There's a huge amount of tablet computers on the market these days from a huge range of manufacturers (just remember you get what you pay for). It has been a busy few weeks for new hardware announcements, so here's a quick overview of the current heavyweights.
Apple
Apple cannot claim credit for popularising tablet computers - Microsoft, Archos, Nokia and others were all there before them - but it’s not much of a stretch to say it was the iPad that helped popularise the idea. Since the successful launch of the iPad in 2010, however, the market has changed dramatically, and they’re no longer the only force in town.
Still, iOS is excellent mobile software, especially with the recent iOS 7 release, and Apple hardware is reliably high quality. Access to the vast App Store remains the greatest asset of going with an Apple mobile device. Don’t expect much scope in terms of customisability, however.
Apple's current flagship products are the 4th generation iPad and the iPad Mini. The former goes for anywhere between €509 and €939, depending on internal storage and 3G capabilities, while those happy to forego size and processing power can pick up one of six mini models ranging from €339 to €669. However, iPad 2s are still available at €399 for the 16 GB model.
You might want to hold off if you’re considering investing in the higher-priced models: it’s been a year since the release of the last iPad, and updates to both the standard and Mini versions are expected within the next few months. They’ll be the first designed with native iOS 7, and you can maybe expect the same fingerprint scanner of the iPhone 5s alongside the usual camera / hardware / screen upgrades.
The first major tablet device currently on offer from Google is the 7” Nexus 7 (no prizes for guessing where that 7 came from). They company has just released a revision to the hardware, with an improved screen and processor over previous generation models. It comes with stock Android Jellybean software. Given its specs, the biggest draw is easily the price: the 16GB model goes for around €249. It should suit most people’s needs: a fast, cheap and effective Android device with a great screen. Just don’t expect a great camera or expandable memory.
For those in the market for something a little bigger, there’s the Nexus 10. Unfortunately this is not available in Ireland and needs to be imported. We’d also warn potential buyers to hold off for a while, as a new version is expected to be announced sooner rather than later. Prices start at around €300.
Microsoft
Microsoft has just announced their latest tablet efforts (although the older Surface model will remain available for purchase). The Surface 2 boasts that its three to four times faster than its predecessor (in Microsoft's words), a 1080p screen, a USB connection (a relatively unique feature), expandable storage and, naturally, Windows 8.1 RT. It’s also pre-loaded with Microsoft Office. Out in late October, it will retail from around €330. Microsoft’s marketing team are setting their sights on Apple with the release, including trade-in deals for old iPads and competitive ads like this:
There’s also a Surface 2 Pro on the way, for those looking to spend €660+ on their tablet. While Microsofts’ tablets come with many perks, Microsoft 8 is not yet as well supported by third party developers as Apple or Google’s online offerings, and the prices are certainly higher than most competitors.
Samsung
Samsung’s wide variety of Android based devices is one of the factors that has determined their ongoing market dominance, with phones, tablets and in-between ‘phablets’ coming in all shapes, sizes, and prices. The company’s flagship tablets, though, are members of the Galaxy Tab family, offered primarily in 7”, 8” and 10” models. There’s a huge range of these available for purchase, although the most up to date model is the Galaxy Tab 3, running Android Jelly Bean out of the box.
The best thing about the somewhat dizzying variety of Galaxy Tab models is that most will find one to suit their budgets. Prices for the Tab 3 start at around €200 for the Wi-Fi only 7” model with 8GB of storage (there’s a micro SD slot for expansion), increasing in price depending on size, storage and 3G. However, shop around and you might be able to find previous generation models for cheaper.
Tesco
Yes, Tesco. You can read more about their surprise announcement of the Hudl here. A very quick summary: Android, expandable storage, Wi-Fi only, multi-coloured, very cheap indeed (€140 or so). It’s UK only at the moment.
Amazon
The Kindle Fire HD is the tablet version of the Kindle e-reader. This week Amazon announced the HDX, coming in 7” and 8.9” models. Running a proprietary ‘Fire OS’, the biggest problem is that it offers little of the app variety of Android, Apple or even Microsoft devices, instead focusing on those looking for a more basic device, although this changing. In terms of video, e-books and basic Internet browsing, the Fire HD does its job: particularly suited for those looking for a more advanced Kindle (although the HD screen is tougher on the eyes than the standard Kindle readers). US prices are around the €170 mark for an 8 GB 7” model, or €280 for 8.9”. UK & Ireland release details have not yet been announced.
The previous generation model Kindle Fire HD has gotten a redesign as well, and is now selling for less than €120: an attractive price for anyone looking for little more than a device to watch films and read books while on the move. Just be aware that many of Amazon's services, such as MP3 downloads, remain inaccessible here.
