In the last year the tablet has exploded with a resounding boom shakalaka to both the smartphone and notebook markets. Hybrids of smartphone and notebook technology, tablets are the tech toy of the moment. Investing in newer technology can be a little dicey, especially when manufacturers flood the marketplace to get their name and subpar product on the shelves. So how do you know which product to invest in? This list represents the best tablet currently available and four close contenders.
Apple iPad 2
Though very similar to its predecessor, there are some key differences that help make the iPad 2 the best tablet on the market. Most obviously, the iPad 2 is much slimmer than the original and Apple has added two cameras – one for FaceTime video chat and a second rear facing camera for capturing video. Outfitted with a dual-core processor, increased RAM and the new iOS 4.3, it is fast and easy to use. This tablet still has the 10-inch screen and like all Apple products does not support Adobe Flash.
Motorola Xoom Tablet
Created and backed by buzz that the Xoom would rival the iPad, Motorola’s tablet is a great option. The Xoom runs on the Android 3.0 operating system and will be getting an update that enables features like Adobe Flash, 4G access and apps to compete with the Apple App Store. Pending features aside, this tablet is a top performer with a 1GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, and the soon to be standard front and rear facing cameras. The screen is slightly larger than the iPad at 10.1-inches and offers better image quality with 1280×800 resolution.
Samsung Galaxy Tab
With a 7-inch screen, this tablet lands on the scale between smartphones and standard tablets. The screen may be smaller, but it delivers quality images with 1024×600 pixels. Like the previous tablets, the Tab has front and rear facing cameras, though they are less powerful at 3 and 1.3 megapixels respectively. Flash lovers rejoice – the Tab has Flash compatibility. This grants greater access for web surfing, whether Steve Jobs likes it or not. Many may find the mandatory wireless carrier commitment to be a drag, but this tablet performs well and introduces a fresh perspective into the marketplace.
Apple iPad
Believe it or not, the release of the iPad 2 didn’t suffocate the support of the original iPad. Though the iPad doesn’t come with cameras, it does come with a recent reduction in price. On top of that, retailers are going to be looking to clear their product to make room for the iPad 2, so you should be able to get a great deal. If FaceTime is a feature that you really love, you should go for the iPad 2, but the iPad still boasts great battery life and is a great choice for those looking for a top tablet.
Dell Streak Smartphone
Thought the Tab was stretching the size definition of a tablet? Well the Dell Streak Smartphone takes it one step, and two inches, further with the 5-inch touch screen phone. The Dell Streak is an interesting solution for those who love touch screen technology, but don’t love to carry multiple devices. Though neither the best smartphone nor the best tablet, the Streak is easy to use and extremely portable. It is also extremely budget-friendly at only $199 with an AT&T wireless contract.
Tablet technology is relatively new, but it has already been reinvented and manufacturers are pushing the current expectations of what marks a tablet. It’s still early to say, but it appears as though the tablet has a great future ahead.
