Five Reasons to Choose an Android Tablet Over an iPad

One of the hottest electronic products this year is clearly the Apple iPad. However these devices clearly lack a lot of desired features (flash, SD card slot, USB port, etc) that Google Android tablets have built in to all there devices. In terms of functionality, features and bang for you buck, an Android tablet is the clear and far away winner.

The top competitor for the Apple iPad right now is any one of a number of Google Android-powered devices manufactured by the likes of Motorola, Samsung, Dell and others. I've done my research and played with a few of the new Android tablets and at this point have decided that an Android tablet is a better choice than the iPad. In fact, there are a number of Android tablets coming out of China that can be had for a mere $100. These devices are every bit as good as the branded models and then some. Here are my top five reasons to choose one of these Android tablets over an iPad:

1. Choice of Size

The Apple iPad is closest in size to a 10×8 picture frame with its dimensions at 9.56 x 7.47 x.5 in. There are no other size options for the iPad, unless you're of the opinion that the iPad is merely a giant iPhone, and in that case the iPhone could count as a smaller version.

Unlike the iPad, the various Android tablets come in a range of sizes. The sizes include 5-inch, 7-inch, 8-inch, and 10-inch. The 5-inch tablets are admittedly just slightly larger than popular touchscreen smartphones, which tend to top out in the 4-inch range. But if they make them, there's obviously some kind of market for them. You can go bigger or smaller than the iPad with an Android.

2. True Multitasking

Apple has avoided true multitasking on the iPad primarily due to battery life and performance concerns, the reason they always leave off features on their new iPhones as well.

There are already some Android tablets running off dual-core processors, which have more than enough power to handle true multitasking. The multitasking panel is also extremely easy to navigate.

Apple should have figured out how to deliver true multitasking.

3. Cameras

Apple made a huge mistake in not including a camera on the iPad. At the very least it should have included and outward facing camera, but if it really wanted to be a winner, it would have also had a second, front-facing camera that users could use for video chatting.

Most Android tablets have inward cameras for video chatting. Google's native camera app also has some nice features that will let you alter your image, without having to download and edit it on your computer.

4. No Syncing Required

Whether you own an iPod, iPhone, or an iPad, you must sync the device with iTunes using a computer to transfer downloads purchased on your computer to the device. It's a royal pain, but it's Apple's way of keeping their users coming back to iTunes. It's also a very slow process.

With the Android Market Web Store, you can buy apps on your computer and send them to your device without syncing. Brilliant!

5. Replaceable Batteries

One of the things that irked me most about the iPhone and the iPad was the battery. It's not removable, and if it goes, you have to get a whole new device. If yours breaks and still happens to be under warranty, Apple will send you a new one - for a fee. For the iPad, if the battery goes, you can send in your old one and they'll send you a new one for $99. Oh, and make sure you synced it before it died because when they send you out the new one it won't have any of your apps or personal information on it. If you forgot to sync, you're S.O.L.

Android devices have their own batteries which are replaceable. If the battery goes, you just buy a new one. Or if you're under warranty, the manufacturer can send you a new one without having to bother with taking your entire tablet.

Other Amazing Features of an Android Tablet

-As mentioned above all Android tablets have flash for video as well as SD Card slots for expandable memory (typically up to 32GB). Most usually have USB ports as well for storage or for external devices.

-Android Marketplace has a huge selection of Apps with 50% of them being free! Most other apps can be purchased for a nominal fee of between $1 - $3.

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iPad 2 or Android Tablet?

The original Apple iPad has had a great first year. Although tablet pcs have been around for quite a few years, the sluggish and unfriendly performance offered never captured the publics' imagination to any great degree. Now, with the unimaginable success of smartphones over the years, it was time for the tablet to make a comeback. Apple have exploited the lack of competition in this end of the market to build a sizable advantage over the competition, mainly from Android. However, not to outdone by Apple, Google have moved swiftly to update their Os for tablets and help companies like Motorola and Samsung get their own tablets to the market quite quickly. But has the "rushed" launch of the Galaxy Tab hampered their momentum? The original Tab was released to the market using the smartphone version of Android and commentators felt this was a bad move, especially considering how well the iPad performed. However, with Honeycomb now being drip-fed onto the latest and most powerful Android tablets, the playing field has been levelled somewhat.

With the iPad 2 featuring an updated dual-core processor, the Android tablets quickly followed suit with the Motorola Xoom and Galaxy Tab 10.1 featuring similar engines. These are widely considered the "Big 3" in the tablet world at the moment, RIM's playbook and other such tablets are not exactly garnishing the greatest reviews. All of the "Big 3" feature updated Os's, front and rear facing cameras and HD video recording. Both Android tablets have 1080p playback, whereas the iPad 2 only manages 720p. Many reviewers have commented on the fact that, despite having a slightly lower resolution, the iPad 2's screen just looks better. The two Android tablets are the clear winners when it comes to the cameras, with both featuring 2MP front facing and the Xoom having a 5MP rear, the Tab an 8MP. The ipad 2 can only manage a VGA front facing camera, with the rear rumored to be 3-5MP. Apple will undoubtedly address this shortcoming with their annual hardware update of the iPad, most likely due Spring/Summer 2012.

Android 3.0 has now been fully optimised for tablets, although Googles frustrating policy of only making the latest versions available on select machines remains. This will not really affect the high-end Android tablet customers, but the lower end will have to make do with older builds. Widgets and full Flash support are now in place, Androids only real ammunition against the seemingly unstoppable iPad 2. This will no doubt make a sizable dent in Apples market share, but many (including myself), expect Apples domination in this market to continue for years to come. Recent figures released point to the iPad having 89% of worldwide and 97% of US traffic. Android has come on leaps and bounds in the past few years, taking a sizable chuck of the smartphone market. Non 'premium' smartphones are doing excellently for the Android brand, offering consumers a complete smartphone experience at a fraction of the price of a new iPhone 4 or Galaxy S2. Honeycomb and future Android updates will continue to improve their tablet experience also, offering a flexibility an Apple device will never have.

Apple, I feel, will continue to dominate the tablet sector for years to come. With the iPad and iPad 2, they have built a brand people want. Microsoft has had tablet PCs out for years and been unable to convince the public or even the vendors that they are the future. Apple has built a lifestyle tool in the iPad. A 'tablet pc' may sound daunting for casual users, an iPad is 'just a big iPhone', but the public love it. Now with iOS5 on the horizon coupled with the iCloud and iTunes Share services, the ease of use can only get better. Better multitasking, tabbed browsing, notifications and multi-touch gestures are some of the new features available for the iPad and iPad 2 this September. Unlike the latest versions of Android, these will be directly available for download to your device, no limitations. iTunes is the biggest music store in the world, the new features in iCloud and iTunes share will only increase this.

The winner here? Well both the iPad 2 and Android equivalents are all fantastic devices, similarly priced and when it comes down to it, really quite similar. Choice has never been better and buyers have a wealth of literature at their fingertips to help them choose. Apple will continue to dominate I suspect, however Google cannot be written off and will continue to steal the iPad's market share, albeit slower than they may like. So, the real winner here is you, the consumer. Choose wisely, and you wont be disappointed.

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News: Apple claims Amazon Fire could stoke Android fragmentation

In a recent meeting with Barclays analyst Ben Reitzes, Apple CEO Tim Cook and CFO Peter Oppenheimer made several surprising statements about the Amazon Fire. Business Insider, citing Reitzes, claims that while the executives noted that the Fire’s $199 pricing appears to be disruptive and seems to be the iPad’s most important rising challenge, the product could also be the catalyst for further fragmentation in the tablet market, as it represents another platform—while compatible with Android, the apps work with Amazon products. Reitzes claims that the executives welcome further fragmentation in the Android ecosystem, as it could drive consumers—and likely developers—to Apple’s more stabile platform. Amazon will begin shipping the Amazon Fire on November 15.

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Tablet PC Android OS: Is It Really Free?

Tablet PCs running on Android OS are garnering a major segment of the Tablet market. Despite great releases by competing OS, every brand of Tablets running on the open source Android OS are making the most sales. This implication for you as a tech-device seller is that Android OS market is where you need to move your business to.

Android Phone vs android tablet PC

Within the segment of Android OS-based devices, you have several niches and two main contenders here are Android Phones and Android Tablets. Again, if you have been following market trends, discussion forums or tech leaders you as a communication devices seller would now be able to identify that there is soon going to be a cleavage between the over-sized Smart Phone and the multi-tasking Android Tablet PC.

Android Tablets have already taken off to a rocketing start given their inherent characteristics of Open Source software, use of multiple-vendor-hardware and fundamental features of a good performing device-connectivity, security, battery-life and affordable pricing.

First advantage with Android OS Tablets-its free

The advantage with software that is developed in Open Source format is that it is free and everyone can use it. Linux, Ubuntu, Fedora are the various names of software in which such Free Open Source Software can be developed. Secondly, anybody can use it, make changes to it and share it again with the user community. In the case of Android OS (the source code or software to run tablet, phone or any other device) the free source code though developed by Google is free to use by anybody. This is not the case with iOS or the Operating System used Apple to develop its suite of devices like the iPhone, iPad or the iPod. The iOS is a proprietary software which is secretly guarded by Apple and not free for anybody else to use.

The Android OS though belonging to Google is free for every other manufacturer etc., to use in their own products, make changes to it etc. The result is manufacturers do not pay for the OS but still have cutting-edge, superior OS to put on the China Tablets they manufacture. This is one of main reasons for the low prices of China tablets.

Second Advantage with Android OS Tablets- Affordable h/w, s/w and enriched features

Android OS can be built to be compatible with hardware components available in the market. Therefore, Chinese manufacturers are able to build their Android tablets around inexpensive hardware. Here again some of the makers use branded hardware, in which case, these become the high-value tablets but, yet, less expensive than the branded tablets.

Besides, the Android OS is fully enabled for the entire Google suite such as Gmail, Skype, Google Maps etc., thereby every tablet made using this OS will come pre-installed with the Google family. Advantage China tablets.

Third Advantage with selling Android OS Tablets-its legal

Therefore, it is not-illegal to buy and sell Android OS made Tablets as the inherent licensing of the software allows this. This is not the case with iOS and selling or buying outside of Apple stores could sometimes be a high-risk investment.

Android Tablets sourced from Chinese Suppliers gain as follows

Sellers can offer their discerning buyers two value systems of Tablets, one inexpensive average performing devices and the second variety, which are high value and display a performance that sometimes surpasses the branded Tablets such as Motorola Xoom, Samsung Galaxy in the price department as well.

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Android Tablet PC Product Range Essentials

Unbranded Android Tablet PC - better technology, better returns

To the uninitiated Smart Phone retail storeowner and consumers alike; the ultimate phones in smart phone are popular and high profile brands such as a Samsung or a Motorola. These are brands, which have high recall value, thanks to the constant bombardment of advertisements for their various models. For every new model they release you will be subjected to seeing the models everywhere around you- on newspapers, TV, and web too.

However, are you aware that under the hood all these brands use the same Operating System or software that allows the hardware of a smart phone to function smoothly? Customized features differentiate one brand from the other. Whether a Motorola or a Samsung, the consumers who buy from your retail store are paying more for the brand name than the technology.

Android OS

There are several types of OS available for Smart Phones. While Apple uses exclusive proprietary software to develop their stable of smart devices such as iPhone, iPad and several other products, there is alternative open source software available such as the Android, by Google. Now, Androids are the ultimate in mobile technology and are intuitive, marvelous software.

Thanks to Android Tablet PC

Thanks to Google's revolutionary Android it is possible to build a host of devices and that includes the most successful form the Tablet PC. This is fast revolutionizing the computer world. No longer do people have to depend on expensive proprietary, high volume hardware to connect to the internet. The Android Tablet PC is a point in information technology that is making computing available everywhere at unmatched prices. Tech-entrepreneurs are finding it increasingly easy to assemble Android Tablet PC at very economical prices, thanks to its seminal technology behind it.

This is where the unbranded Android Tablet PC fascinates consumers/sellers

Considering that most brands are assembling the same processors, sound systems and slapping on different styles of hoods in a variety of colours and finishes here is something for the discerning Android Tablet PC who users, who use it for the pure technology that the Tablet PC offers.

Think about it..

The prices of a top-rate Tablet such as that offered by HTC Flyer is slated to cost around $730 and comes with first Android Gingerbread Tablet, with 7" inch screen, 3G/Wi-Fi connectivity, 5MP Camera and a 1GHz Qualcomm CPU.

Xoom Tablet by Motorola is to cost $800 to $600 depending on the data plans you choose. With a formidable array of features such as a dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2 processor, 2 cameras and a HDMI Video it is one of the better priced tablets.

And Finally, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Price with a 7-inch Multi-touch screen, has the latest Android OS v2.2 running and close to 1GHz Hummingbird application processor for enabling 3D graphics. Prices range from $200 to $400 and are probably the entry-prices for the tablet devices.

iPad by Apple, the first to bring out the Tablet comes on its close-source and costs $499 for a WiFi with 16GB. The 64GB model with WiFi and 3G is to cost over $829.

However, if you were to discover that a local brand such as Eximus Android 2.1 Tablet, with fully loaded features such as an 7 inch touch screen, WiFi, Camera as well as HDMI features costs a mere #132.45(shipping inclusive), then you would be the first to agree that the unbranded Androied Tablet PC is what you need to buy. Wholesale prices are as low as $115.43 and are shipped free of cost for bulk orders.

For branded Android Tablet PC you are essentially paying out of your pocket for style, looks, the attractive packaging and the brand-name. Their prices are fancy and the features tweaked attractively. However, it would surprise you to discover that you not only save on the money but you will be gaining on the technology front as well.

Here is why you should use the unbranded Android Tablet PC

Unbranded Android Tablet PC would offer you more variety in terms physical designs as well as help you save on the hardware costs. Retailers need to choose their vendors diligently as not all factory-priced Android Tablet PCs are premium quality. Peer review, top-listed manufacturers and online portals should be your choice.

Retailers, Wholesalers and Mobile Phone Storeowners find innumerable categories of product essentials and get some of the best deals for Smart Phones and android tablet PC here, come to Chinavasion or paste this link into your browser: http://www.chinavasion.com/android/