Technology is growing at a rapid pace – just five years ago, touch screen phones were just emerging onto the mainstream market and Windows 7 had only just been born into the market place.
Fast-forward half a decade, and the tech boom is exploding more than ever. With ever-changing gadgets, consumers are shelling out more and more to have the ‘latest and greatest’, and 2013 is set to be one of the greatest years tech is about to experience. If you’re looking to invest in or upgrade your tablet or smartphone in 2013, here are some you need to keep your eye out for.
Microsoft Surface
Microsoft made a big investment in Windows 8, and took a giant leap of faith in touch technology with their new operating system. The next big step for Microsoft is synchronizing all their phones, tablets, laptops and desktops with the operating system for a seamless user experience – this is where Microsoft Surface comes in. A tablet with more functionality than the iPad, the Surface offers a cover that doubles as a keyboard so you can type more easily and a kickstand so you can stand your tablet up much like your desktop monitor. The range comes in a bright variety of colors, so you can customize your tablet to suit your personality – a possible game-changer for the industry in 2013.
[Recommended read: 4 Things to Consider when Upgrading to Windows 8]
Nokia Lumia 920
Nokia disappeared off the radar for a while, but the former phone giant is back and better than ever with the Lumia. This Windows phone boasts Nokia’s iconic high-quality Carl Zeiss lens, PureView technology for an optical image experience, a polycarbonate body, and wireless charging via a charging plate (a bonus for everyone). Like Surface, the Lumia comes in a range of bold and bright colors – the perfect way to express your inner flair.
HP ElitePad 900
While the Surface is catered for personal use and is designed to compete with the iPad as a portable entertainment device, the HP ElitePad is a tablet moulded for the business world. Weighing in at just 1.5lb and with 64GB of storage (plus more that can be stored in the cloud via SkyDrive), this Windows tablet is slick and runs smoothly on the latest Intel Atom processor. The ElitePad is definitely one to watch out for, especially for any tech companies like Macquarie Telecom who may be looking to introduce new tablets into the workplace.
[Read also: What’s the Best Tablet for Business Use? Inquiring Marketers Want to Know]
Samsung Galaxy S4
The Galaxy S3 made massive waves in 2012, and the Galaxy S4 is sure to have the same kind of hype attached to it. While not much is known about the S4 as of yet, it’s pretty much guaranteed that this phone will be thinner and lighter than its predecessor, as well as faster and slicker.
[Read also: 4 Things To Love About the Samsung Galaxy S3]
Last but not least…whatever phone Apple releases next
Be it the iPhone 5S or the iPhone 6, Apple’s next iPhone is sure to make waves in the New Year. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for more information during their conferences in early 2013.
Have to disagree with you on your list Peter,
The ms products should be watched only because they will be big sales disappointments. You’ll see.
Who would pay laptop prices just to get a tablet? People don’t have that much disposable income.
The product that will steal the show next year will be the Samsung Galaxy S4.
Not because of hype or marketing or law suits either. Just the old school sales driver SUPPLY and DEMAND.
People will flock to this phone because of its price, features, and practicality. It actually competes with a tablet if you have one of these you can justify NOT buying a tablet.
I hear you. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Darnell 🙂
Hi Peter,
I was just thinking about a tablet. I was wishing to buy a tablet, but then it so happened that, my dad just got me a laptop! 🙂 🙂 Hence, as of now, my plans for the tablet are been postponed.
Peter I request you to write a post on tablets during the mid of 2013, so that it can facilitate my choice! 🙂
OK I hope I’ll be able to do one during that time, Zainil.
Awesome list of gadgets. Well in my opinion, Samsung Galaxy S4 will be the better choice as a smartphone and as well as tablet. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I’m looking forward to the s4 as well.
I’m also waiting for the Galaxy S4.