Tips: Five ways to know if you should buy someone a tablet

Like tablets themselves, tablet users are eclectic. They engage in a variety of activities, and they want to enjoy those activities whenever and wherever.

That's what's great about tablets—they're always there for you. And if you can't literally use a tablet for every activity you love (downhill skiing comes to mind), you can certainly find an app that will help you do it better: see Ski Fitness Workouts HD for the iPad. (Remember that among tablets we've tested, for now, we're recommending only the Apple iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab.)

Here's how to tell if someone on your gift list would love a tablet.

They love to catch news on the go, from a variety of sources. Many large news organizations have apps available at Apple's App Store or the Android Market (that's where you get apps for Android-based tablets, including the Galaxy Tab). Most are free, and the best do more than just duplicate the organizations' Web sites, by incorporating special features and more compelling navigation. There are also e-reader versions of magazines such as Vanity Fair, Popular Science, and others.

They love media of all kinds. One of my favorite evenings spent with an iPad went something like this: I was reading an article about Marilyn Monroe in a digital version of Vanity Fair. When I finished, I realized I hadn't seen many of her movies, so I logged into my Netflix account and streamed "Niagara," an early Monroe film, on my iPad. In addition, many TV shows are now getting free apps of their own. With the app that goes with HBO's "Boardwalk Empire," a series about prohibition in Atlantic City, you can watch clips from the show, learn about old Atlantic City, and take trivia tests.

They don't have a smartphone. People without smartphones are also deprived of the ability to browse the Web just about anywhere they go. Or they might have an iPhone or other smartphone and love the interface, but feel unhappy with the small display size. A tablet takes care of both problems. Even with a Wi-Fi-only model, they can get online for free at Starbucks, most hotels, and other secure hotspots.

They would use it to read e-books. If they do a lot of reading on the move, such as during a daily commute, they might appreciate that the tablet doubles as an e-reader. E-books generally cost less, especially when it comes to hard-cover best sellers. The iPad comes with Apple's iBooks, but you can also download readers from other vendors like Amazon and Barnes & Noble for maximum book selection. For a more portable book-reading experience, the Samsung Galaxy Tab is preferable. It's lighter and easier to hold for long periods. For someone who wants to turn pages less frequently, the iPad's larger screen might be better.

They'd make a hobby out of finding great apps. Part of the fun of having a tablet is exploring the app stores. Apple said it had 200,000 iPad-compatible apps last time we checked, and Android Market claims to have tens of thousands. Many are free, and downloading on both devices is simple. Pick a topic, and you're almost certain to find a relevant app.

For advice on how to choose a tablet and brand-name Ratings (available to subscribers), see our buyer's guide on tablet computers.

And if you're thinking one of your giftees might be better off with a Kindle or Nook, see "Six ways to know if you should buy someone an e-book reader."

—Donna Tapellini