Tablets are this year's must-haves! In just a few months, touch-sensitive tablet have revolutionised the consumer electronics market. From Apple's iPad to Acer, Archos and Samsung, most brands have released their own version of the tablet PC.

With a cool design and multipurpose features, tablets are being snapped up by more and more users.

Whether you want to surf the web, check into a social networking site, watch a video, view photos, read an e-book or even catch up with some work away from the office, the tablet PC allows you to keep in touch and do whatever you want, wherever you want. Plus, a touch user interface ensures everything happens smoothly.

The OS is the brain of the tablet. Just like PCs and smartphones, a tablet uses an OS (or operating system) to carry out a range of tasks.

Manufacturers have opted for different strategies when it comes to operating systems; Blackberry has created the Blackberry Tablet OS, while Apple's iOS is used exclusively in the iPad. This is ideal for anyone who's used to the functions of a particular operating system in other devices from their favourite brand. Other manufacturers, such as Asus, Creative, Acer or Motorola, have decided to integrate Google's Android OS into their devices.

Each operating system has its own interface and range of applications. If you have specific needs, check what various manufacturers are offering. Two major brands are leading the rest of the pack at the moment; Apple's App Store and Google's Android Market.

Like many devices these days, tablets include a built-in camera. Located on the front or the rear of the tablet, the camera can be used to take still shots or as a webcam for online video chats.

Some models incude both a front and rear camera for even greater flexibility. High definition, standard definition, still images or video - the choice is yours!

A USB port ensures you can connect to all sorts of devices, but not all tablets include this feature.

Make sure you know whether you'll need a USB port before making your choice.

The same goes for the HDMI socket, which comes in very useful when you want to watch content stored on your tablet on a bigger screen.

The storage capacity of a tablet depends on its intended use.

You don't need a huge storage capacity to upload a few playlists, videos, or applications.

However, if you'd like to use your tablet to watch HD movies and TV series or edit your own videos, you'll need a larger storage capacity for your files.

At home or away, a tablet has been designed to adapt to your way of life, which is why battery life is so important!

Videos, games and the internet use up loads of energy, so make sure you take this into account if you need a tablet essentially for mobile use.

Several manufacturers offer a battery life of 10 hours - more than enough for a flight from London to New York!

Mobile multimedia that lets you stay connected!

Most touch-sensitive tablets have built-in WiFi access as well as a 3G connection, so you'll be able to surf the web, check your email or even look up directions on a map when you're away from home!