If you do not know what a tablet PC is at this point you are really out of the picture. Since the original Apple iPad took the world by storm, just over 1 year ago, things have gotten extremely more competitive and 2011 is the year of the Tablet PC.
While Apple has launched its successor to the iPad, the iPad 2, other companies have also entered this sector and depending upon your needs and requirements there is bound to be a Tablet PC that suits.
Mobile Broadband
While the original iPad was primarily a unit that supported Internet access via Wi-Fi an upgrade was released fairly soon thereafter which allowed mobile broadband access also. Apple continues to sell both a Wi-Fi only version and also a Wi-Fi + 3G version which allows Mobile Broadband access via a micro SIM card. Competing products running the Google Android operating system also access Mobile Broadband networks through the use of a micro SIM card as their size precludes the use of a USB dongle.
A Choice of Tablets
- iPad 2 – the largest single Tablet PC with almost 80% of the US market, the iPad 2 is still the one to beat. Apple’s App store is the largest amongst all the Tablet manufacturers and with a dedicated vetting process, you can rest assured that any App you purchase, download and install on your device will not only work – but will also look great!
- Motorola XOOM – The XOOM is one of the newer devices on the block and with a 10″ screen, this Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) unit has a dual core processor and was the winner of the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2011 award for Best of Show! The Honeycomb operating system is Google’s first operating system specifically designed for Tablet PCs which means that applications are faster and work better with a sharper and clearer display.
- ASUS Eee Pad Transformer – The Transformer is truly an innovative device. While this is a fully functional Tablet PC, by utilizing the built in docking port, you can convert this Tablet PC into a fully fledged PC simply by plugging in the almost full sized QWERTY keyboard! With an increased battery life and storage capacity, this small change makes a big difference.
- M1 Touch – Microsoft’s entry into the Tablet PC market, the M1 Touch comes with a 10″ screen at a resolution of 1024×600. With a 160GB HDD and 3 full size USB ports this device runs Windows 7 and allows you to run all the applications that you have grown used to on your desktop or laptop PC.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab – The Galaxy Tab is the pre-eminent competitor to the iPad and is currently the most popular alternative. The Tab comes in both a 7″ and a 10″ version and runs the Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system similar to the XOOM. With both front and rear facing cameras and a very impressive touch screen, the Tab is a is an extremely impressive and fast unit.
About the author: Rob Clymo writes on behalf of Mobile Broadband and Crowdstorm, the social shopping site.
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Thanks for the review. I will be looking at the models you reviewed for my possible purchase.I am planning to use a tablet for business applications and some musical sequencing ( I have heard that garage band and pr-tools are already available for iPad 2. However due to its price range and somewhat limited range of use , I am somewhat skeptical.