a Tablet
However, many developers often dislike coding on tablets due to several shortcomings, such as:
- Small screen size: The small screen size of tablets can be a disadvantage for programmers. The limited screen real estate can make it difficult to code on a tablet.
- Lack of storage: Tablets typically have less storage than laptops. This can be a problem for developers who need to store large files or applications.
- Inconvenient keyboard: The small size of tablet keyboards can be inconvenient for programmers. Additionally, some tablets do not have physical keyboards, which can make coding on a tablet more difficult.
- Limited software: The app store does not offer as much programming software as the Windows PC App store or the Mac PC App Store. This can be a disadvantage for developers who need a specific application for their project.
Despite the disadvantages, tablets are still a popular choice for programming. This is due to the many advantages that they offer, such as portability, connectivity, and long battery life.
How do you choose the best tablet for programming needs?
When choosing the best tablet for programming, developers should consider their budget, needs, and preferences. Tablets offer many advantages for programming, such as portability, affordability, and a variety of features. By considering these factors, developers can choose the best tablet for their needs.
What are the best tablets for programming?
Tablets offer many benefits for programmers. They are portable, affordable, and offer a variety of features that make them great for coding
The best tablet for programming depends on the needs of the developer. Some programmers may prefer a tablet with a physical keyboard, while others may prefer a tablet with a larger display.
You need a tablet that has a good processor, plenty of storage, and a large screen. Here is a list of the best tablets for programming in 2024.
1. iPad Pro
The iPad Pro is the latest and greatest tablet from Apple, equipped with an M1 chip for next-level performance. The 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is simply stunning, and with ProMotion, True Tone, and P3 wide color technology, it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
The TrueDepth camera system featuring the Ultra Wide camera and Center Stage is perfect for taking amazing photos and videos, as well as enjoying immersive AR experiences. And with 12MP Wide and 10MP Ultra Wide cameras, as well as a LiDAR Scanner, you’ll be able to capture all sorts of different images and videos.
You can also stay connected with ultrafast Wi-Fi, and with all-day battery life, you can keep going all day long. Plus, the Thunderbolt port allows you to connect to fast external storage, displays, and docks. And with Face ID for secure authentication and Apple Pay support, you can rest assured that your data is safe and secure. It is also compatible with the Apple Pencil and the Smart Keyboard.
Lastly, the four-speaker audio and five studio-quality microphones make this tablet perfect for listening to music or watching movies.
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ is the perfect tablet for those who want the best of both worlds. With a 12.4″ display, it offers ample screen real estate for watching movies, playing games, or working on projects. And with a resolution of 2800 x 1752 (WQXGA+), it’s crisp and clear.
Plus, the rear camera is 13.0 MP + 6.0 MP, and the front camera is 12.0 MP, so you can take amazing photos and videos.
The Tab S8+ also has a built-in fingerprint sensor, so you can keep your data safe and secure. And with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of ROM, you’ll have plenty of space to store all your important files.
3. Microsoft Surface Pro 8
Introducing the all-new Microsoft Surface Pro 8! This powerful quad-core processor tablet is perfect for productivity on the go.
It features a large 13″ touchscreen display, 128 GB of storage, and 8 GB of RAM with Intel Core i5 processor. Windows 11 Home comes pre-installed, and it has a battery life of up to 16 hours.
Plus, it has built-in speakers, microphones, facial recognition, and a dedicated hardware TPM security chip. This is the perfect tablet for business or personal use. Order yours today!
4. iPad Air
The new iPad Air is a powerhouse in a thin and light design. The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone and P3 wide color delivers stunning visuals, while the Apple M1 chip with Neural Engine provides exceptional performance.
The 12MP Wide camera captures detailed photos and videos, while the 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage is perfect for video chats and selfies.
The iPad Air also features up to 256GB of storage, Touch ID for secure authentication, Apple Pay, all-day battery life, and 5G capability. Available in blue, purple, pink, starlight, and space gray.
5. Google Pixel Slate
Looking for a laptop that can keep up with your fast-paced lifestyle? Check out the Google Pixel Slate. This powerful device comes with a 12.3” 3000×2000 touch screen LCD display, making it perfect for watching movies and TV shows or browsing the internet. It also has an Intel 8th Generation Core i5 Processor and 8GB of RAM, so you can multitask with ease. Plus, with 128GB of solid-state storage, you’ll have plenty of room for all your important files and applications. And if you need even more space, the Pixel Slate supports up to 2TB of expandable storage.
The Pixel Slate also comes equipped with two USB-Cs for charging, 4K display output, and quicker data transfer. Plus, there’s an accessory connector for the Pixel Slate Keyboard (sold separately), so you can get even more productivity out of your device. And when it comes to audio, the Pixel Slate features dual front-firing speakers for better surround sound. Plus, with two microphones, you’ll enjoy improved noise cancellation.
Of course, the Pixel Slate wouldn’t be complete without Chrome OS. This lightweight operating system is designed specifically for Chromebooks and provides a fast, intuitive user experience. And at just 1.6 pounds, the Pixel Slate is super portable, so you can take it with you wherever you go. So if you’re looking for a high-powered Chromebook that can keep up with your busy lifestyle, check out the Google Pixel Slate today!
6. Lenovo Yoga Book
Looking for a 2-in-1 tablet that’s light, thin, and powerful? Look no further than the Lenovo Yoga Book. This incredible device is the world’s thinnest and lightest 2-in-1 tablet, weighing in at less than 2 lbs. But don’t let its size fool you – it’s packed with high-performance features, including a 64GB SSD hard drive and 4 GB LP DDR3 of RAM.
It has an epic 15-hour battery life, so you can keep going all day long. And with its Full High Definition crystal-clear touchscreen display and built-in dual speakers, you’ll enjoy a theater-like multimedia experience whether you’re watching TV or movies on the go.
Best of all, the Yoga Book is extremely versatile and can be transformed into a notebook computer with the Halo keyboard that appears only when needed. So whatever you need to do – type, take notes, browse the web, or even draw – the Yoga Book is the perfect device for you.
7. Lenovo Tab P11 Plus
If you’re looking for a powerful and versatile, yet budget-friendly tablet, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus is a great option. It features a MediaTek Helio G90T Octa-Core processor with up to 2.05GHz main frequency, meaning you’ll enjoy a lag-free experience whether you’re gaming or browsing. The 11″ 2K IPS touchscreen display is also great for watching movies or editing photos, and with 400 nits of brightness, you’ll be able to see clearly even in direct sunlight. Plus, the integrated ARM Mali-G76 MC4 GPU ensures smooth and stable graphics performance.
In terms of camera, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus comes with a front 8.0MP + ToF Sensor / Rear 13.0MP setup, perfect for capturing memories or chatting with friends and family via video call. It also has 4GB LPDDR4x of memory and 128GB of storage, so you can easily store all your favorite apps, games, and files. And thanks to the USB-C 2.0 port and microSD card slot, expansion is easy.
Preloaded with Android 11 or later, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus also comes with a 3 In 1 Design Stylus (Stylus Pen + Ballpoint Pen + USB 3.0 64GB Flash Drive) so you can immediately start taking advantage of all the features this tablet has to offer. Available in Slate Grey, make the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus your go-to device for work, play, and everything in between.
8. Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus
The Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus is a powerful budget-friendly tablet with a fast octa-core processor and 4 GB of RAM. It’s perfect for watching your favorite shows, browsing the web, and staying connected with friends and family.
The 10.1″ 1080p Full HD display is 10% brighter than previous generations, making it easier to view in all light conditions. And with wireless charging and a long-lasting 12-hour battery, you can keep using your tablet all day long without having to worry about plugs or cords.
Whether you’re streaming movies, playing games, or staying productive, the Fire HD 10 Plus has everything you need.
Tips for using a tablet for programming?
Tablets are a great way to take your programming with you on the go. Here are some tips on how to best use a tablet for programming:
1. Make sure you have a good keyboard case for your tablet. This will make it easier to type code on your tablet.
2. install an editor like Atom or Sublime Text on your tablet. these editors are designed for programming and will make editing code much easier.
3. Connect your tablet to a monitor or projector and use it as a secondary screen when you are at home. This will allow you to see more code at once and make it easier to work on large projects.
4. Use a stylus pen with your tablet. this will allow you to interact with your code in a more natural way and can be a lot more accurate than using your finger.
5. Use a cloud-based IDE like Cloud9 or Koding. These IDEs allow you to code in your browser and make it easy to access your projects from anywhere.
Also, did you know you could use your tablet as a second (external) monitor for your primary laptop screen? Check out our article on the Best Tablets to Use as an External Monitor.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a great tablet to take your programming to another level, the list we have provided will help get you started. We highly recommend the iPad Pro, the Galaxy Tab S8+, or Microsoft Surface Pro 8 if you want a powerful option that can handle most tasks. However, any of the tablets on our list would be a great choice for coding. So what are you waiting for? Get a tablet that suits your needs and start coding!
Elmar Mammadov is a software developer, tech startup founder, and computer science career specialist. He is the founder of CS Careerline and a true career changer who has previously pursued careers in medicine and neuroscience.
Due to his interest in programming and years of past personal experience in coding, he decided to break into the tech industry by attending a Master’s in Computer Science for career changers at University of Pennsylvania. Elmar passionately writes and coaches about breaking into the tech industry and computer science in general.