5:42 AM
Lecor Martineau
Google's Android mobile OS is considered one of the best alternatives to Apple's iOS when it comes to smartphones and tablet computers. Unlike Apple's closed system of hardware and software, the open-source nature of Google's Android OS makes it inviting for many hardware manufacturers to try their hand at making an Android-based device. That said, it's a system that has been slow to bear fruit when it comes to viable competitors to the Apple iPad.
The following five tablets represent the highest-quality Android-based tablets currently available.
Asus Transformer Pad Infinity TF700
The Asus Transformer Pad Infinity TF700 is one of the fastest Android tablets out there, combining an already proven design with a better camera, a faster processor, and a beautiful screen.
The good: The Asus Transformer Pad Infinity TF700's high-resolution screen rivals the new iPad's display in sharpness and clarity. Also, apps launch quickly, GPS works well, and its rear camera is the best I've seen on any Android tablet. The tablet's body has the same great thin and light design as the Prime.
The bad: So far, not enough Android apps take advantage of the TF700's higher pixel count. Also, its battery life isn't as good as the Prime's.
The bottom line: The Asus Transformer Pad Infinity TF700 is one of the fastest Android tablets out there, combining an already proven design with a better camera, a faster processor, and a beautiful screen.
Price: $488.00 - $560.91
Google Nexus 7
With a beautiful screen, fast performance, a comfortable design, and overall great media options, the Nexus 7 is easily the best 7-inch tablet available and one of the top tablets on the market.
The good: The Nexus 7's quad-core Tegra 3 processor delivers fast performance and a beautiful and responsive screen. Also, it's comfortable to hold and Android 4.1 brings a surplus of welcome additions. At only $200, the Nexus 7 is a steal.
The bad: The lack of built-in expandable storage and omission of HDMI are disappointing, and the design follows the plain, black tablet mold. The top and bottom bezels are a bit too thick.
The bottom line: With a beautiful screen, fast performance, a comfortable design, and overall great media options, the Nexus 7 is easily the best 7-inch tablet available and one of the top tablets on the market.
Price: $199.00 - $244.98
Asus Transformer Pad TF300
Though it isn't as thin or as sturdy, the Asus Transformer Pad TF300 delivers Prime levels of performance at a more affordable price.
The good: The Asus Transformer Pad TF300's Tegra 3-induced performance more or less matches the Transformer Prime's and goes a step further with a better rear camera, faster Wi-Fi performance, a more responsive screen, and an actual (and official) GPS feature. Micro-HDMI and microSD return, as does the keyboard option. The $350 entry price makes the TF300 the best full-Android tablet value currently on the market.
The bad: The tablet's design isn't as thin, sturdy, or sexy as the Transformer Prime's and feels a bit hollow in comparison. The $150 keyboard dock is still $150. The screen isn't outside-friendly, like the Prime's.
The bottom line: Though it isn't as thin or as sturdy, the Asus Transformer Pad TF300 delivers Prime levels of performance at a more affordable price.
Price: $345.99 - $422.47
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1
The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 is the best Samsung tablet yet. If you can get over its somewhat high price, it's a sound Android tablet investment.
The good: The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 sports a proven, sensible design, a bevy of useful features, and fast performance. The S Pen Stylus is a unique addition.
The bad: Only a limited number of apps make full use of the S Pen and some of the ones that do can be buggy and confusing. Some S Pen features aren't enabled by default and others don't work properly.
The bottom line: The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 is the best Samsung tablet yet. If you can get over its somewhat high price, it's a sound Android tablet investment.
Price: $469.99 - $629.95
Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 delivers a beautiful screen and fast performance but our enthusiasm is ultimately tempered when the price is taken into account.
The good: The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7's AMOLED screen provides gloriously deep blacks and superbright colors. The tablet is the thinnest small-form tablet yet and includes expandable memory, impressive games performance, and an IR sensor that turns the tablet into a smart remote control.
The bad: Two-year cellular contracts for tablets still stink, and even if waived, the subsidized $500 price looks like a steal compared with the overpriced noncontract tag of $700 staring you in the face. Also, an HDMI or USB port would have been useful.
The bottom line: The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 delivers a beautiful screen and fast performance but our enthusiasm is ultimately tempered when the price is taken into account.
Price: $399.99 - $529.99
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