Tablet Roundup

 

Apple didn’t invent tablet computers, but it sparked the fire that’s now a full-blown inferno, with every major manufacturer offering one or more tablet computers. A tablet computer is all that most people need, especially for entertainment purposes. But they’re also good for being productive. Let’s take a look at some of the latest and most popular units.

Acer 8GB Iconia Tab A100

Acer’s 8GB Iconia Tab A100 is a seven inch, multi-touch tablet that runs the Android Honeycomb operating system. The seven-inch screen is the perfect size for just about anything you might want to do with a tablet, including Web browsing, email, e-books, movies and games. The screen has a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels, which is fairly high for a screen of this size. With a seven-inch screen, Acer was able to maintain the travel-friendly dimensions of 7.0 x 0.5 x 7.7 inches in size, weighing in at less than 1 pound.

The Iconia tablet is powered by a 1 GHz nVidia Tegra 250 dual-core processor and 1GB of DDR2 SDRAM. It also contains 8GB of internal storage, which can be increased as necessary via the tablet’s MicroSD/MicroSDHC memory card reader. Connectivity options include 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR, USB 2.0, a 3.5mm headphone/speaker jack and a Micro HDMI port for easy connection to an HDTV. It also sports dual speakers and front and back webcams, making the A100 an ideal portable solution for video conferencing.

Acer Iconia Tab A100
Operating System	Android Honeycomb
Processor	1GHz nVidia Tegra 250 Dual-Core
Memory	1GB
Storage Capacity	8GB
Screen Type	Active Matrix TFT Multi-Touch
Screen Size, Resolution	7", 1024 x 600
Ports	Micro HDMI, Micro USB 2.0, 3.5 mm stereo headphone / speaker
Wireless	802.11n, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
Memory Card Slot	MicroSD
Docking Connector	Yes
Webcam(s)	Front 2MP, Rear 5MP (720p)
Speakers	Stereo
Color	Steel Blue
Dimensions (WxHxD, inches)	7.7 x 4.6 x 0.5
Weight	14.7 ounces

Apple iPad

The First Generation iPad, or the iPad 1, if you will, is what created the huge demand today for tablet computers. The beauty of the iPad—any iPad—is that it offers the best ecosystem of any tablet. The huge number of users and the more than 65,000 apps made for the iPad make it so. Unfortunately, iPads have never been inexpensive, but high quality never is. Fortunately, B&H still has some first-generation iPads in stock if you like terrific bargains and don’t mind not having the latest version of the product.

All of the first-generation iPads still in stock are black, with 64GB of storage, with 3G or without 3G. Units with 3G provide remote broadband Internet access, as long as you pay the monthly 3G fee. Units without 3G are Wi-Fi only, and the only way you can access the Internet on them is when you’re within range of Wi-Fi, either private or public.

Even though the first-generation iPads don’t have the latest processor, they do in fact offer most of the functionality of the iPad 2. The only important features not found on first-generation iPads are the front- and rear-facing cameras that were added to the iPad 2. Otherwise, you get Apple’s wonderful 9.7-inch LED backlit multi-touch display with 1024 x 768 resolution and fingerprint-resistant coating. You also get 10 hours of battery life per charge, 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR and a built-in mono speaker. Of course, you also get 3G connectivity with 3G models.

The iPad 2 is sleeker, lighter and faster than the iPad 1, and it sports front and rear cameras. The iPad 2’s processor is a dual-core A5 CPU. The rear camera, which allows the iPad 2 to be used like a camcorder or digital camera, supports 720p HD video recording at up to 30 frames per second with audio and still-image capture with 5x digital zoom. The front camera, ideal for video conferencing, supports VGA video recording at up to 30 frames per second with audio and VGA-quality still image capture.

The iPad 2 features the same high-quality display as the iPad 1; it’s a 9.7-inch LED backlit glossy widescreen multi-touch display with IPS technology, 1024 x 768-pixel resolution and a fingerprint-resistant coating. Other features common to both units is the 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, mono speaker, microphone, dock connector and 10 hours of run time per battery charge. Both units also feature sensors for ambient light and location, as well as a digital compass.

Only the iPad 2 works with Apple’s Smart Cover, an ingenious pleated folding cover that sticks to the edge of the iPad 2 and aligns itself by way of small, powerful magnets. The cover folds over the screen to protect it when not in use. It also converts into a stand for more comfortable viewing. Not only that, but the cover also puts the iPad 2 to sleep when deployed, and wakes it up when unfurled. Now that’s slick.

The iPad 2 is 7.31 inches wide by 9.5 inches high by 0.34 inch thick and it weighs 1.33 pounds. That compares favorably to the iPad 1’s thickness of ½ inch and weight of 1.5 pounds. Apple offers an optional iPad Keyboard Dock, and there are countless other accessories for the iPad, made by Apple and third-party manufacturers.

The iPad 2 comes in capacities of 16GB, 32GB and 64GB. You can get any capacity in black or white, with or without 3G broadband, and you can choose either AT&T or Verizon as your 3G carrier. Note that you’ll pay a monthly fee for either carrier.

	Apple iPad 1	Apple iPad 2
Operating System	iOS	iOS
Processor	1GHz Apple A4	1GHz Dual-Core Apple A5
Memory	256MB	512MB
Storage Capacity	64GB	16GB, 32GB, 64GB
Screen Type	IPS Multi-Touch	IPS Multi-Touch
Screen Size, Resolution	9.7", 1024 x 768	9.7", 1024 x 768
Ports	3.5mm stereo headphone	3.5mm stereo headphone
Wireless	802.11n, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR	802.11n, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
Memory Card Slot	None	None
Docking Connector	Yes	Yes
Webcam(s)	None	Front VGA, Rear 720p
Speakers	Mono	Mono
Color	Black	Black, White
Additional Features	Optional 3G, AT&T	Optional 3G, AT&T or Verizon
Dimensions (WxHxD, inches)	7.47 x 9.56 x 0.5	7.31 x 9.5 x 0.34
Weight	1.5 pounds	1.33 pounds

ASUS Eee Pad

Not to be left out in the cold, the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer is another viable tablet alternative. The Eee Pad Transformer is powered by an NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor and 1GB of memory, and it runs the Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system. The tablet supports Adobe Flash 10.2, and its functionality can be enhanced with apps available from the ever-expanding Android Market.

The Eee Pad Transformer features an LED backlit, 10.1 inch, multi-touch display with WXGA 1280 x 800 resolution. It also features 802.11n Wi-Fi; Bluetooth V2.1 + EDR; stereo speakers; a micro SD card reader; and a mini HDMI port for content on an HDTV in full 1080p HD with 5.1-channel surround sound. Front- and rear-facing cameras can both record HD video, which makes the HDMI output all the more useful. The display is protected by a scratch-resistant glass panel, and the back of the tablet features a textured back pattern to increase grip. The tablet’s battery provides nearly ten hours of run time.

ASUS bundles Polaris Office 3.0 with the Transformer. The software allows users to edit various office files including documents (.doc), spreadsheets (.xls) and presentation (.ppt) files. An optional keyboard docking station for the Eee Pad Transformer furnishes the tablet with a full QWERTY keyboard, a touchpad, 3.5mm audio jack, two USB ports and an SD card reader.

The Eee Pad Transformer is 10.7 inches wide by 6.7 inches high by 0.5 inch thick and it weighs 1.5 pounds. It’s available in capacities of 16GB or 32GB, and either can be expanded by way of the micro SD card reader and 1-year unlimited free access to ASUS’s WebStorage.

The ASUS Eee Pad Slider contains the same components as the Transformer and is functionally equivalent, except that it features a built-in keyboard that slides out from underneath the tablet, giving you greater freedom in using the device. Click here to see a video demonstrating how the Slider works. You can use the Slider like a conventional tablet by massaging the touch screen, or like a netbook when the keyboard is activated.

With its integrated keyboard, the Slider is heavier than the Transformer by about a half pound, and it’s nearly ¼-inch thicker as well. The Slider is available in 16GB and 32GB versions, and in Mocha or Pearl White.

	ASUS Eee Pad Transformer	ASUS Eee Pad Slider
Operating System	Android 3.0 Honeycomb	Android 3.0 Honeycomb
Processor	NVIDIA Tegra 2	NVIDIA Tegra 2
Memory	1GB	1GB
Storage Capacity	16GB, 32GB	16GB, 32GB
Screen Type	IPS Multi-Touch	IPS Multi-Touch
Screen Size, Resolution	10.1", 1280 x 800	10.1", 1280 x 800
Ports	3.5mm stereo headphone / mic, Mini HDMI	3.5mm stereo headphone / mic, Mini HDMI
Wireless	802.11n, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR	802.11n, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
Memory Card Slot	MicroSD	MicroSD
Docking Connector	Yes	Yes
Webcam(s)	Front 1.2MP, Rear 5MP	Front 1.2MP, Rear 5MP
Speakers	Stereo	Stereo
Color	Black	Mocha, Pearl White
Additional Features	Detachable Keyboard Included	Built-in Keyboard
Dimensions (WxHxD, inches)	10.7 x 6.7 x 0.5	10.75 x 0.72 x 7.01
Weight	1.5 pounds	2.11 pounds

Samsung Galaxy Tab

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab runs the Android 3.1 Honeycomb operating system. Like some other tablets, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab is blessed with a 10.1-inch display with WXGA resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. The display is protected by a rugged layer of crystal clear gorilla glass.

With similar proportions to the iPad, the Galaxy Tab is 6.9 inches wide by 10.1 inches high by 0.34 inch thick and it weighs about 1.25 pounds. It’s powered by a 1 GHz dual core processor and 1GB of memory, so it’s powerful enough to run multiple apps at once, and you can jump from app to app at will. Other features of the Galaxy Tab include a 2MP front camera, an autofocus 3MP rear camera with flash and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR.

You’ll find plenty of apps to choose from in the Android Market. Bundled apps include a full HTML Web browser, and you can get online at any WiFi hot spot via the tablet’s 802.11n Wi-Fi. The tablet supports Adobe Flash so you can enjoy all that the Internet has to offer. The Galaxy Tab is available in 16GB and 32GB capacities.

If you like the idea of a tablet computer but don’t want to carry anything too big or heavy, Samsung has you covered. Sporting the same basic functionality as the Galaxy Tab and then some, Samsung’s 4-inch Galaxy Player is an ideal compromise between size and usability. The 4-inch Galaxy Player runs the Android Froyo 2.2 operating system and it features a 4-inch multi-touch display with 800 x 480 resolution.

The 4-inch player features 8GB of flash memory, and a MicroSD card slot accepts cards up to 32GB. It also features 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0, a VGA resolution front camera, a 3.2MP autofocus rear camera, an FM radio, GPS and a USB 2.0 port. Its lithium-ion battery provides up to 36 hours of audio playback or five hours of video playback. Plus, you get to enjoy all of the apps available from the Android Market. The 4-inch player is 2.53 inches wide by 4.87 inches high by 0.39 inch thick and it weighs only 4.27 ounces.

If a 4-inch display sounds just a bit too small, Samsung also offers a 5-inch Galaxy Player. It has the same features as the 4-inch unit but with a 5-inch display of the same resolution (800 x 480 pixels). Slightly larger and heavier than the 4-inch model, the 5-incher is 3.07 inches wide by 5.56 inches high by 0.46 inch thick and it weighs 6.42 ounces.

	Samsung Galaxy Tab	Samsung Galaxy Player	Samsung Galaxy Player
Operating System	Android 3.1 Honeycomb	Android 2.2 Froyo	Android 2.2 Froyo
Processor	1GHz Dual Core	1GHz Dual Core	1GHz Dual Core
Memory	1GB	1GB	1GB
Storage Capacity	16GB, 32GB	8GB	8GB
Screen Type	TFT  Touch Screen	TFT  Touch Screen	TFT  Touch Screen
Screen Size, Resolution	10.1", 1280 x 800	4", 800 x 480	5", 800 x 480
Ports	3.5mm stereo headphone	USB 2.0, 3.5mm stereo headphone	USB 2.0, 3.5mm stereo headphone
Wireless	802.11n, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR	802.11n	802.11n
Memory Card Slot	None	MicroSD	MicroSD
Docking Connector	Yes	No	No
Webcam(s)	Front 2MP, Rear 3MP	Front 2MP, Rear 3.2MP	Front 2MP, Rear 3.2MP
Speakers	Mono	Stereo	Stereo
Color	Metallic Gray	White	White
Additional Features		FM Tuner	FM Tuner
Dimensions (WxHxD, inches)	10.1 x 6.9 x 0.34	2.53 x 4.87 x 0.39	3.07 x 5.56 x 0.46
Weight	1.25 pounds	4.27 ounces	6.42 ounces

Sony Tablet S

Sony enters the tablet ring with its lightweight Tablet S, a 9.4-inch tablet with a fighting weight of 1.27 pounds. Size-wise, the Tablet S is 9.53 inches wide by 6.81 inches high by 0.35 inch thick. The TruBlack LCD touch panel has a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels and an LED backlight. A 1 GHz NVIDIA Tegra 250S dual-core processor and 1GB of memory keeps the Android Honeycomb operating system running speedily.

Other features of the Tablet S include 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, which make it easy to connect wireless peripherals such as keyboards and mice. It also features an SD card slot, a Micro USB port and front and rear cameras (0.3MP in front and 5MP in rear).

Being a Sony product, the Tablet S offers some unusual features including a built-in universal remote-control function that lets you control Sony products and other brands as well. It’s also the first and only PlayStation-Certified tablet on the market, allowing you to play Crash Bandicoot and Pinball Heroes right out of the box and you can download other classic PS1 and PSP game titles online. The Tablet S is available with 16GB or 32GB of storage, and the capacity of either unit can be increased by way of the full-size SD card slot.

Sony Tablet S
Operating System	Android Honeycomb
Processor	1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 250S dual-core
Memory	1GB
Storage Capacity	16GB, 32GB
Screen Type	TruBlack LCD touch panel
Screen Size, Resolution	9.4", 1280 x 800
Ports	USB 2.0, 3.5mm stereo headphone
Wireless	802.11n, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
Memory Card Slot	full-size SD
Docking Connector	No
Webcam(s)	Front 0.3MP, Back 5MP
Speakers	Stereo
Color	Black
Additional Features	Universal Remote, PlayStation Games
Dimensions (WxHxD, inches)	9.53 x 6.81 x 0.35
Weight	1.27 pounds

Toshiba Thrive

Toshiba’s Thrive is a stylish Android 3.1 Honeycomb tablet with a removable back cover that lets you customize its appearance; you can attach optional Easy Grip color panels to make it your own.

The Thrive features a 10.1-inch multi-touch screen with 1280 x 800 resolution, LED backlight and stylus support. The Thrive is powered by a 1 GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM. It also features 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth V 3.0 + HS, mini and regular-sized USB 2.0 ports as well as a full-size HDMI port for viewing video content on an HDTV in full 1080p resolution.

Other Thrive features include two onboard cameras, a 2MP front camera and an autofocus 3MP rear camera that can capture crisp 720p HD video. It also has stereo speakers, a full-size SD card slot and a removable battery; packing an extra battery in your bag doubles your unplugged run time. The Thrive is 10.8 inches wide by 7 inches high by 0.6 inch thick and it weighs 1.6 pounds. The Thrive can be had with 8GB, 16GB or 32GB of storage space.

Toshiba Thrive
Operating System	Android 3.1 Honeycomb
Processor	1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2 Dual Core
Memory	1GB
Storage Capacity	8GB, 16GB, 32GB
Screen Type	TFT  Touch Screen
Screen Size, Resolution	10.1", 1280 x 800
Ports	Full-size USB 2.0, Mini USB 2.0, HDMI, 3.5mm stereo headphone
Wireless	802.11n, Bluetooth V 3.0 + HS
Memory Card Slot	full-size SD
Docking Connector	Yes
Webcam(s)	Front 2MP, Rear 5MP
Speakers	Stereo
Color	Black
Additional Features	Swappable back cover
Dimensions (WxHxD, inches)	10.8 x 7.0 x 0.6
Weight	1.6 pounds

Lenovo 32GB 10.1" IdeaPad Tablet K1

Not to be left out of the tablet wars, Lenovo has released its IdeaPad Tablet K1, and it’s a well-rounded contender aimed squarely at entertainment, with certification for Netflix streaming and a SocialTouch app that integrates all of your social networks. The IdeaPad Tablet K1 runs the Android 3.1 operating system and it’s powered by a 1 GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2 Dual-Core ARM Cortex-A9 processor and 1GB of memory.

A high-definition display is part of Lenovo’s offering. The IdeaPad Tablet K1 features a 10.1-inch display with 1280 x 800 pixel resolution, a 16:10 aspect ratio and 10-point multi-touch technology. The display is driven by a Tegra 2 T20 GeForce graphics accelerator that supports 1080p HD video playback with uncompressed output through the tablet’s micro-HDMI port to any compatible HDTV.

The IdeaPad Tablet K1 houses a generous 32GB of internal storage, with unlimited expansion possible, thanks to the MicroSD card reader. Lenovo also provides 2GB of free cloud storage, which makes it easy to share your photos, videos and other content with others. Connectivity options include 802.11n WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR and a 10/100 LAN connection, which is unusual for a tablet computer. Other features of the K1 tablet include a SIM card port, headphone jack, 1-watt stereo speakers, an integrated microphone, a 2MP front Web camera and 5MP back Web camera. A 2-cell lithium-polymer battery provides up to ten hours of run time.

The K1 tablet comes preloaded with numerous apps including Angry Birds; Galaxy on Fire; Need for Speed: Shift; Facebook; Twitter; Netflix and many more. You'll also have access to the Android App Market and the Lenovo App Store to pick up any other apps you might want. 

Lenovo 16GB ThinkPad Tablet

Lenovo’s ThinkPad Tablet is geared toward business use with an optional digital pen that converts your handwriting to text and suite of DocsToGo software that’s sure to enhance your productivity. Of course once your work is done you’ll have no problem entertaining yourself with the ThinkPad Tablet.

The ThinkPad Tablet features a 10.1-inch LED backlit TFT LCD with a 1280 x 800 resolution. The multi-touch screen is protected by scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass. The ThinkPad Tablet runs the Android 3.1 Honeycomb operating system and it’s powered by a 1.0 GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core ARM processor and 1GB of memory.

You can choose between 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of internal storage with the ThinkPad Tablet, which can be expanded on any model by way of a 3-in-1 memory card slot. Other handy features include a mini HDMI port for viewing content on an HDTV in full 1080p HD, Bluetooth 2.0, regular size and micro USB ports, a headphone jack, a 2MP front-facing camera and a 5MP rear-facing camera. Like the IdeaPad Tablet, the ThinkPad Tablet comes preloaded with numerous apps, and you can always access the Android App Market and the Lenovo App Store if you want more apps.

	IdeaPad Tablet K1	ThinkPad Tablet
Operating System	Android 3.1	Android 3.1 Honeycomb
Processor	1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2 Dual Core	1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2 Dual Core
Memory	1GB	1GB
Storage Capacity	32GB	16GB, 32GB, 64GB
Screen Type	Multi-Touch HD	TFT Touch Screen
Screen Size, Resolution	10.1", 1280 x 800	10.1", 1280 x 800
Ports	HDMI, Headphone,	USB, Micro USB, HDMI Mini, Headphone
Wireless	802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR,	802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.0
Memory Card Slot	Micro SD	3-in-1 Media Card Reader
Docking Connector	Yes	Yes
Webcam(s)	Front 2MP, Rear 5MP	Front 2MP, Rear 5MP
Speakers	Stereo
Color	Black, White	Black
Additional Features	Corning Gorilla Glass	Corning Gorilla Glass
Dimensions (WxHxD, inches)	10.4 x 0.52 x 7.44"	10.3 x 0.55 x 7.2"
Weight	1.65 lbs	1.58 lb

Your options for tablet computing are extensive this year! If you have any questions about tablets, feel free to post them in the Comments section below. We’d love to hear from you.