The tablet has become the epitome of portable computing. Light yet expansive, with bright, touch-sensitive screens, there’s not a whole lot they’re not capable of. These four tablets are CNET’s editors’ top picks, bar none.
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iPad Pro (10.5-inch, 2017)
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/apple-ipad-pro-10-5-inch-2017/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding)
The good: Excellent display, upgraded storage options, faster processor, better cameras and a bigger display in a still-compact size. Faster refresh-rate display also means faster Apple Pencil responsiveness.
The bad: No newly imagined accessories and the ones you need (Pencil, keyboard) drive up the cost to laptop levels.
The cost: $606.99 to $649.99
The bottom line: Apple’s latest iPad Pros improve on already excellent drawing, video and photo capabilities, but its true potential won’t be seen until iOS 11 hits later this year.
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Apple iPad (9.7-inch, 2018)
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/apple-ipad-2018-9-7-inch/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (Outstanding)
The good: The 2018 entry-level iPad supports the Apple Pencil for art work and annotation, and adds a faster A10 processor. iOS continues to offer the best overall selection of free and paid apps on affordable tablets.
The bad: Lacks the bigger, better screen, quad speakers and Smart Connector found on pricier iPad Pros. The Pencil, case and keyboard add-ons will bring the price up to laptop level.
The cost: $299.99 to $349.99
The bottom line: The 2018 entry-level iPad doesn’t add much, but it makes an already excellent tablet a better buy than ever.
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Samsung Galaxy Book (12-inch)
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/samsung-galaxy-book-12-inch/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The Samsung Galaxy Book has an excellent screen, strong performance and long battery life. For a 12-inch tablet, it’s compact. A keyboard cover and stylus are both included.
The bad: It can get hot if multitasking for a long time. The keyboard case is wobbly if not sitting on a sturdy surface. The kickstand situation isn’t as solid as the Surface’s.
The cost: $1,224.97
The bottom line: The Samsung Galaxy Book beats the Microsoft Surface on value by including a keyboard cover and stylus in the box, but the Surface’s design is still much more refined.
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Microsoft Surface Pro (2017)
Product Review: https://www.cnet.com/products/microsoft-surface-pro-2017/review/#ftag=CAD187281f
CNET rating: 4.0 stars out of 5 (Excellent)
The good: The Surface Pro gets better performance and battery life from its CPU update, and most models are now fanless. The excellent kickstand is even more flexible.
The bad: Minimal redesign leaves out USB-C and Thunderbolt options. The Surface Pen stylus is no longer included by default, and new keyboard covers are more expensive than ever. Still not great for lap use.
The cost: $654.90 to $799.00
The bottom line: Microsoft’s flagship Surface Pro gets an extremely conservative update, but better battery life keeps it the gold standard of Windows hybrid PCs — for now.
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The following CNET staff contributed to this story: Section Editor Dan Ackerman, former CNET editor Xiomara Blanco, Senior Editor Scott Stein and Senior Editor Laura K. Cucullu. For more reviews of personal technology products, please visit www.cnet.com.
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