It’s taken a while for the market to kick into gear, but tablet computers are quickly becoming today’s must-have gadget. Whether it’s browsing the web, reading ebooks, watching movies, playing games or just using some of the huge range of apps, tablets are capturing everyone’s attention.

There is a diverse range of tablet computers now on the market, from the iconic Apple iPad 2 to the Samsung Galaxy Tab. While Google’s Android operating system has made some significant strides forward with recent updates, it is clear that Android based tablets still haven’t caught up to the iPad’s ease of use and fluency, which is likely to improve further with the rollout of the Apple’s new iOS 5 operating system.

Hopefully we should see some new higher-performance Android tablets arriving fairly soon with updates to the operating system and faster hardware. Still, while current-generation Android tablets may lack finesse, there’s plenty of value on offer. If you want to buy a tablet right now, you’ll probably find something to suit you.

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Tablet buyer’s guide

There’s no doubt that its still early days in the evolution of tablets, but regardless, there are always things you should consider before you buy one.

Ease of use
This is far and away the most important issue. If a tablet is difficult to use — not just the controls, but also the touchpanel itself — you’ll quickly tire of it.

Operating system updates
With Android tablets in particular, having the latest OS updates is critical to get the best from your tablet.

Weight
The heavier it is, the harder it is to hold. Obviously, smaller-screened tablets weigh less, but you generally get less screen resolution too.

Touchscreen feel
The tablet’s touchscreen should always be a capacitive unit if you want to operate it with your finger rather than a stylus, so make sure you give it a test drive before you buy.

Performance
This is as much a function of the OS as it is of the processor driving it, and it can mean the difference between 1080p Full HD video playback and a stuttering mess.

Storage
If you’re choosing a tablet that only has internal storage, this is an important issue to consider and you may want to consider a 32GB version rather than a more basic 16GB model, depending on your needs. If it has a microSD card slot, adding up to 32GB of additional storage is dead easy.

Peripheral ports
You need a USB port at minimum to sync the tablet with your PC, but extras such as microSD card slots, USB host ports and HDMI are good to have. 3G connectivity may suit some, although every tablet comes with Wi-Fi for cheaper web connecting.

Shop around
Tablet pricing vary all over the place, so shop around once you’ve decided on a particular brand of tablet computer.

The new Apple iPhone 4S looks much like the previous iPhone 4, although it’s a different model to the iPhone 4 that was sold in Australia. The 4S design is based off the CDMA Verizon iPhone 4, which means if you’re upgrading from an iPhone 4, your case may have trouble fitting, due to the offset for the mute switch being different.

That aside, this looks like an iPhone 4. However internally there is a lot that is different. It includes the AS processor first shown in the iPad 2 and the effect is remarkable — this is a speedy smartphone that powers through most basic tasks.

The A5 is a dual-core chip, giving it significant processing and graphical power updates, although few apps so far will really push the graphics side of it just yet.

The camera in the iPhone 4S has also been improved and now has an 8MP sensor tied into a f/2.4 lens, giving it excellent low-light shooting capabilities with 1080p video recording. Both worked very well in our tests and it’s possible to take some quite stunning shots.

A major new inclusion is Siri, Apple’s much-touted voice-guided “intelligent assistant”. Siri relies on a net connection to quickly upload spoken voice samples and intelligently meet user requests.

Australian English is one of the standard voice types and it’s well worth picking for the change in accuracy it brings, with one major caveat. There’s no location-aware assistance outside the US just yet, which means if you ask Siri where the nearest anything is, it’ll respond that location features only work in the US.

The official Apple line is that it hopes to bring location-aware Siri outside the States sometime in 2012, but there’s no solid timeline announcement for Australia yet. That said, Siri’s a step above the voice guidance found in most other phones.

For existing iPhone 4 users, the iPhone 4S is a speed bump with Siri and that is about it. Anyone coming off a iPhone 3GS contract or switching from another phone should definitely consider it.

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iPhone 4S Pricing

The 16GB iPhone 4S costs $799 outright; the 32GB model is $899, and the 64GB is $999. The 8GB iPhone 4 remains on sale from Apple for $679, as does an 8GB 3GS for $449.

Cheapest plan prices are all from Vodafone on a $29 Cap Contract over 2 years: iPhone 4S 16Gb – $44 per month,
iPhone 4S 32Gb – $49 per month, iPhone 4S 64Gb – $54 oer month.

An essential item for your four-legged companion, dog kennels have enjoyed perennial popularity, but their design has come ahead leaps and bounds over the years. And with our weather patterns seemingly becoming more unpredictable, the kennel in the backyard is more of a necessity than ever.

There are a few things to look for when buying a kennel for your pooch.

All housing facilities for companion animals must be designed and maintained to provide a clean, comfortable and safe environment and to meet the behavioural and physiological needs of the particular animal.

Dog kennels should be well-built, well-furnished with comfortable bedding and weatherproof to protect the dog against wind, rain, cold and heat.

The kennel should provide a warm, dry and draught-free environment, preferably off the ground near the house, but not in a thoroughfare.

The kennel itself should also be protected from rain and excessive sun.

Regular cleaning – like you would your own bed – and aesthetics to make the space more comfortable for your pooch, are also things to consider.

Ideally the roof of the kennel should be hinged to make cleanmg and access easier.

Washable rugs, cushions or blankets should be used for extra comfort and warmth, and bedding should be cleaned regularly.

Make sure the kennel is large enough for your dog to easily get in and out of it. This is especially applicable for larger dogs – it is better to have a kennel that is a bit too large than one that is too small.

Most pet supply companies have comprehensive websites that sell easy to assemble dog kennel kits that can be purchased online and then delivered right to your door.