6. Onscreen keyboard
Most tablets can display an onscreen keyboard. Depending on the screen size, the keyboard may be finger-typeable or touch-typeable (two hands).
When used for composition, 10-inch screens permit a keyboard that is highly usable.
If users employ virtual desktop software, Windows applications will be reduced to the screen area not occupied by the keyboard, making the application more difficult to use.
Delaney said multi-touch can mitigate this problem, but it may require the user to constantly go back and forth between keyboard and multi-touch functions.
7. Port replication
Port replicators are useful for cable management, providing additional ports for connecting peripherals and for providing stands to prop up slates. Delaney says port replication is also useful for charging large numbers of tablets, in larger, vertical application deployments.
8. Removable battery
Non-removable batteries make tablets thinner and lighter, but users cannot extend daily life with a battery swap. Aging batteries are not user-replaceable.
9. Weight
Two of the major differences among tablets is weight and portability. Traditional tablet PCs (even slates) are often at the high end/acceptable weight for a user carrying the device throughout the workday.
10. Ruggedization
Tablets that are subject to unusual environmental conditions (such as extreme outdoor weather conditions or mounted inside trucks) may be required to meet more stringent specifications for drop and vibration. Usually, the guidelines are MIL-STD-810G.
This standard contains multiple specifications, not all of which may be met by any given product. Therefore, it is important to consider exactly which standards are used for a given product.