Phil Reusch asked:




The iPad has caused quite a bit of buzz in the computer world. It’s one of the first tablets that actually looks like it can deliver on what’s promised versus the many failed tablet computers over the last decade that have never actually caught on. Even though it looks like a great device, there are a wide variety of Android based tablets that are also soon to come out. It might be best to compare the iPad to these other devices to make sure you are going to get what you want.

Android is Google’s open source operating system that was originally made for mobile phones but eventually will be on netbooks and other devices like tablet computers. There are quite a few that will be for sale this year ranging from small 5″ screens up to 11″ tablets. There are some advantages of these to consider.

First is that you have control over your software. Third party vendors can make software for the device without having to get permission from Apple like in the Apps Store. This means that developers are going to feel better about making applications they know they can sale versus trying to stay within Apple’s limitations. This means you can get high quality applications from Android. For example, someone can design a browser that works with Flash on the device which the iPad does not have.

Secondly, is the actual hardware. Android devices can have things like USB ports which work with your external devices allowing you to use some of your external hardware with the tablet. With the iPad this is not an option at all.

Another big reason to consider the Android tablet is that within a few years it will overtake the iPhone in actual users. While it may seem advantageous right now to use the iPad since it has a large application base, this will switch very shortly as Android phones become more popular.

While the iPad is a good device, you may want to consider using an Android based tablet. With a wide variety of these coming out in the next year, consider the advantages they offer. The cost shouldn’t be as great because one company will not be controlling what applications go into the product. That should help greatly in keeping the cost down. Also with the different applications available for the product there should be more features.

So when you go looking for your new tablet just consider the options you will have and don’t limit yourself.

Viola