More and more consumers are using tablet devices. With the flexibility of a mobile device like a smartphone, but the screen size and potential power of a laptop or desktop, tablets make a lot of sense for a lot of people. I will admit it. I was one of the first to scoff at the iPad; thinking 'when will I ever need that.' With less and less need for an actual home PC, we rely greatly on our iPad at home. First of all, my kids are not at the age 'yet' where either of them are doing much research or paper writing for school. When that day comes, I will reevaluate my options. For the time being, any use of internet or computing comes from our iPhones or iPads, with the 5 year old laptop being used as a game center for the kids. (The fact that my youngest lost the C, T and 'down arrow' keys at some point may have something to do with it.) As things continue to remain cloud based and services evolve and grow, there has been little need for the reasons that our household, at this time, need a new PC. Once my oldest starts to work on research papers, essays, etc., then we may reassess our needs and get a laptop or Chromebook, who knows. But for now, the portability, flexibility and ease of use that comes from a tablet wins every time. Tech blog engadget.com released a 2013 Summer Tablet Buyer's guide and it breaks down the major players in the field right now. In case you are in the market for one, check out the guide here.