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Yea, and what about Asus eee slate? I thought it was way better than the HP slate. Not even an honorable mention?
Just wondering why the Thrive is not on the list. 1 haven't bought anything yet but this one seemed to have extras that none other had (in other words, managed to differentiate itself from the crowd).
I just recently bought the Toshiba Thrive and I like it alot. it's a bit thicker than some of the other tablets, but it has a full-sized USB, a mini-USB, and HDMI connection. it also has a slot for a full-sized SD chip. It uses Android's Honeycomb OS and should be compatible with my Droid X, but I haven't hooked them up yet to try the connection out. The back is textured which makes it easy to hang on to and it's removeable so you can change the color of the back cover and the battery.
The reviews on Amazon and other sources were good and so far I've been very pleased. I think users' tablet choices are based a lot on individual taste.
The reviews on Amazon and other sources were good and so far I've been very pleased. I think users' tablet choices are based a lot on individual taste.
I concur with this observation. "He is a former IT manager and an award-winning journalist." So much for the award-winning journalist part. Report what you KNOW not what you speculate. That is the hallmark of a reputable reporter.
I just don't understand people who "review" something they never used, just like so many reviews of other products on Amazon dot dom where people downgrade a product based on what a friend said, or a delayed delivery from a third party supplier, etc.
Junk reviews.
Junk reviews.
... it's an article FOR iPad fanboyz, written BY an iPad fanboy. This is where TechRepublic doesn't just fail, it flat out sucks.
I'm so sick of people singing the praises of a unit that has a non-standard OS, meaning that it's basically a STAND ALONE DEVICE. iPad is not alone in this, it's just the most sad example of it.
Not like there aren't Windows 7 tablets out there. That have SD card support. And USB support... and... and... and...
I'm sorry, but the iPad gets credit for causing people to suddenly notice a device format that has been there since 2001 and nothing else. It has NONE of the features that I'd expect in a serious computing device -- my old smartphone that I got in 2004 had better support for a STANDARD operating system, and it had an SD card port, USB support, a docking station (supplied standard), WiFi support, and Bluetooth, too. Ok, so the iPad is great... why? JUST because it's an Apple device? SERIOUSLY??
Not like there aren't Windows 7 tablets out there. That have SD card support. And USB support... and... and... and...
I'm sorry, but the iPad gets credit for causing people to suddenly notice a device format that has been there since 2001 and nothing else. It has NONE of the features that I'd expect in a serious computing device -- my old smartphone that I got in 2004 had better support for a STANDARD operating system, and it had an SD card port, USB support, a docking station (supplied standard), WiFi support, and Bluetooth, too. Ok, so the iPad is great... why? JUST because it's an Apple device? SERIOUSLY??
Darren B & xenphibian you have both hit the nail squarely on the head! I wish I could add more than just my support of your statements but you have both said it all. THANK YOU!
And it's that tablets SHOULDN'T run full desktop OSs like the old Windows tablets do. iPad DOES have SUPPORT for Windows ( since it appears only Windows makes your list of "standard" OSs), it doesn't RUN Windows.
Defining "standard" as either "been around a very long time" or "usually runs on a desktop or laptop computer" is crazy. iOS and Android are "standard OSs" just as Windows and OSX are.
Defining "standard" as either "been around a very long time" or "usually runs on a desktop or laptop computer" is crazy. iOS and Android are "standard OSs" just as Windows and OSX are.
It is surprising that you have chosen amazing tablet to be number 2 when all of the info on it is rumor based. How did you reach that conclusion? On hunch?
I bought this for half the price of an apple ipad 2 and think it should be Number 1. Go Acer....
I do not know how to get rid of it ...
Does not work, poor screen, poor finishing, Wifi too weak, ... No wonder price is cheap !
Does not work, poor screen, poor finishing, Wifi too weak, ... No wonder price is cheap !
I already own a Acer Iconia Tab and I have friends and classmates begging me to sell mine to them, including some of my instructors. I've told them to check craigslist, but even when I look, there are less than two or three even being sold on a given day. The wifi works in every area of my three floor home and connects to my home network while I'm still outside in my car. The screen is great and the entire tablet, works great.
If I have big files to download from my computer, like 2-3GB movies files, I simply connect my external hard drive from my computer using the full 2.0 usb port on the Acer, in addition to the sd card slot I could use. I can share files via clear.fi to my entire home network, How about the mini usb port and ohh for good measure, connect to any HDMI capable TV.
If you got a bad one, bad luck, but that happens with ALL Electronic devices. So I'll buy it, No problem. Tell me how much... I should get it for a great price if it does not work, but I'm guessing the price you sell it to me for won't be much of a bargain though, will it?
If I have big files to download from my computer, like 2-3GB movies files, I simply connect my external hard drive from my computer using the full 2.0 usb port on the Acer, in addition to the sd card slot I could use. I can share files via clear.fi to my entire home network, How about the mini usb port and ohh for good measure, connect to any HDMI capable TV.
If you got a bad one, bad luck, but that happens with ALL Electronic devices. So I'll buy it, No problem. Tell me how much... I should get it for a great price if it does not work, but I'm guessing the price you sell it to me for won't be much of a bargain though, will it?
How do you rate the Amazon Tablet so high when it's not even released yet? Also, I'm seeing that they are pretty much outsourcing everything and won't have their own design out until next year. Sounds like a cheap start to me. Let's not put them on the silver medal stand until they actually have a product.
This is the worst list. EVER. The Xoom is dead last? I realize price is a factor here but come on. The NOOK Color is in no way, shape or form better than the Xoom.
And I love how Amazon is number 2 and they don't even have a device out yet. hmm...is someone elbow deep in it with Amazon perhaps? This list is garbage and should be trashed.
And I love how Amazon is number 2 and they don't even have a device out yet. hmm...is someone elbow deep in it with Amazon perhaps? This list is garbage and should be trashed.
You missed the part about price. The Nook Color costs less than HALF that of the Xoom. Otherwise, you're right that the Xoom is technically superior. For people who just want to do web, mail and possibly read a book, the Nook Color is a much better choice than a $500 tablet.
This is a list of the Top 10. Many others exist but didn't make the list, and he's rated the Xoom above all of those. I don't think his rating od the Xoom is fair either--I wouldn't have placed it on the list at all. As to it's being better than a NOOKcolor, have you TRIED the NOOKcolor? Because I had a Xoom and a NOOKcolor, and in the value-for-your-dollar arena, the NOOKcolor beats the Xoom hands down.
Really shouldn't have killed the touchpad as it's a viable alternative to the Slate (for business users.) They didn't need to compete in the popularity contest with it, it was designed for a different audience than the iPad anyway. Business users who can afford it will still want some of the older HP tablets, or the Slate. HP is probably getting out of the consumer market anyway and concentrating on business, this is probably a wise move considering all the cheap Android consumer products becoming available from competitors. Anyone remember IBM? The name said it all: B for business and M for machine. When competitor started outbuilding them in the PC market, they didn't compete, but moved out of that and kept doing what they always did best, business!
What about the Lenovo Thinkpad? Tons of apps, useable ports, pen, aoptional keyboard folio, etc. And you can actually order one today.
I have one of these and find it to way better then the few iPads that I support for work. Simaler price and way more featurs
The sd micro card support on the Asus Transformer is what first caught my eye and the keyboard dock clinched it. With it's expanded battery life and extended memory support with the SD card slot and two USB drives, it was a no brainer. I was kind of concerned that when in dock mode the Asus would be so netbook like that I couldn't stand it. I've found that's not the case. While I wouldn't have a netbook if you paid me, the Asus transformer is easy to read, retains and allows you to choose between tapping the screen to select or use the mouse pad on the keyboard dock. The only issue I find with the keyboard dock is the sensitivity of the mouse pad. I'll be typing away, inadvertently brush the mouse pad and instant cursor jump. But other than that, I'm loving my Asus and keyboard dock.
I also have wandering cursor when I accidentally touch pad. I do same thing with my laptops. If I am typing over a sentence, I turn the pad off using key on top keyboard row.
I've ordered both: the Asus EEE Pad Transformer and the dock, based on several reviews along the net. Yet I don??t dare to talk abou it since I don??t have a personal experience but therefore I find there's a tablet that doesn't exist in the market but is better than the one I've ordered. So I'm thinking in changing my mind and order a non-existent product at a non-existent price to a magical store. Surely it'll arrive in a magic carpet.
When I think of a tablet that I want to use and be actively mobile with, I want something that can easily slide into a large purse or slightly smaller than average messenger bag. While I think the Asus Transformer is a beautiful tablet, 10 inches is just a bit too big. I like the extra bells and whistles, but I want my tablets to be at least the size of a netbook or smaller.
No.2 doesn't even exist and no. 6 has been discontinued. I'm surprised the iPad 3 isn't no. 1.
I guess I am one of the "vocal minority" that believes that the 7 inch form factor is just about the right compromise between portability and utility. I'm not here to convince anyone otherwise, but I disagree with at least two of this articles assessments. 1. The Flyer is not that thick and heavy relative to the competition. Honestly I think reviewers are just parroting this from initial reviews without much hands on consideration. 2. The Flyer is an Android 2.3 device, not 2.2. This is an important distinction given the enhancements that 2.3 has over 2.2. Again, I wonder if the reviewer actually laid hands on the device. HTC should have priced this device more aggressively, and making Best Buy the exclusive US launch partner is also dubious in my mind. Sorry, but I hate the blue shirts. But otherwise, I believe that this Tablet is quite underrated.
I also own an HTC Flyer.
The 7" form factor fits in my back pocket or cargo pants pocket.
You can't hold it Jason? Do you have baby hands?
The implementation of the n-trig pen is great for taking notes synced to EverNote.
I think it was dumb to charge early adopters $80 for it. Then offer it for free a month later. Thank you HTC and Best Buy! I'm glad I found a substitute pen from Fujitsu for $23.
I am hoping that more developers start to integrate pen functionality into their apps.
The 7" form factor fits in my back pocket or cargo pants pocket.
You can't hold it Jason? Do you have baby hands?
The implementation of the n-trig pen is great for taking notes synced to EverNote.
I think it was dumb to charge early adopters $80 for it. Then offer it for free a month later. Thank you HTC and Best Buy! I'm glad I found a substitute pen from Fujitsu for $23.
I am hoping that more developers start to integrate pen functionality into their apps.
There's plenty of proponents of the 7 inch form factor and some really good hardware of that size (chief among them for me is the Galaxy tab). 7 inch factors are great on-the-go consumption devices for all sorts of media and certainly have portability advantages over their 10 inch brethren. You are right though - these are a compromise. Try creating content on these puppies or updating blogs or somesuch. Not always an easy experience.
For me, the Streak 5 fills this niche. Small enough for the pocket, big enough for web surfing, blogging and media consumption, small enough (just!) to be a mobile phone. Pairing a wi-fi 10 inch tablet with a 5 inch 'smartphone' in hotspot mode on a good data plan is a good way on getting the benefits of both platforms without the need for the device sprawl of a separate phone, laptop, e-reader and tablet device.
Samsung's new 5 inch Tab will be one to watch when it launches, methinks.
For me, the Streak 5 fills this niche. Small enough for the pocket, big enough for web surfing, blogging and media consumption, small enough (just!) to be a mobile phone. Pairing a wi-fi 10 inch tablet with a 5 inch 'smartphone' in hotspot mode on a good data plan is a good way on getting the benefits of both platforms without the need for the device sprawl of a separate phone, laptop, e-reader and tablet device.
Samsung's new 5 inch Tab will be one to watch when it launches, methinks.
Well moving from HTC Desire screen to 7 inch was great but you soon start using apps that could benefit from a bigger screen. EG reading documents eg PDF, Kindle. This is particularly frustrating when you need to use the keyboard. I am looking at a portable bluetooth keyboard to solve this problem shortterm.
Also I do agree that the shape is difficult to hold for long periods eg when watching a movie. I can't judge whether others are easier.
I find that response to my touch is slow sometimes. Don't know why. This did improve for awhile after I installed the latest patch.
The move to 3.0 is long overdue. Whether the 2.3 with HTC sense is just as good is not relevant, the perception is that it is using an outdated platform. It was promised last month but all we got was an upgrade to the existing platform. Not too good HTC.
Also I do agree that the shape is difficult to hold for long periods eg when watching a movie. I can't judge whether others are easier.
I find that response to my touch is slow sometimes. Don't know why. This did improve for awhile after I installed the latest patch.
The move to 3.0 is long overdue. Whether the 2.3 with HTC sense is just as good is not relevant, the perception is that it is using an outdated platform. It was promised last month but all we got was an upgrade to the existing platform. Not too good HTC.
Come on guys...when is someone going to evaluate these tablets with an open mind? Maybe I expected this to be more oriented for businesses. The IPad was first and is good but at what point does someone go...wow I really don't need Angry Birds to have a good tablet. The Galaxy and Eee Pads work great for our business and with the Eee Pad price makes them disposable when time to replace.
All of these devices have plenty of apps for businesses. I'll take a full keyboard option over the screen typing any day of the week.
All of these devices have plenty of apps for businesses. I'll take a full keyboard option over the screen typing any day of the week.
Another commentator on the Amazon Tablet indicates there will be no camera. If that's the case, doesn't that drop it from 2nd to off the radar? One of the most important aspects for adopting tablets isn't eye candy, it's about supportive technologies that replace laptops.
Tablets aren't and shouldn't be about replacing laptops. Tablets are and should be a separate category.
Amazon left the camera(s) off the Fire with good reason--they considered the most important thing to be getting it to consumers below $200. SInce iSuppli puts the BOM of the Fire at $186, and the cost to manufacture at $203, adding cameras isn't an option. Rear-facing cameras on tablets make little sense anyway--you look stupid holding it up to use the camera--and front-facing cameras make sense only if you'd consider video chat or video calling, and Amazon is placing this as a "content consumption device."
Amazon left the camera(s) off the Fire with good reason--they considered the most important thing to be getting it to consumers below $200. SInce iSuppli puts the BOM of the Fire at $186, and the cost to manufacture at $203, adding cameras isn't an option. Rear-facing cameras on tablets make little sense anyway--you look stupid holding it up to use the camera--and front-facing cameras make sense only if you'd consider video chat or video calling, and Amazon is placing this as a "content consumption device."
I wouldn't give Apple $1 for a glass of water in the desert. But I admit, Android is behind in the Tab market. Come on HTC, it can't be that hard for a company with your resources. I'll wait a while before I buy a Tab. Right now they are just a toy anyway.
I can bet HTC is cooking up something that'll kick the ass of these overpriced toys. I'm still waiting too. Asus Eee Pad enticed me most in this list but I would prefer an HTC alternative any day having used the orignal HTC Desire smartphone for almost a year now and I've never had enough of it. HTC you can do it.....
I'll take the tablet that can run a Debian stock install. The same full general purpose OS on my tablet as on my notebook, desktop and servers? I'll take two.
(It's reallyonly the touchscreen drivers missing at this point. Give us a touchscreen that provides drivers to the kernel.org folks or represents itself though an industry standard input interface and it's set to go)
(It's reallyonly the touchscreen drivers missing at this point. Give us a touchscreen that provides drivers to the kernel.org folks or represents itself though an industry standard input interface and it's set to go)
Don't make good tablet OSs. And it's not just about touchscreen drivers, as Windows 7 tablets demonstrate.
The last time or two you updated this, Amazon's tablet was on the list. Now here again, and yet again, nowhere. While I agree that Amazon should and will make their own Android tablet, they don't yet. Since this list is updated every 2-3 months, why not deal with it only once its real. And at least the, everyone will know if it really merits second place. And heck, why not give it first place.. even Apple can't compete against vapor. Every hot rumor is the Next Big Thing. Most don't seem so perfect once limited by time, physics, and economics.
As for tablets in general, love 'em. During a 40+ hour blackout in the wake of Hurricane Irene, I went through two laptops without getting to see a complete DVD. Switching to my Android tablet and Amazon's free Prime streaming, I got to watch several complete films, a chance to rest from bailing the cellar and playing acoustic guitar to pass the time ("Here Comes the Sun" didn't work, but "Good Riddance" kind of did)
As for tablets in general, love 'em. During a 40+ hour blackout in the wake of Hurricane Irene, I went through two laptops without getting to see a complete DVD. Switching to my Android tablet and Amazon's free Prime streaming, I got to watch several complete films, a chance to rest from bailing the cellar and playing acoustic guitar to pass the time ("Here Comes the Sun" didn't work, but "Good Riddance" kind of did)
How can you rate a product or products when you have not even done your homework. For example: "if you dont have a BlackBerry smartphone to tether to this one, then its difficult to recommend" The playbook tethers to any phone with a data plan and bluetooth. You can only bridge with a Blackberry. Tethering by nature is a function of the phone and why you can tether almost any phone to a netbook or laptop. Just seeing this one glaring error and lack of basic product knowledge how can I read the rest of the article in good faith. Simple, I can't, it is opinionated rubbish. I can tell you I take my playbook to every meeting I go to and effectively use it for notes, demos and presentations. Funny how I only see ipad users playing games or talking about the next silly app at breaks. The size simply makes it too cumbersome to be functional. 10" tablets are the same as 18" notebooks, great around the house, too big and bulky for much else.
With a Windows OS I get to use the same software -- or the Portable version of it -- that I run on my computer.
Pull the non-existent Amazon tablet and make this #2.
Pull the non-existent Amazon tablet and make this #2.
Fully agree with you I use this all the time as a consultant of which 70% of my time is at clients premises. This tablet has saved me hours of time in the office as all my reports and drawings can now be done on site. My main use is with the software Bluebeam pdf CAD and MS Word. Why is Apple number 1 on a professional website - what on earth can you use a ??3 app for or is this for lunchtime games?
I agree that the W500 is an excellent tablet. The included physical keyboard, full power of Windows, nice form factor, and excellent performance. After adjusting the size of the UI elements, very finger friendly as well. Does more of the business related tasks that I need than the iPad, or Android tablets.
The author clearly doesn't read the responds to his article (Poll) - So why even bother to respond. I saw the list and didnt even bother to read the whole thing. I like the comments, they are more direct than the article itself.
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