Tablets & e-Books

The right tablet depends on how it will be used, who by, and how it's looked after — the operating system, how rugged it needs to be, how it connects, and how a fleet is managed and charged. From a single rugged unit for the field to a class set for a school, it comes down to matching the device to the job.

Android or ChromeOS?

This is usually the first decision, because it shapes everything else. Android tablets are the flexible all-rounder — a familiar touch interface, a huge app library and models from compact to large-screen — so they suit app-led, hands-on work. Chromebooks are built around a browser and keyboard: they start in seconds, update themselves and are simple to manage centrally, which is why schools lean on them for shared, admin-light rollouts. As a rough guide, pick Android when apps and touch come first, and ChromeOS when typing, central control and low upkeep matter more. If the work really needs a full computer, our laptops and notebooks go further.

When a rugged tablet is worth the money

A rugged tablet pays for itself the moment a device leaves a desk. Three specs tell you whether one is tough enough: the IP rating, where IP65 and above resists dust and jets of water; the drop rating, usually quoted as a survivable drop height onto a hard floor; and whether the touchscreen still works with gloves or in direct sunlight. For logistics, manufacturing and field service, an enterprise rugged model such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active range will outlast a standard tablet many times over — a lower total cost once you factor in breakages.

e-ink readers and when to choose one

An e-ink reader is a different tool from a tablet, not a budget version of one. Its electronic-paper screen is gentle on the eyes, stays readable in bright sunlight and runs for weeks between charges — which makes it excellent for long spells of reading or handwritten notes. The trade-off is a slower, monochrome display with no video and no full app store. So the choice is simple: e-ink for reading and note-taking, a standard colour tablet when you need apps, media and speed.

Screen size and connectivity

Two practical specs shape day-to-day use. Screen size is a portability-versus-productivity trade-off: around 8 inches is easy to hold for reading and point-of-use tasks, 10 to 11 inches is the everyday all-rounder, and larger screens help with side-by-side apps and presentations. Connectivity is about where the tablet goes: Wi-Fi only is fine and cheaper for fixed or on-site use, while a 4G or 5G model keeps field staff, drivers and remote sites online away from a network.

Rolling tablets out across a school or team

A fleet needs more than the devices themselves. Charging carts and trolleys keep a full class set powered, stored and ready — capacities typically run from around 16 to 32 or more devices — while docking and control hubs make syncing and handout simpler. Classroom systems such as Classwise bundle the tablets, storage and management into one package. It pays to plan how devices will be shared, locked down and insured before they arrive, along with the everyday cases, keyboards and stands, screen protectors and chargers and cables that keep them in service.

We stock tablets and e-readers from Samsung, Hannspree, ASUS and Lenovo — you'll find them all on the brands page.

Frequently asked questions

Can tablets be centrally managed and locked down?

Yes. Android and ChromeOS both support mobile device management (MDM), so IT can push settings, restrict which apps run, and wipe a lost device remotely — important for schools and shared business fleets.

Do Chromebooks and tablets work without an internet connection?

Partly. Many apps and files work offline and sync once reconnected, but Chromebooks are at their best online. If staff or pupils often work with no signal, check the specific apps you rely on support offline use.

How long will a tablet keep getting software updates?

It varies by device and operating system, and it matters for security on a fleet you'll keep for years. Business and education lines usually get longer support windows than budget consumer models, so it's worth checking before a large rollout.

Can I use a stylus or keyboard with a tablet?

Most modern tablets support a stylus for handwriting and drawing, and a Bluetooth or clip-on keyboard for longer typing — turning a tablet into a light laptop alternative. Check compatibility with the specific model before buying.

Can we buy tablets in bulk or on account for a school or business?

Yes — we supply schools and businesses and can help with volume orders. Tell us the size of the rollout and what it's for, and we'll help you spec and price it.