Galaxy tablet (Dec 2010) from http://galaxytab.samsungmobile.com
Hey everyone this is Dustin, Welcome to our blog.
2010 has definitely been the year for PC tablets! With the release of the Apple iPad in April 2010, other names have quickly began to emerge. Although we may have only heard of a few, there were more than 60 types of tablet PC’s released this year. Apple has reintroduced the tablet design to the world in an attempt to separate themselves from other tablet computers. They have opened the eyes of both consumers and competitors to the possibilities of tablet style computing.
For those that don’t already know, a PC tablet is a portable personal computer that operates wirelessly and often uses the touch screen function. PC tablets are frequently helpful because they are a smaller size compared to a Notebook but a larger size when compared to a Smartphone. PC Tablets offer more convenient and lightweight alternatives to the other devices.
There are multiple types of PC tablets which range from convertible tablets to the more common slate tablets. A Convertible Tablet often has a screen that is able to rotate in order to close the incorporated hardware keyboard where as a Slate Tablet is a stand alone device that is strictly a touch screen and displays an onscreen keyboard for users. In addition there are also tablets that include features from both Convertible Tablets and Slate Tablet which are called Hybrid PC Tablets. Also, among the various formats are tablets that are encased in a hard shell that are called Rugged Tablets.
PC Tablets are hardly a new concept. It was in the early 1980’s that the first concept of tablet personal computers surfaced. Despite the excitement that was generated from the innovative idea the earlier attempts at tablet style devices failed. The complex engineering and lack of technology led to the downfall of the tablet design. However with the growth of our current technology the tablet design has resurfaced and now introduces even more features than initially anticipated.
The competitors are quickly lining up. If you’re interested in purchasing a PC Tablet here is a brief comparison of the 2 most popular devices and their positive and negative attributes:
Apple iPad
Positive:
- Browsing- Same browsing as an iPhone but without the hassle of zooming in and out, the ability to view the entire page without straining your eyes is a big plus.
- Email- Good visual presentation and layout of users email.
- Photos- Much easier to share and show off your memories and the flick scrolling makes it more fun navigating through them,
- Videos and Gaming- Same fun iPhone apps plus tons of improved apps design specifically for the ipad. In addition Apple has also built with a direct access to iTunes store.
- Ebooks and Newspapers- Great alternative to the popular Kindle device and other eReaders, users can read full books and purchase and downloads new one as needed. Several full newspaper publications are also available.
- Price Points- The iPad is available in several versions the 16GB, 32GB, and the 64GB either with Wi-Fi or Wi-FI+3G compatibility. (Wi-Fi only $499-$699) (Wi-Fi+3G $629-$829)
Negative:
- Battery Life- Better than other tablets but less than expected. (Understandable giving the features offered)
- Portability- Size is questioned by some users but then again it is supposed to be bigger than a Smartphone.
- Social Interaction: There is no front facing camera limiting the amount of visual interaction. No video chatting!
- Lack of Flash Support
- (Check out more information on the Apple iPad)
Samsung Galaxy:
Positive:
- Browsing, Email, Videos, and Photos- The Samsung Galaxy offers most of the same great features that the iPad offers. The Galaxy operates using their Android OS and the performance speed and connectivity is great. A browser that operates using Flash is also a major advantage.
- eReading- The Galaxy comes pre-installed with Kindle for Android, allowing users to shop book titles just as they would with their Kindle device.
- Portability/ Size- This tablet offers a 7in screen size and is half the weight of the iPad. Fits perfectly when holding it in your hand.
- Price- On average $400-$600 depending on cellular service provider.
Negative:
- Battery Life- Like the iPad the battery life is less than desirable.
- Screen Orientation- Gravity sensor is a little sluggish and often takes a moment to readjust to movement.
- Screen Resolution- Some applications do not support the 1024×600 screen resolution resulting in the loss of visual quality.
- (Check out more information on the Samsung Galaxy Tablet)
These two devices are only an introduction to the tablet PC world. Tablets come in many sizes, shapes, and designs. Operating systems also vary along with unique features and hardware. For the right tablet to suit your style and needs check out these other mentionable products.
- Dell Streak
- HP Slate
- Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet
- Viewsonic View Pad
- Archos 7
- Sony Dash
Thanks for Reading have a Great Day!
Dustin
Tags: internet, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, tablet
