Tablets - Grab the right one

Post the Apple's invention of the iPad, the tablet market has undergone a change in terms of form factor and functionality. The 2 main elements that determine the success of the tablets arethe OS and its ability to seamlessly connect to the internet and access the range of apps from the app stores. According to the industry analysts, iPad was an inflection point in tablets and what Apple iPad did to the tablet PC market is like what the iPhone did to the smartphone marketre-invented it. If we look at what makes for a tablet device and how it is different from a notebook or desktop, is its ability to give a rich on-the-go user experience based on the content available in the internet.

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The tablet buying decision is getting increasingly complicated. And, now it has spilled out of its typical consumer domain and many enterprises are using tablets in business scenarios and making it an enterprise gadget as well. Here is a look at the range of tablets in the fray in India that cuts across form, function, and affordability point of views. But remember, that tablets are not PCs, they are totally a new category and are never a substitute for a full-fledged laptop or a desktop as it has got its limitations. This is the number one element a buyer needs to remember while buying a tablet and never compare it with the PC.

Apple new iPad ( aka iPad 3)

Apple in Q 1 of FY 12 launched the much anticipated its 3rd version of iPad just dubbed as new iPad. This third generation of its category defining mobile device, featuring a stunning new Retina display, Apple's new A5X chip with quad-core graphics and a 5 megapixel iSight camera with advanced optics for capturing amazing photos and 1080p HD video. iPad with Wi-Fi + 4G connects to fast networks worldwide, including AT&T's and Verizon's 4G LTE networks, and still delivers the same all-day 10 hour battery life while remaining amazingly thin and light. In India unlike the previous iPad's the new iPad was made available soon after the global lauhc an price here starts at Rs 30K for the 16GB model.

 

Samsung Galaxy Pad

Probably one of the closest competitor to iPad in terms of form and function is Samsungs Galaxy Pad. Sources in Samsung say that it has already sold 1 mn tabs globally since its launch last year and has updated it with a 8.6 mm screen and is also in the process of introducing models with 10.1 inch screen displays. Its an Android tab and that gives consumers huge scope for customizing their tablet to their needs. In addition to the Android market, Samsung is providing special customized applications suitable for India on the app store. This tab has features like 3 MP AF camera, immersive full HD experience with powerful graphics, video and music with sound alive 3D audio experience, all add to the rich user experience. Its powered by a Cortex A8 1.0 GHz application processor that delivers high performance, which is further complimented by its mammoth 16 GB memory (expandable up to 32 GB), making it an impressive device. The latest models of Galaxy tab has Google Android 3.0 and the Samsung Galaxy tablet costs approximately `33,000.

Acer Iconia

Over the last quarter, Acer has launched its Iconia series of Windows and Android 3.0 tablets and the company says it has received favorable responses from both its partners and consumers. Acer says that it has created a product line that has a complete edge over the competition in the marketplace on Android Honeycomb 3.0. For easy accessibility and usage, Acer has built a range of connectivity features in its tablets such as USB Ports, HDMI Port, SD Card slot for expansion, full Dolby stereo with echo-cancellation, and a whole suite of Acer-unique customer-friendly user interfaces like the social jogger for networking, the gaming zone, the e-reader zone, seamless sharing of digital content through clear-fi, all packed in a light, slim yet tough aluminum brushed metal body. The attention to detail extends to an elegantly designed sleeve that intuitively morphs into a facile easel-like stand for using the tablet. Such features enable us to have a compelling edge over the other products in the market place say sources at Acer. The cost of Acer Iconia ranges from `27,000 to `33,000.

BlackBerry PlayBook

BlackBerry PlayBook comes in an ultra-portable design and features industry-leading performance with real-time multi-tasking and symmetrical multi-processing. According to RIM, PlayBook delivers high-fidelity web browsing, including support for Adobe Flash, as well as spectacular HD multimedia, advanced security features, and out-of-the-box enterprise support. The tablet is also equipped with Wi-Fi support. RIM sources say that with PlayBook it has engineered one of the best professional-grade tablet in the industry with cutting-edge hardware features and one of the worlds most robust and flexible operating systems. The BlackBerry PlayBook solidly hits the mark with industry leading power, true multi-tasking, uncompromised web browsing, and high-performance multimedia. The OS used in the PlayBook is RIMs own QNX and RIM will be able to offer users a consistent experience across its whole product portfolio and create a single-developer community. While QNX is a strong platform that delivers on performance, graphics, and multi-tasking features, but its success in the media tablet market will be driven by the richness of ecosystem. RIM PlayBook starts at `27,990 (16 GB), `32,990 (32 GB), and `37,990 (64 GB), depending on the models.

Motorola Xoom

The last of the elite league of tablets is Motorola Xoom, actually it was the first tablet to adopt Googles Honeycomb 3.0 OS. This 10.1 inch HD tablet sports a dual-core processor (Nvidias Tegra 1 GHz). According to sources, Motorola XOOM redefines the tablet device category by providing more ways to have fun, connect with friends, and stay productive on the go. It allows consumers to experience HD content right on the device supports 1080p HD video and HDMI output to display content on larger HD screens, and plays video and other rich web content seamlessly with Adobe Flash Player.
Motorola XOOM features a front-facing 2-megapixel camera for video chats over Wi-Fi or 3G/4G LTE, as well as a rear-facing 5-megapixel camera that captures video in 720p HD. It delivers console-like gaming performance on its 1280x800 display, and features a built-in gyroscope, barometer, e-compass, accelerometer, and an adaptive lighting for new types of applications. It also features Google maps 5.0 with 3D interaction and delivers access to over 3 mn Google e-books and thousands of apps from Android market. Top 3G model cost around `42,000.

The Deal Breakers: Budget Tabs

While the ones above, each one of the devices have a sweet spot and that acts as a USP. But in the last 6 months there has been a deluge of low-cost tablets as well. They are in the sub `20,000 price points and go as cheap as `5,000. Lets take a look at some of the leading low-cost tabs in the market today:
Wespro PC Tablet Probably one of the cheapest tabs in the market that can churn out decent performance with its 256 MB RAM and the VIA 850 MHz processor, Wespro might appeal to people who are looking at a basic tablet experience. Its got an impressive list of ports including LAN port that makes for wired internet access. With Android 2.2 version, this tab costs an impressive `5,000 online and might vary depending on the city and the dealer.

iBall Slide With a 1 GHz ARM Cortex-A8 processor, this tablet sports a 7 inch screen with an ultra-smooth capacitive touch with Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS. It has a 8 GB built-in with 32GB expandable memory. Wi-Fi, bluetooth, and 3G dongle support gives complete flexibility for connectivity to the user. USB host and OTG port allow copy to and from the pen drive. A keyboard or a mouse can also be attached through USB port and of course the product can be attached to the PC. Bluetooth devices like headphone, keyboard, and mouse can also be used with the product. iBall Slide promises a powerful engine for an excellent performance and experience making it the most irresistible offer in the Indian market. The product comes with big 4,400 mAh lithium-ion battery supporting up to 6.5 hours of music and 5 hours of video. High-quality real 2.0 megapixels front camera and HDMI output for HD quality video completes the packaging of the product. HD quality video and 3D games are supported on iBall Slide. Since the product costs `13,995, hence makes one of the impressive looking low-cost tabs currently in the market. The other low-cost tablets that are worth considering are ones like Reliance 3G Tab, Olive Pad, Creative ZiiO 7, and Beetel Magiq. All these use either Android 2.2. or 2.3 and comes with limitations in terms of features and performance. Nevertheless, these are good options for those on a tight budget and can get an overall good tablet experience.