Apple's iPad 2 stays firmly in first thanks to its svelte design and 100,000-plus apps. But a pair of Android tablets are right behind it: Asus' Eee Pad Transformer Prime, the first tablet with Nvidia's Tegra 3 chip, and Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1.
Apple iPad 2 with Wi-Fi 64GB
The Apple iPad 2 is neither a revolution nor a revelation. Rather, it's an evolutionary bump over its predecessor, which is enough for iPad 2 to be competitive with, and stay ahead of, its tablet competition, even if only by a hair. While the iPad 2 still leaves much room for improvement, it delivers a largely satisfying tablet experience at an appealing price (in 18 variants, starting at $499 for a 16GB, Wi-Fi-only version).
Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime TF201
The stylish Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime TF201 delivers both high performance and high value, a rare combination in the world of Android tablets. It uses Nvidia's Tegra 3 processor, which powers the tablet to several performance firsts and delivered terrific image graphics rendering in games optimized for the new processor. Given its promised future upgrade to Android 4.0.1 Ice Cream Sandwich and its next-gen technology, not to mention its appealing price--$499 for the 32GB model and $599 for 64GB (prices as of 11/30/2011)--the Transformer Prime represents one of the best tablet values today.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Wi-Fi 16GB
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Wi-Fi is the first Android tablet to mount an effective challenge to Apple's iPad 2 in the area where Apple does best: design. And let's face it, where tablets are concerned, design occupies center stage. Happily for Samsung, the Tab 10.1--available in limited distribution starting today, starting at $499 for a 16GB version--parlays its design and its Android 3.1 operating system into a machine that vaults to the head of the Android pack.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 Wi-Fi 16GB
Samsung's tweener-size tablet perfectly balances usable screen real estate and portability, but we saw a slightly greenish cast to the display.
Toshiba Thrive 16GB
he Toshiba Thrive feels chunky compared with the svelte, lightweight market leaders, namely the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Apple iPad 2. But tucked neatly along the Thrive's edges are its secret weapons: an SD Card slot, plus Mini-USB, USB, and HDMI ports. Those ports keep the Thrive from being just another tablet in a crowded field. We tested the 16GB Thrive AT105-T1016 ($500 as of July 13, 2011); Toshiba also sells an 8GB version for $430, and a 32GB version for $580.
source: pcworld
