Best tablets for freelancers

Tablet usage has skyrocketed over the last few years. While some didn't think the laptop-smartphone hybrid device would take off,  they have well and truly been proved wrong.

IT research company Gartner revealed tablet sales surged by 68 per cent between 2012 and 2013. Approximately 195.4 million units were sold last year, in comparison to 116.3 million the one before.

The only problem with this proliferation of devices is that knowing which one to purchase suddenly becomes much more difficult. Here is our guide to five of the best ones on the market.

iPad Air

Apple's first foray into the market in 2010 arguably kick-started the tablet computer industry. 

Now in its fifth iteration, this device is one of the sleekest and sophisticated on the shelves. Lighter than ever, its 9.7-inch screen boasts a 2048x1536 resolution at 264 pixels per inch, meaning the screen quality is superb. 

With an A7 chip, the iPad air is more than capable of coping with all of your freelancing demands, enabling you to reply to emails, surf the web and watch videos in style. Being just 7.5 mm thin means you can carry it around all day and barely notice its presence in your bag. 

The only downside is that Apple products tend to have a premium price tag and this is no different, with the cheapest model starting at £399. However, many consider the investment worth it for the quality of the device and you do get to utilise the Genius Bar if you encounter any technological problems that can't be solved by turning it off and on again. 

iPad Mini

If you fancy getting your hands on an iPad Air, but can't justify its £399+ label, you could consider the iPad mini. 

The screen size is 7.9 inches but it matches the specifications of its larger counterpart in terms of the A7 chip and resolution. Starting at £319, this is the second generation of the device and will burn a less severe hole in your pocket.  

Tesco Hudl

If price is a factor for you, then here is one of the best budget tablets on the market at the moment. 

At a cost of just £119, this device is definitely lower-spec than others. However, it could be a viable option for you if you simply need some form of tablet computer.

It has an Android operating system, a seven-inch screen and a 1.5GHz core, meaning it can help you to achieve everything you need to. 

If you're not sure whether or not this sounds a bit clunky to me you would use such a device, purchasing a cheaper one like this could be a good first step. If you find it quickly becomes a part of your daily routine, you can then think about upgrading to a more advanced model. 

Microsoft Surface Pro 2

Microsoft's offering has challenged our perception of what a tablet really is. Described as having the "heart of a laptop", the "body of a tablet", the Surface Pro 2 is "designed for the power user who doesn't stand still".

With the detachable, ultra-thin keyboard, it can switch from being a laptop to a tablet, depending on what is most useful to you at the time. If you think you'd struggle to type on a touchscreen keyboard, this could be quite appealing. 

The only downsides are that it's a little big and bulky - something to bear in mind if portability is important to you - and its £719 price tag, which reflects its hybrid nature. 

Sony Xperia 2

Unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in February, the Xperia 2 is Sony's ultra-thin contribution to the market. 

If you opt for this device, you'll be able to enjoy as many as ten hours of uninterrupted usage before it will need charging. 

The Xperia 2 has been touted as a potential rival to Apple's iPad Air, but - at 6.4 mm - it is thinner and comes with a bigger screen (10.1 inches).  

It's expected to go on sale towards the end of March at £399.