Tablets are everywhere, though that wasn’t the case less than three years ago. Most of us are used to seeing tablets everywhere from the workplace to retail stores, but buying a tablet is a whole different story.

The most popular tablets are of the Apple and Android sort, but Windows is also quickly catching up to both. So, which one will work for you?

Here’s how to narrow down the tablet options.

Your Main Goal

Tablets are now designed to be complete all-in-one tools. You can use a tablet for most work activities, but it’s not entirely comfortable to use a tablet in place of a laptop if that’s what you are trying to do. If you want a work tool that you can type on daily, a tablet isn’t going to be the best choice. If you just want a tablet to supplement your existing laptop or desktop, that’s a different story.

You can purchase tactile keyboard attachments for tablets, but most tablets only include touch screens, and it’s hard to really be productive on a touchscreen. So, don’t purchase a tablet to replace a laptop or desktop as work tool. Purchase a tablet for media purposes, to check your email occasionally and watch the random video, or to browse the net and do some casual networking.

The Operating System

Here’s the hard part. You’ve probably seen many commercials stating that Apple is better, or Android is better, or Windows is better. Which one is actually better? It really comes down to the available apps, what you want as far as apps go, and what setup just feels better to you. Some people can’t stand the way that Windows is set up, but others love the tiles. Many choose the iPad because Apple has plenty app options. Others go with Android’s many hardware options.

Which one is right for you? My advice is to visit a store like Best Buy, and play around with the tablets. Also, keep in mind that you can’t use the Microsoft Office suite on an iPad, and iPads have some limitations as far as things like USB ports go.

If you want to use Word and plug in a USB, an iPad might not be for you. If you want a computer-like experience, Windows is the best option. If you already have a desktop or laptop and a computer setup doesn’t matter, check out Android tablets or iPads.

Size Importance

Tablet screen size matters depending on what you want to do with your tablet. If your goal is to watch movies and play games, look for a tablet that’s bigger than 7-inches (this is the standard size). The other thing to look for is a screen that’s both bright and sharp. When browsing and playing games or watching videos, screen resolution matters.

Take a look at screens in a side-by-side comparison, and you’ll quickly see which ones are superior.

Lastly, consider the weight of a tablet. A heavy tablet is harder to carry around, but no tablet is heavier than a laptop, really. If you plan to travel a lot, choose a lighter tablet that’s easy to bring with you wherever you go. In the end, choosing a tablet has more to do with the operating system and size than anything else. But, ultimately, it all depends on what you want to do with your new tablet.