As December trudges on and people are rushing around trying to figure out what to get their loved ones for the holidays, electronics, especially in the realm of mobile computing, show themselves as a good choice. For those folks who don’t want to lug around a laptop and yet want more functionality than a smart phone can offer, there are always tablets.

But the question becomes: when faced with the choice of an Android or a Windows-based tablet, which one do you go for? In an effort to make your Christmas shopping easier, here’s a handy comparison of the two tablets, so you have the information you need to make your own decision. You’re welcome!

With two tablet powerhouses trying to outdo each other, the ultimate winner is the consumer.

Tablet Selection

First off the bat, it should be noted that there are far more Android tablets to choose from than Windows. Unless you’re one of those folks who get paralyzed when faced with too many choices, this is a big plus for Android, as it means that the odds are better that you can find the absolutely perfect tablet for what you want.

Number Of Apps

Although you can run any Windows application on a tablet that uses Windows 8, the apps available via the Windows Store can’t compare with the number available for Android via Google Play. In fact, Android has about a million more apps than Windows. Granted, they may not all be great, but the odds are certainly in Android’s favor that something useful and cool can be found.

The Technical Stuff

Here’s where both tablet types pretty much come out even. Android tablets are most effective when they have at least 2GB of RAM, while Windows tablets work better with at least 3GB. In terms of internal storage, you want 32GB or more if you plan to run more games and apps. Both types of tablets can be expanded by a micro SD card.

Windows does have one advantage here; if you get a keyboard attachment for it, you pretty much have a replacement laptop on your hands. Not too shabby.

Customizability

Android has Windows beat in this department. You can change things around and make it look like you want it to. This way, you can set things up in order for you to navigate around your tablet in a way that’s comfortable and right for you.

Both systems do have the means of instituting parental controls, with the Windows systems offering a little more. Whereas Android allows adults to lock up certain apps and settings, Windows lets you can create entire user profiles, one for your preschooler, another for your teenager, each with their own respective restrictions.

So Which Is Better?

It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want more flexibility, lots of apps, and an overall easier user experience, go with Android by all means. It’s the perfect tablet for just family-related uses. If on the other hand you really love Windows’ user interfaces and are looking to use it more for work-related tasks, then go the Windows tablet route.

If instead of Windows tablets you want to see how the iPad stacks up against Android tablets, check out “iPad Versus Android Tablet”.