The Apple iPad. We all want one and let’s be honest with ourselves here, most of us would probably sell our Grandma to get one. But, ever since the release of the iPad, other computer and electronic manufacturers have released their own computer tablet claiming one way or another (indirectly of course) their tablet is more superior to the iPad, in either a better CPU speed, bigger visible screen, thinner device or it has Flash capability.

But so what?

The secret to selling a tablet isn’t with the hardware; it’s with the software applications or ‘Apps’ that are available for the device. If the tablet doesn’t have an extensive library of Apps available, so a user can install and enhance their user experience, the tablet won’t sell and it will eventually fail. You don’t want to spend a small fortune on a tablet only to find there are a handful of Apps for it right?

It is simple as that.

Some people might be happy with just the default applications that the tablet comes with, but if I was going to spend a couple hundred pounds or more on a new tablet, I know I would want to use it to its full potential, wouldn’t you?

So, if you are considering buying a tablet in the near future, don’t concern yourself too much with the device’s hardware, find out what applications are available for the tablet and more importantly, how to access them.

The two biggest app stores on the market today are: Apple’s App Store for the iOS devices and Google’s Android Market for Android base tablet devices. If possible, you should check out each App store to see if it offers the right kind of Apps for you and at a price you are willing to pay.

The Apple iTunes Store can be access via the iTunes software. The Google Android Market can be accessed via a web browser.

I wouldn’t considering any other tablet that isn’t running either one of these operating systems; otherwise, you could end up with a very expensive paperweight.