The launch of Apple iPad has brought interest in tablet computers to the forefront of technology watchers. Wikipedia defines a tablet computer as “a complete computer contained entirely in a flat touch screen that uses a stylus, digital pen, or fingertip as an input device instead of a keyboard or mouse”. Unknown to many, these devices are not totally new and the iPad is certainly not the only one of its kind in the market. This articles will take a look at other alternatives to the Apple iPad (some of which are yet to be launched) with brief reviews of the top 4 tablets that should give Apple something to think about.
Hewlett Packard (HP) Slate
The Slate is a new addition to HP’s growing list of portable touch devices. The tablet PC was announced at CES 2010 and will be available in the second half of 2010 for under $1000. It is quite similar to the iPad in terms of appearance (8.9-inch screen) with multi-touch capabilities and a Windows 7 operating system. The HP Slate will focus on content consumption such as games, e-books, music, videos, Web browsing and offer Flash support. Other features include active digitizer with pen support, front Webcam, rear camera, Wi-Fi, USB 2.0 and Bluetooth.
Archos 5 Internet Tablet
The ARCHOS 5 Internet tablet is a 5″ tablet computer with screen resolution of 800×400 which boasts of being “probably the best piece of hardware on the market to surf the web on the go”. The device is available in the market now and works with several different operating systems such as Android, Linux and Windows 7. It uses the ARM Cortex Superscaler processor to boost speed and can connect to Wifi-N networks or tether via Bluetooth® to a 3G phone. Other Web related features include WebRadio, Email and online videos. Prices range from $249 to $499.
Panasonic Toughbook H1 Field
Panasonic describes its new Toughbook H1 Field as “the industry’s most rugged handheld tablet PC” and only few would dispute it. The device is rugged and designed for mobile users. It has a 10.4″ sunlight-viewable screen and sealed all-terrain design. Designed with a magnesium allow internal frame, the Panasonic Toughbook H1 Field can survive a 6 ft drop. Other features include, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth® and optional Gobi™ mobile broadband support, in addition to fast charging hot-swappable twin batteries for maximum up-time, optional integrated GPS and SmartCard reader. It uses the Windows 7 operating system, comes with a stylish handle and is not very cheap with the base model selling for $3,379.
Notion Ink Adam Tablet
The Notion Ink Adam tablet will give any tablet a run for its money with its 180 degree swivel camera, Pixel Qi transflective display and dual-core ARM CORTEX-AP MPCORE processor when it is launched. It currently runs on Android 2.1 and has a 10-inch transflective LCD screen, resolution of 1024×600, an e-book client, WiFi, 3G and multi-touch support.
As the tablet fever rages on, there are unconfirmed reports that Microsoft may launch its own tablet computer, Microsoft Courier, in the near future.
Talking Point
Do you know of any other tablet computer that is worth adding to the list of iPad competitors above?
13 Comments
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April 26, 2010 at 8:37 pm
I think the iPad is awful. Lot of people believe it is revolutionary and some believe it is not. But everyone believe iPhone is great revolutionary.
summit movers
April 30, 2010 at 5:22 pm
These are interesting, but one of the biggest things the iPad has going for it is that if you have used an iPhone, you know how to use the iPad.
Sue
May 16, 2010 at 9:28 am
I don’t think these iPad competitors are good enough to surpass the iPad’s capabilities… it’s certainly the best gadget ever known to man…
.-= Sue´s last blog ..World Fencing This Weekend =-.
Cheap iPad
June 14, 2010 at 4:27 pm
Thank you for comparing the iPad with potential similar competitors belonging to the similar kind and not with net books or laptops. It is really bizarre to think they can be compared at the price they are stated at. Also one has to emphasize that iPad merely is to show off to friends and family but there is no really benefit that can be rooted out of it. There is no revolutionary or innovative findings that has made it different. It simply looks good to the eye and that’s why most of the customers are blinded by that fact
Joanna
February 25, 2011 at 9:25 am
This year is much more competitors i hope to see some bargains and i would love to buy some cheap and pretty powerfull tablet!
vaibhav
March 22, 2011 at 8:39 pm
the ipad is absolutely useless, you buy it because it looks cool and we are addicted to gadgets.
i got an ipad as a gift a while back and i was super excited at first but then i got bored really fast because i realized how little use it really has..
Matt
April 3, 2011 at 8:04 am
The ipad is the popular tablet at the moment, but tablets like the HP Slate are catching up. It will be great in a few years when there is more competition in the market for tablet computers.
Stacy
April 25, 2011 at 3:40 am
The iPad is great for games and surfing, and not much else. Good to see others coming up with their own tablets. Still the iPad is so popular with many people all over the world. How else can you account for the emergence of the iPad2?
ann
May 27, 2011 at 7:58 am
IPods are smaller and easier to take to places and use. Also iPad is having access to ibook, Google Books, Nook, and Kindle. Nice resources shared related to ipods. Many thanks for the share!
Eden
June 15, 2011 at 11:43 am
Out of the 4, I think HP Slate was the most hyped one which wasn;t worth it. As such iPad 2 became the official iPad (1) killer but Notion Ink Adam is pretty interesting as well.
By the way, its great to find another tech enthusatic mind like mine. I’m bookmarking your blog to come back and read more awesome articles in future. Keep writing 🙂
Janis Gagliardi
July 2, 2011 at 10:45 am
I’ve always been an Apple fan but I prefer to use iPhone 4 instead of the iPad. I like the features but I have butter fingers so I’d be conscious every time I use it. The iPad is also convenient to carry but I prefer to carry a laptop instead of an iPad or some other netbooks. Since the iPad was launched similar products also got launched making the buyers even more choosy but as wise buyers we just need to research thoroughly before buying.
Gary
July 17, 2011 at 11:37 am
I’m not a great fan of the ipad. The buttons are so fiddly to use.
katie
July 2, 2013 at 10:18 am
I prefer the Panasonic toughbook. It is ruggedly awesome. 🙂