Tip UsIt seems like every tech manufacturer not named Apple or Blackberry has joined the Android race.
With the release of the new tablet-optimized Honeycomb, the playing field is expected to get even more crowded in the months to come. While many promising Android tablets are still on the drawing board, there are excellent Android devices that you can already get right now.
Here are five of the best…
Motorola XOOM
Being the first tablet to run on Honeycomb, the Motorola XOOM served as a model for subsequent Honeycomb tablets that were released. Thank God it didn’t serve as model for pricing. With the WiFi only version going for $600 and the WiFi+3G version at $800, the XOOM is one of the most expensive tablets available in the market. The specs and features may justify the numbers though: Nvidia Tegra 2 1.0 GHz dual core processor, 1GB DDR2 RAM, 32GB internal memory, rear and front-facing cameras, 10.1 inch capacitive screen, HD video capability, etc. To boot, the Motorola XOOM has a form factor that can rival that of the iPad.
ASUS Eee Pad Transformer
Is it a tablet or is it a netbook? With its unique features and innovative design, the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer is in a class of its own. Mind you, the Transformer is not just a tablet with a keyboard. When the optional keyboard dock is attached, this nifty device turns into a true-blue laptop computer. Almost identical to the XOOM in terms of specs, the Transformer is much cheaper without the keyboard dock. The 16GB model can be had for only $399 while the 32GB model goes for $499.
LG G-Slate
The LG G-Slate has a feature that no other tablet is currently offering and that is the capability to shoot HD videos in 3D. The unique feature is achieved through 2 rear-facing 5MP cameras that are placed side by side. The 3D video can then be played on the G-Slate’s 8.9 inch, 1280 by 768 resolution display with the use of 3D glasses. If you want to shoot 3D videos with a tablet, then be ready to shell out $750 (no contract).
Acer Iconia Tab A500
The Acer Iconia Tab is one of the heaviest Honeycomb tablets available in the market. The added weight is compensated with a cheaper price. At $450, the Iconia is $50 cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy Tab and the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer. The features of the Iconia is similar to the XOOM but it is only currently available in a 16GB WiFi model. Acer is planning to release a 4G version of the Iconia later this year.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 and 10.1
The original Android flagship tablet reincarnates with bigger screen-size, heftier features and, of course, better operating system. The new Samsung Galaxy Tab comes in 8.9 inch and 10.1 models, a big improvement over the puny 7 inch screen of the original. With specs and features comparable to the XOOM and Iconia, the new Galaxy Tab is priced competitively with the 8.9 inch, 16GB model going for $469.
There you have it. Five excellent Android tablets that you can take home today. Yes, if Android is the future of tablets then the future is here. What are your thoughts? Let us know via Twitter, Facebook or leave us a comment below.
