Tablets, Tablets, Tablets! That seems to be the tech gadget that everyone is talking about. Whether you’re buying one for your personal life, business, or to use as giveaways at trade shows — Tablets are taking over the world.
Last week, I grabbed some breakfast at a local restaurant and noticed that the people sitting next to me had an iPad. They brought their iPad to breakfast with them so that their child (who looked to be about 2) could watch his morning cartoons. At first I thought that it was ridiculous that they were promoting watching tv during a family breakfast. But then I realized that it kept the child from screaming, whining, or complaining and the parents looked really happy being able to carry on their own conversation and enjoy their breakfast. Is the iPad the new babysitter?
And let’s not forget, CrewTracker Software™ can be used on anything that has internet access using a web browser!
So I compiled some reviews and prices for the more prominent tablets on the market….
RIM BlackBerry PlayBook: $499
Pros
Excellent user interface. Sharp, beautiful screen. Top-notch browser with full Flash-video support. Wirelessly transfers files to and from computers on same network. Internet tethering with Blackberry phones works well—and it’s free.
Cons
Some hardware issues and significant software bugs. No native e-mail support at launch—only browser bookmarks for Webmail sites. Bridge support for BlackBerry phone sync is not yet finalized. No video chat despite front-facing camera.
Bottom Line
When RIM pushes out the updates to make the BlackBerry PlayBook a better tablet for e-mail, video chat, and productivity, we’ll revisit this rating. For now, though, it’s outmatched by competitors with more versatile and complete feature sets.
Acer Iconia 6120: $1,199.99
Pros
Dual screens equals lots of screen real estate. Innovative touch software bundle. Reasonably priced. USB 3.0 port included. Its TouchBrowser utilizes both screens.
Cons
Virtual keyboard will anger and flummox most typists. Big and heavy for a tablet or laptop. Bottom screen is hard to use under a bright light. Media card slot reader is an external USB attachment. Gesture editor and number of other utilities are too BETA to use. Paltry battery life. Lacks a good 3D chip for CAD and serious graphics designers.
Bottom Line
The Acer Iconia 6120 is a unique and innovative take on multitasking, but the virtual keyboard and Acer’s touch software pack aren’t ready for prime time.
Motorola Xoom (Verizon Wireless) $599- $799
Pros
The first Android tablet with Google’s tablet-specific Honeycomb OS. Fast. Beautiful, highly responsive touch screen. HDMI output for televison/computer monitor viewing.
Cons
User interface seems overcomplicated at times. Flash support is only in beta mode, has limitations. While promised in the future, there’s no support for SD cards at launch. Android Market on the device is buggy. Few high-quality, must-have Honeycomb apps.
Bottom Line
The Motorola Xoom for Verizon Wireless is the best Android tablet yet, but with a lack of key features (like full Flash video and SD card slot support) and mediocre apps at launch, it doesn’t measure up to the Apple iPad.
Apple iPad 2 (Wi-Fi + 3G): $629- $829
Pros
Thinner than the original. New A5 chip offers faster graphics processing, general performance. Dual cameras for video chat, HD video recording, and stills. Improved design incorporates internal magnets for Smart Cover accessory. 3G versions available on AT&T and Verizon Wireless. Improved AirPlay features. Supports HDMI output (via optional adapter).
Cons
Image quality with rear-facing camera is not great. Front-facing camera is not HD. Still no Flash video support. No earbuds included.
Bottom Line
The clear standout in the ever-widening sea of tablets, the Apple iPad 2 brings a slimmer design, faster processing, dual cameras, and FaceTime video chat to a tablet that already had a leg up on the competition.
Accessory of the Moment –Zagg Zaggmate with Keyboard: $99
Pros
Holds iPad in landscape or portrait orientation. Useful iPad-specific keys. Connects easily via Bluetooth. Long battery life. Doubles as screen-protecting case.
Cons
Raised edges make typing difficult. Small keys. Recessed connectivity buttons. Some keys in unexpected places.
Bottom Line
The Zagg Zaggmate with Keyboard is a useful travel companion that can help boost your iPad productivity, but it’s not for the large-handed or the impatient.
*All of these reviews are from pcmag.com