Apple iPad vs Android Tablets

Now that the Apple iPad is rising in sales and popularity everyday, other manufacturers want a slice of that proverbial pie, so to speak. And topping the list of iPad killer-wannabes are Google’s Android Tablet, a project that is on its way to seeing store shelves in the near future and other tablet computers using Google’s open-source Android platform.

So how do these Android tablet computers stack up against the Apple iPad? Let’s go through the pros and cons of the current apple of Steve Jobs’ eye (pardon the pun), and match the iPad up against those who wish to dethrone it.

The Pros of the Apple iPad

A stunning graphics interface, crisp video and clear visuals are all part of the iPad’s package. Add to that smooth interaction between yourself and the iPad, superb touch screen sensitivity, Bluetooth, WiFi and 3G connectivity, an amazing 10-hour battery life and the simple and easy-to-use OS platform that almost everyone has come to love. A plethora of exciting games and hundreds of different applications add to the coolness factor and beauty of the Apple iPad. All the apps (and more!) that made the iPhone popular now have their iPad counterparts, guaranteeing users hours and hours of multimedia bliss and entertainment.

The Cons of the Apple iPad

It’s been said before and we’ll say it again: the lack of a camera and USB ports have turned off some potential buyers of the Apple iPad. Multitasking, which Mac lovers have enjoyed and loved in iMacs and Macbooks, is nonexistent in the iPad as well. There is, to date, no way to use two or more applications at the same time. It also does not support Flash with Safari (its web browser), as of the moment, making YouTube, Hulu and CBS fans very disappointed.

The Pros of Android Tablets

The main attraction of these rival tablet computers is the fact that the Android operating system is open-source. This means that coding for programs, applications and the like is available for people to use and improve on. Consequently, programmers will have a field day creating different applications, resulting in probably even more games and apps in the future for Android Tablets. Most of these tablets are also cheaper than the iPad. The Enso zenPad, for instance, is a steal at only 5. This nifty tablet features 8G (expandable to 32G) of storage, as well as WiFi connectivity. You can get GPS and 3G for an additional and , respectively. Another Android tablet worth looking at is the Dell Streak (previously known as the Mini 5), which is slated to come out in September. Another advantage of these tablets is that some of them feature cameras and Flash support, which the iPad does not have.

The cons of Android Tablets

Because of certain restrictions of the Android OS, tablets using this platform can only have a screen size of 7 inches at the most. This means that the iPad will still be much larger than any Android Tablet out in the market, even in the future, unless Google lifts or changes these restrictions. Also, Android Tablets haven’t surpassed the iPad when it comes to battery life. This alone is a huge factor to consider.

So, who emerges victorious in the battle between the Androids and Apple? That fact still remains to be seen, as there are still a lot of Android Tablets that have yet to be released this year. And while we’re all waiting for those release dates to come, the Apple iPad still owns the crown as the best tablet computer thus far.

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Apple has touched a new market with its iPad device, which is mid-sized tablet PC integrating features of smartphone, eBook reader and PC. Up till now, tablet sector has been under-performing due to high prices as well as limited functionality; they are outshined by normal laptops. Therefore, iPad may not face much competition from other PC vendors.

Google’s Initiative

In January, the search giant had released its own branded ‘superphone’, called Nexus One. After that, Google has also showcased its tablet based on the Chrome operating system. Now, it might worry Apple from the Google’s new initiative. It is predicted that the Chrome-based tablets will offer attractive features and various web based apps that may affect Apple iPad sales.

Earlier this month, a Chrome-based tablet has detailed that boasts a virtual keyboard, contextual control and multiple tabs for multitasking, or please users that requires simple functionality, like surfing the Web, checking e-mails or editing Office docs. The Chrome based tablets will be available later this year, which will use web-based operating system to produce more revolutionary product than Apple’s tablet.

Here, the feature discusses few advances in the Chrome-based tablet, which may pose a threat to Apple’s iPad.

1.    Google’s tablet is for multitasking

Apple has legacy to design products that are complete and the devices for the future. But, Google also knows how to remain on the top. Google will offer multi-tasking in its tablet, which is lacking in iPad. It is reported that you cannot switch over to Safari to read the news, if you are visiting pages.

2.    Web-based apps

Apple introduced its iPhone operating system in the iPad, but a Web-based operating system could deliver several features, which may include off-site storage of data that can be access wherever net connection is available. Further, users can also avail features of cloud computing on the Google devices.

3.    The Web Is the App Store

Apple’s App Store will offer over 140,000 applications available for download to its iPad. But, Chrome operating system will also have competitive advantage over others as the software does not require so many apps, because the Web is its app store.

4. Ubiquity is the key

Apple’s operating system is only available to iPad, while Chrome can run on various devices, which means users will have wide variety of PC vendors to choose from. Further, this means that there will be lot of competition between different Chrome based tablets, which give benefits to consumers with low prices. $499 for an iPad is a great price, but lack of 3G and small hard drive will transfer buyers to Chrome tablets.

5. Chrome OS for light weight systems

Chrome operating systems could not compete with Windows 7 or Mac OS X. But, it is suitable for netbooks and tablets, which comes with basic functionality like Web surfing and basic document editing. Just like Android platform, Chrome based devices can also offer multitouch options, which can match the outstanding multitouch experience of Apple’s iPhone.

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