Tablets Galore! Which one to choose?
It’s raining tablets now. Looking at the sales figures, one can surely say that tablets are going to rule the world. Forget about 10 years, in a matter of 5 years we may be seeing tablets all around us! Truly, tablets are enough for 70% of the needs of the user,who just wants to listen to music, watch movies, play some cool games, check mail and surf the net. Some even use it for taking notes, recording audio/video and even editing them. And these are just some of the many cool things that tablets bestow on you. So, what tablets are on offer?
Apple iPad 3
Lets start with the one from Apple Turf! They were the first to bet high on a tablet, and were highly successful. If you haven’t heard of the iPad, you must be sleeping. But what about it?
Pros:
- 9.7″ Retina Display with 2048×1536 Resolution : Enough Said!
- 1GB RAM, enough for multitasking needs of a heavy user: iOS Multitasking is not new
- Available in 16,32,64 GB capacities
- 5 MP Primary Camera with 1080p Video Recording, Secondary with VGA Recording for FaceTime
- Battery Life: 10hrs
- iOS6 with Siri
- Wi-Fi+Cellular Model available.
Cons:
- Apple custom A5X Processor, with Quad Core Graphics: Though Apple says it is enough, it still is an outdated processor with graphics barely enough for the resolution quoted.
- Outdated Proprietory Connector : With the launch of lightning connector, the 30-pin is history.
- Sync with iTunes : This is either a boon or a bane, depending on your situation. Relying on a single software for your backup, updating and transfers is a boon, while not being able to do so with any other software is a bane.
- Memory is not expandable, and high capacity versions cost high enough that it is not worth it!
- Thick frame and bezel.
- Apple Maps, instead of Google. And they are really inaccurate.
Google Nexus 7
After tasting success with Android and Nexus Series, Google’s foray into tablets was inevitable. They did so with a bang with Nexus 7. Tying up with Asus for marketing and assembling, it is a VFM (Value For Money) Tablet on offer.
Pros:
- nVidia Tegra 3 Quad Core Processor clocked at 1.3GHz.
- 1 GB RAM, enough for the multitasking needs of a work-intensive user!
- Available in 16,32 GB Sizes.
- Can be synced with any System. Freedom of Transfer/Backup
- microUSB Connector
- Cheaper than competetion
- JellyBean, and gets updates first!
Cons:
- 7 inch 1280×800 resolution screen, when the competition has 1080p
- 1.2MP Primary camera with 720p recording! Still images are just enough for use as WallPaper/ Contacts
- Small battery that doesn’t last that long.
- Non-Expandable Memory. Internal Memory is not enough! (16GB gives 11.6GB only)
Kindle Fire HD 7 and 8.9
Amazon’s foray into tablet market started with Kindle Fire. And now, it is back with a much better product, the Kindle Fire 2! While the 7″ version is good, it is not considered by many as the display is of low resolution as compared to competitors, and the processor is slower.
Pros:
- Better display for reading books
- 8.9″ 1920x1080p display,which is beautiful and sharp
- Dual antenna WiFi – faster than competition
- Dolby Audio for better sound
- Battery life: 11 hrs
- Kindle Owners’ Lending Library
- Cloud Accelerated Browser – Silk!
- micro-HDMI Port
Cons:
- No Camera For taking pics/recording video. Only for Skype Calls
- Slower 1.2GHz TI OMAP Processor ( 7″ Version – 8.9″ version has slightly faster 1.5GHz Processor)
- No cellular data support ( 7″ Version – 8.9″ version has support for this)
- Low res (1280×800) 7″ Display ( 7″ Version)
Xperia Tablet S
When Sony first released the Xperia Tablet, everyone thought it was only for Xperia Fans, due to its slower/outdated processor, thick frame and low battery life. Looks like Sony has tried to fix it fast. How good is it then?
Pros:
- Powered by Tegra 3 Quad Core
- 8MP Primary Cam, with Full HD Video Recording
- Front 1MP Cam with HD Video Support
- TV-Out Link present
Cons:
- 9.4″ 1280×800 res display, which is very low compared to competition
- Looks delicate, and a huge fingerprint magnet
- Still on ICS, JB Update is said to roll out by year end, but it may be late
B&N Nook HD and HD+
Barnes and Nobles have re-defined the Nook! Nook was a huge hit with Android tablet lovers, and e-readers alike. Nook HD(7″) improved upon the specs and made it better. Nook HD+ (9″) is even better with a Full HD Display and larger battery.
Pros:
- 7″ IPS LCD Display with 1440×900 Res – Pretty decent
- 9″ version has 1920×1080 Resolution with a respectable 256ppi
- 16/32GB which can be expanded using microSD card (9″)
- Adequate 1GB RAM
- 7″ version is lighter
Cons:
- 9″ version is slightly heavier due to larger battery
- Though thinner than Nook, both are still thicker than competetion
- No 32GB version in 7″, but microSD card support is still there.
- Runs on Android 4.0, upgrade to Jelly Bean is not confirmed
- No Cellular Data Support
Well, these are the tablets on offer. Choosing between them is still a tough task, but we tried to make it simple and easy for you. You can explore detailed specs and latest offers on these and other tablets from here. Happy shopping!
Sri Teja Prabhala
I am Sri Teja. I am a funny guy who wants everyone around me to be happy. I am a Tech Holic, who likes to be up to date about the latest tech news and gadgets that are released. You know more about me, once you talk to me.