So, the Applie iPad 2 is finally out and the hordes of Apple-loving purists are just waiting to get their hands on the $499 toy. Apparently 33% thinner and boasting a dual-core A5 chip, it now has FaceTime, HD Video and over ten hours of battery life. Also, an iPad Smart Cover that will wake up your iPad when you need it? Whatever-- If you're one of the few who might just decide to go against the Apple gadget monopoly, then its time to check out the alternatives to the spanking new iPad 2. There are a number of slates out there who've packed a lot up their sleeve, and who won't douse out the competition with Steve Jobs just so they can have more to brag about: namely everything else the Apple iPad overlooked.
1. MSI Windpad 100W Tablet
With Bill Gates not wanting to fall behind Apple's successes, a Windows powered slate that comes very close to the iPad domination is now available. The MSI Windpad 100W Tablet is the Windows OS 7 version of Apple's Tablet pc. Supporting all the programs that the iPad applications fall short of (if you're a gamer, you'd never opt to buy a Macbook), this 10.1 inch, 32 GB tablet runs on an Intel Atom Z530 processor with 2 GB ram for speed. If you don't know what that means, take my word for it: it's pretty fast. So, for most pc users who'd never switch to an Apple OS just to get their hands on an iPad, you'll never feel left out again because finally, Windows is ready to battle it out in the tablet wars. MDS Windpad accessories include HDMI capability, Bluetooth, wifi and dual cameras for all your narcissistic needs!
(Search for computer equipment and supplies.)
2. Blackberry Playbook
So, it's either you're toting around a Blackberry to BBM all day, or you've got your fingers hooked on an iPhone, iPad or an iPod Touch. Another Apple competitor that, unbeknownst to most, spearheaded the mobile-emailing feature for cellphones, is now ready to join the race-- almost. The super sleek and sexy Blackberry Playbook is not only a more attractive version of the iPad, but at 7 inches, is more portable as well. Although most reviews slam the Playbook as ill-equipped, you've still got to hand it to them for coming up with yet another competitor to the slew of tablet pc's on the market. Several upsides of the Playbook include a 3-megapixel front camera and a 5-megapixel rear camera, Flash capability for watching Flash enabled videos and games (which the iPad clearly doesn't have), 1-GHz Texas Instruments OMAP 4430 dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM and a 1024- by 600-pixel resolution for ultra clear displays. The downside? The Playbook does NOT come with essential apps such as email, a calendar or even an address book. Like the iPad, no external memory is available, so you'll be forced to pick between the 16, 32 or 64 GB hard drives. The strangest however, this Blackberry slate isn't even 3g or 4g compatible, and wont sync your Blackberry smartphone to it either. So, if you just don't want to buy an iPad and would like to surf the net all day or watch Flash videos and play Flash games, then perhaps this is the tablet pc for you.
3. Motorola Xoom
For all the Google-Andorid lovers out there, this tried-and-tested tablet is probably your best bet as the staunchest iPad competitor to date. Unlike the iPad 2's 4G INcapability, the new 10.1 inch Motorola Xoom with 3g is already built to incorporate 4g users in the future. The first ever tablet to run Android's optimized Honeycomb software, having this around means not ever being boxed in by the Apple app monopoly. Let's face it, Android is significantly the better choice, simply because its a more accommodating program to have! Virtual buttons on the tablet are one of the best features, because switching from landscape to portrait mode also means the buttons coordinations change, to your liking! How convenient!
4. Samsung Galaxy Tab
Much like the Motorola XOOM, the Samsung Galaxy Tab debuted in late 2010 as an Android-supported tabled to match the original 9.7 inch iPad. With the launch of the iPad 2, its no question who took it pretty seriously: Samsung. Coming out with a spruced up Galaxy Tab 10.1, Samsung's got all of Apple's bases covered-- and more. Not only thinner and sleeker, but the new Tab has got a Micro SD card slot, dual cameras WITH flash, and even a SIM slot. Asides from the Android Honeycomb capability, Samsung has decided to put their own spin on things with an all new feature, TouchWiz UX-- an all-original Samsung platform that adds to the Android experience! What can it do? Simple things like resizing apps to put more or less on the screen, a Mini-Apps tray and a uniquely Samsung email-interface. Available online for pre-order, tablet users worldwide, whether Apple, Android or Windows, are seriously waiting for this baby to pop out in late 2011.
5. LG Optimus Pad / G Slate
Whether 3D has been a hit for you or not, there's no denying its integration into many technological toys as of late. From the Nintendo 3DS (with a veritable warning to children aged 6 and below that it could cause permanent eye damage) to extra-pricey movie tickets for a full-on experience, 3D is here to stay for a few more months. LG, a strange new competitor on the mobile network following their release of the sleek Chocolate phones a few years back, and a Cookie touch phone to rival Apple's iPhone, is definitely not ready to wave the white flag-- why? Because they're the only brand brave enough to come out with a 3D tablet. The LG Optimus pad or G Slate is probably the most souped-up, soon-to-be iPad competitor once it comes out. Available exclusively on the US and UK T-Mobile 4G network, this 8.9 inch tablet is Android-powered and boasts a dual-core processor. Really, its like a laptop with no keypad, and 3D capability. Featuring the usual dual cameras, this baby ALSO records 1080 p HD video. WHAT? Yes. It's true. It's all true. it's like LG decided to breed an iMax theater, an iPad and an HD video camera in one to come up with this monster. Don't forget to look for your 3D glasses inside the box!
6. iRobot APAD
Now, it's time to forget all the competing iPad tablets above and go for a no-holds-barred, certified China, FAKE iPad: the iRobot APAD. Trek on over to your nearest tiangge to find this little sneak, which surprisingly, is pretty well equipped for the low, low price of PHP 2995. Available in 7, 8 and 10 inch models, this tablet runs on Android 3.0 Honeycomb (really? wow), supports external memory, and even comes equipped with 2GB of ram! As mentioned earlier, that's pretty fast, especially for something from an electronics stall! Its got all the basics, too: a built in microphone, camera, speakers and WiFi capability. Owning something like this wont make you feel too bad just in case it breaks, right?
(Search for an electronics appliance dealer.)