Learn About Tablet Storage

What is it?

It is the non-volatile memory that comes with your tablet. Non-volatile memory means it will not lose stored data when power is turned off. It allows you to store your applications, photos, videos and any other type of data on your tablet.

How does it work?

Storage works by doing the following (over simplified) steps:

1. Receive data from CPU
2. Write data in storage cells
3. Send requested data to CPU

Look for

• Expandability

  Check if the storage is expandable.

  Some tablets come with removable small SSDs or micro SD card slots.

• Get More Than Enough

  Make sure you have more than you need in storage capacity

  Storage slows down considerably when it is full or near full. Let's say that you need to store 55GB of data in your tablet, having a 64GB storage would make your storage almost full and will result in much lower performance. In this case, it is better to get a 128GB storage instead. It is recommended to keep at least 20% of your storage empty. Also, modern operating systems (OS) extend memory capacity by using your tablet's slower non-volatile memory, this technique is known as "virtual memory". This can help in making sure your tablet runs well even when you run out of memory. Because of that, it is a good idea to keep more space in your storage available so that the OS can take advantage of this. On top of that, the OS and apps require software updates. It will be very difficult to update your OS and apps if you don't have space.

• Cloud Storage

  Check if you can put some of your data in cloud storage

  Cloud storage can let you get away with a smaller storage than you need and save you some money. Also, if you have many devices, cloud storage is the best way to make sure all your data is accessible on all your devices.

• Backup

  Make sure you backup your data

  Tablets can break, get lost or stolen. Because of that, it is recommended to backup your data. The easiest way to backup your tablet is through cloud storage.

Avoid

• Small Not Expandable

  Do not get a tablet with small and not expandable storage

  Small storage might be good for you now, but with software updates, the OS and applications will need more storage. Having small and not expandable storage will force you to replace the tablet even when it is fast enough for your needs.