5 Tablets To Get Excited About
The tablet market is really heating up, with new tablet announcements coming almost every week. But there are only a few tablets coming in the near future that will really be worth your while.
Here are the five best tablets that are either on the market or will be soon.
Apple iPad
The device that started the tablet frenzy is also the best tablet around, at least for the time being. The iPad wasn't the first tablet, but it did show just how much easier tablet computing can be .
The biggest advantage of the iPad is that it has access to hundreds of thousands of apps that dramatically increase the functionality of the device. It has a 10-inch screen, uses the A4 1GHz processor from the iPhone and comes in with storage sizes ranging from 16GB to 64GB. Wi-Fi versions of the iPad cost anywhere from $499 to $699, and iPads that also include 3G connectivity (only through the AT&T network) range from $629 to $829.
Samsung Galaxy Tab
The Galaxy Tab will likely be the first high-end Android tablet to come to market, and judging by early reviews it could be a good first impression.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab is smaller than the iPad, with a 7-inch display, but also has a 1GHz processor. It runs the latest version of Android, version 2.2 Froyo, meaning it has access to the Android Market for apps. While there aren't as many as those found in the Apple App Store, there are still tens of thousands (and more everyday) to choose from. It comes with 16GB of storage, which can be expanded via the microSD card slot. Exact pricing hasn't been announced, but overseas pricing indicates it will be more expensive than the iPad and released in November.
Toshiba Folio 100
The Toshiba Folio 100 could potentially outperform the Samsung Galaxy Tab by virtue of its size and processor. It has the 10-inch display of the iPad, but it runs the Tegra 2 processor.
Tegra 2 is supposed to be a media powerhouse because it has special emphasis on graphics processing. That means high definition movies and fast processing speeds. It's only appropriate, then, that the Folio 100 comes with a built-in mini HDMI port for connecting it to TVs and other high definition devices. It runs the latest Android 2.2 operating system, and therefore has access to thousands of apps, and it has 16GB of storage expandable by SD card. The only potential drawback is that it will only have Wi-Fi to begin with when it launches later this year for around $550, but a 3G capable version is coming in 2011.
Notion Ink Adam
The Notion Ink Adam would be the single most interesting tablet if it hadn't been delayed repeatedly. Still, the specs and the Pixel Qi screen are enough to keep us interested no matter how long it takes.
Pixel QI screens are capable of operating like regular LCD displays or e-ink displays (like those in the Amazon Kindle) with the simple flick of the switch. That means, depending on lighting conditions or battery-saving needs, the 10-inch Notion Ink Adam display can instantly adapt to the situation. It also sports the speedy Tegra 2 processor, Android operating system and even has Adobe Flash compatibility (essential for watching 75 percent of online video and interactive sites). There are Wi-Fi and 3G options starting at $400 and going up to $500, and it will be available soon.
Neofonie WeTab
The WeTab is a bit strange compared to the other tablets on this list, but that's part of what makes it so intriguing.
The WeTab uses a netbook processor, the Intel Atom N450 1.66GHz, so it has some definite power compared to the smartphone processors in other tablets. It also has a larger 11.6-inch display and a separate graphics accelerator. It also has a specialized interface that allows for incredible customization.
The WeTab comes with Wi-Fi, 3G, 32GB of storage and 6 hours of battery life for around $550. The only bad news is that it's only bound for Europe at first. Manufacturers say they hope to eventually get it to the American market, though.
