And unlike last year when most seemed to be trying to play catch-up with Apple's uber tablet, with what many critics described as “oversized Android smartphones,” this time there are a number of contenders across different platforms (including a revamped Android one), each claiming to add a new dimension to the tablet experience. Adding to the tablet fun is the fact that Apple itself has launched the second version of the iPad.
Yes, if 2010 saw the tablet clouds gather, 2011 is going to see them rain down with a vengeance. And while it is no easy task to choose between the dozens of tablets that have either just hit the market or are expected in the coming days, we reckon the following seven are likely to grab the most attention:
Apple iPad 2: Act Two
Release date: March 11(International)
Yes, the appearance of Steve Jobs on stage might have overshadowed the iPad itself, but there is no doubting that the new iPad does improve the original one in more than one way, even though it retains the same screen size and resolution. There is greater processing speed beneath the hood thanks to the dual core A5 processor, better graphics, a gyroscope and something we had been predicting all along — dual cameras for video calling.
But those are just specs — where the iPad really scores is in the fact that it retains its very sleek design (it is now slimmer than the iPhone 4) and the brilliantly intuitive interface, courtesy iOS. Top that off with the fact it still serves up more apps than any other tablet and has managed to maintain its astonishing ten hour-plus battery in spite of the graphics and processing boost, and you can see why it is likely to remain the tablet to beat. A smart folding cover will be sold alongside, giving Apple a headstart over third-party accessory vendors. Some negatives remain; the cameras are not the greatest in town and it still does not have a memory expansion slot.
