More and more people are choosing to use a tablet for their daily tasks and many are replacing their laptops with this much more portable device. Last year, tablets have seen a huge increase in popularity and 2012 can only get better as manufacturers constantly introduce new features and more powerful devices.
A few tablets have already seen the light of day this year and are already very popular. The Consumer Electronics Show back in January was a great opportunity for users to witness first hand some top-of-the-line tablets to be released this year.
Apple iPad 3
Apple’s iPad is the one that sets the tone for the entire tablet industry as manufacturers are striving to keep up and release Android alternatives to the Apple product.
This year, the iPad 3 comes with a high resolution Retina display that doubles the number of pixels on the screen and brings the new standard to be followed – the 2048 x 1536 resolution. Apple claims there will also be a quad core processor coming with the iPad 3, doubling the processing power in comparison to the A5 dual-core processor we can now find in the iPad2.
The A6 quad-core processor will be yet another standard for other manufacturers and allegedly the 4G LTE support will offer a whole new experience for users. The 4G LTE support will not benefit users all over the world though, as only two networks in the US currently support it.
The iPad 3 has been announced for the end of March so if you’ve been saving up for it, this one is most likely the best option for a high end tablet in 2012.
Acer Iconia Tab A700
One of the tablets introduced at the CES was the Acer Iconia Tab A700 and many are claiming that this one will be more popular than last year’s ASUS Transformer Prime.
The Iconia Tab A700 brings top-notch features to the table including a quad core processor and the new Android Ice Cream Sandwich OS. You will also be able to find a 1920 x 1200 Full HD display, HDMI out in case you want to hook it up to your HDTV and a 5 megapixel camera on the back.
Acer’s Iconia Tab is the company’s high-end tablet this year and definitely an option worth considering.
ASUS Transformer Prime TF700
The Transformer Prime is probably the most popular Android tablet ever to hit the market. Building upon last year’s success, ASUS releases the 2012 version of the Transformer Prime – the TF700.
The TF700 comes with updated features, including a quad core processor and a Full HD 1920 x 1200 display.
This one is definitely an option worth considering this year and most of the users who already own the last year’s Transformer Prime will be looking for an upgrade.
Pantech Element
Pantech brings something more than just a quality tablet this year. The Element is a rugged tablet that’s meant to be used in perilous environments without requiring any special protection. It is both water and dust proof and there’s nothing to worry about if you drop it in a puddle as it can remain submerged for up to 5 minutes.
The Pantech Element is a 8-inch tablet powered by a 1.5Ghz Snapdragon processor and coming with two cameras both on the front and rear. The 8-inch display features a 1024×768 pixel resolution protected by Gorilla Glass. Although a rugged tablet this one does come in a slim profile, making it the best option for a rugged tablet you could possibly get in 2012.
Samsung Galaxy Note
Samsung’s Galaxy Note is an interesting hybrid between a 7-inch tablet and a smartphone. Although claimed to be a smartphone, the Galaxy Note is big enough to be used as a tablet.
The hardware is good enough to compete with any smartphone or 7-inch tablet already on the market and on the plus side there’s the Super AMOLED display that made the Samsung Galaxy S2 one of the most popular smartphones in the world.
The Galaxy Note is powered by dual core processor and will last up to 11 hours in a single charge, which is pretty good for such a powerful device. You’ll get a decent amount of storage space, a HDMI out and two cameras that can help you with video-conferencing.
This new Samsung hybrid is quite special and if you’re looking for a tablet and a smartphone, this one is the only option on the market right now that covers both.
ZTE T98
ZTE brings forward a new 7-inch tablet that’s more about high-end features rather than an appealing design. What might pull a few users in its corner is the T98’s Tegra 3 quad-core processor and affordable price.
The ZTE T98 runs on Android Ice Cream Sandwich and packs a 1280x 800 display, WiFi and HDMI out in case you want to watch your media on the large screen.
Toshiba Excite X10
Toshiba tries to redeem itself with a new tablet this year. The company’s first shot at a tablet wasn’t all that successful as the 10-inch Thrive tablet didn’t get nearly as much attention as the company hoped.
This time, the Excite X10 is meant to bring back momentum for Toshiba through an appealing design and quality hardware. The X10 packs a 10.1-inch IPS display and is powered by a dual core processor aided by 1GB of RAM. It will become available in 16 and 32GB versions and you’ll also get two cameras and a HDMI out port, all in slim and attractive design that’s bound to impress users all over the world.
ASUS EEE Pad Memo 171
Last but not least, we have a new entry by ASUS that brings back the stylus. The EEE Pad Memo has a special place for the chrome stylus that will prove to be perfect for note-taking. The specs are not high-end with this one, but it does cover an important niche and lets you use your tablet a bit differently. If you’re looking forward to drawing and writing memos for yourself, the EEE Pad Memo 171 might prove to be the perfect tool for you.
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Twitter: techmunchies
says:
I am eagerly waiting for the Apple iPad3, iPad2 was the biggest hit till now for apple in tablets,i think iPad3 will surely provide take that to a higher level with it’s technology.
abhishek recently posted..The New GameLord: Alienware X51
Twitter: TechieSaves
says:
The iPad 3 is here at last and you can find a lot of reviews online from happy owners of the new gadget featuring an amzing Retina Display
There are so many to choose from!! I think a great way to help make a decision about which table is the right one for you is to read online reviews. There are sites that compare tablets, and places like amazon.com give ratings that can help to weed out the good from the not-so-good. It definitely seems like tablets are going to slowly take the place of lap tops. Once their memory and speed are increased it makes sense that users will want something smaller and more portable.
Norm recently posted..Create CPA Websites Just Like the Professionals
Twitter: TechieSaves
says:
Indeed there are a whole bunch to choose from and many more are on their way. Online reviews are a great resource and you should do your homework before buying a tablet.
Marty recently posted..IPhone 4S To Offer Sky+ For Improved Social Networking Facilities
Thanks. I am pretty sure that I am going to with the Galaxy tab because I have the Galaxy phone. IPad-Shmipad, that’s what I say!!!!
Twitter: TechieSaves
says:
It seems that people who choose an Android smartphone are buying Android tablets and people owning an iPhone choose the iPad everytime. Nobody wants to change it up after they get used to it.
Marty recently posted..IPhone 4S To Offer Sky+ For Improved Social Networking Facilities
I watched the iPad 3 launch event video on Apple website and it looked fabulous especially with the retina display. It sure will give tough competition for all other tablets that will be launched this year. I feel that the only main competition to iPad will come from Samsung Galaxy tab.
Cheolsu recently posted..iCloud Login
Twitter: TechieSaves
says:
It’s pretty hard to compete with the iPad. Apple fans tend to remain loyal and there’re a lot of them.
Marty recently posted..IPhone 4S To Offer Sky+ For Improved Social Networking Facilities
Nice presentation.Now I feel more informed than before your article.I don’t know many things about tablets because as a bloggers I use my smartphone for e-mails and for the real work my pc.Tablets are sometimes impractical if you want to work with them, but are still great gadgets with other useful utilities.Thank you for the informations!
Sara recently posted..Vinyl Pergolas
Twitter: TechieSaves
says:
I’m sure that in the next couple of years you’ll find a tablet very useful for many of your daily tasks. Tablets have been around for only three years and many people are still adapting to the new technology.
Marty recently posted..Apple iPad 3 – What Should We Expect
Twitter: Elena__Anne
says:
Don’t know why, I am a big fun of Apple! I think Apple makes the start of innovative products. It is good that more and more companies produce tablets and competition provides more affordable prices.
Great review Marty thank you.
elena_anne recently posted..Saunas And Healing
Twitter: TechieSaves
says:
There are a lot of Apple fans out there, mostly because the company brings something new with every release. It’s good to know you have alternatives though.
Marty recently posted..5 Best Anti-Spyware Tools
Twitter: Cleverfather
says:
All I want is an affordable tablet that isn’t a piece of crap!
Chris recently posted..Her First Sleepover
Twitter: TechieSaves
says:
It depends what you mean by affordable. Most cheap tablets don’t offer too many features.
Marty recently posted..5 Best Anti-Spyware Tools
Twitter: toshibaburton
says:
Technology is improving faster than we breath, I’m interested in the Samsung Galaxy Note because it does cover both:)
Toshiba Burton recently posted..Blogging For Business In This Economy Man Please Give Me A Break
Twitter: TechieSaves
says:
Samsung tablets and smartphones are probably the biggest competitors to Apple’s iPad and iPhone. If you won a Galaxy smartphone, I can see why you’d choose a Galaxy note.
Marty recently posted..5 Best Anti-Spyware Tools
Its nice to see Asus finally getting into making tablets because I prefer there company since I never have problems with any of my computer motherboards. They have really good quality stuff.
Fuyuko recently posted..Jack the Ripper
Twitter: TechieSaves
says:
They do indeed. The ASUS Transformer Prome was a revelation for many and a great alternative for the now deceased netbook.
Marty recently posted..5 Best Anti-Spyware Tools
Twitter: vikas_wtw
says:
Great post. I love the tablets and its great there are so many to choose from. I love Galaxy note and waiting for iPAD3. As the market trends, we will see more innovative tablets in the future. What you say folks?
Twitter: TechieSaves
says:
Oh, I think the future is bright for the tablet industry. Many people are still trying to find out how a tablet can improve their life. We’ll see tablets everywhere very soon.
Marty recently posted..5 Best Anti-Spyware Tools
Twitter: esther98
says:
I may sound strange, but frankly, tablets (unless they can get rid of the odd headache) don’t interest me. I do a lot of writing – a lot, and many of them aren’t really built for that kind of work. I may change my mind in a few years, but for now, I’ll leave the tables well alone. You did a great job of describing them, though.
annelg recently posted..Get Rid Of Damp
The iPad is still leading the pack in my opinion. It’s perfect for blogging as its much more portable than laptop computers. I am sitting in a skating rink right now posting this comment. I am much more comfortable doing it on a tablet than on a laptop. Apple is doing an outstanding job leading the pack in the tablet market. The tables are certainly turned since the PC grew to fame. With the computer, Apple had to chase the PC makers with their Mac. Not so this time around… Apple is putting a great deal of distance between themselves and their competitors
Douglas recently posted..learn more about woodwoodworking
How many of them are priced under $200? They all look good but there are no prices.
Twitter: dailywaffle
says:
iPad for me everytime but it’s good to see a competitive market for tablets now as I think iPad has been the frontrunner for ages now and a bit of competition will help keep it on its toes.
I have been quite impressed by my friend’s Kindle Fire, impressive piece of kit!
Thanks for posting
Sarah DW recently posted..Malaysian Grand Prix: Massive win for Alonso and Ferrari
The third-gen iPad is actually called ‘The New iPad’ instead of iPad3. We’ll probably see the true iPad3 next year, in around Feb/March 2013 (my guess) if Apple’s new product cycle is to be believed.
I, for one, am anxiously waiting to get my hands on a Windows-based tablet. Windows 8 (IMO) is going to be the bomb, especially on touch devices. I’ve tested both the betas on regular and touch devices, and if initial impressions are something to go by, I’d say we have a winner on our hands! I have a feeling that once Win8-tablets are available more widely, it will really hurt Apple and will take a big chunk out of Apple’s tablet market.
Those wondering, I used Win8 Consumer Preview on a Dell Inspiron Duo and an Acer Iconia W500. The bootup was quick (not quicker than an iPad, but we might get there with an SSD), the Metro interface is slick, and above all, you have native USB and exe-support! Which means you can run just about anything on it (unlike the iPad)!
Ahmad recently posted..Angry Birds Space Review [iOS]
I have only one think do say. IPad is the best. The others are all imitations with some variations.
Apple design/create/innovate, the others come all next. Its sad but its the truth.
I’m only waiting (like Ahmad) to see the Win8 tablets because I already heard too, that it will be the ones that will hurt Apple.
karlos196 recently posted..Ноw tо Install WordPress Themes
Marty,
Is it realistic to think that an iPad 2 or 3 could replace a laptop for work travel functionality?
Daily lot of new things are happening in tablets market in future we will see more innovative tablets. I like all these tablets compare to all I like iPad3 and Samsung Galaxy Note more. Thanks for sharing this information with us.
Twitter: barloworlduk
says:
I have to say that I am particularly underwelmed by the NEW IPAD. It’s name for a start is verging on ridiculous. My friend recently bought on in the States and whilst he said the HD quality was superb there wasn’t much of difference between it and the IPAD-2.
Maybe its a tactic by apple and the next IPAD will blow our minds!?
I, like most, love the iPad. I don’t own one but I have access to an iPad 2 and have used it quite a lot. I do however do own a Kindle Fire. A lot of people say it is not really a Tablet but I read my PDFs, play games I downloaded from their app store, and watch streaming movies which have great picture quality (and I am a real HD nut). I think for the price the Kindle Fire Tablet is a great device, and no it is not as great as an iPad, but for the price I am very happy with it.
dharris recently posted..New 2012 Kindle Review updated Mon Mar 19 2012 10:31 pm EDT
This is a great list. I was just about to buy a Samsung tab, then I heard that Google is going to be coming out with their own tab soon for a great price, something like $149 or $199 to compete with the kindle fire. I think I’ll wait to see what that is all about.
Twitter: goodwebsitesnz
says:
would love to see some pics with those new tablets mentioned. Pretty sure that some (most) of ‘the others’ are technically better than the iPad… but than again an iPad is an iPad… hmmm..
Erwin Raaphorst recently posted..What Is RSS? RSS Feed Explained
Twitter: postboxesuk
says:
Yes, some images with each tablet description would have helped, but nevertheless, in the image at the top, I have to say the LG looks damn sexy. I can’t say I’m keen on the size of the bevel/trim on the iPad et al, just looks cheap to me.
And as useful as tablets are, I’d rather have an ultrabook or Air. I’m really not a fan of touch screen typing. Especially when commenting like this, only for the software to assume you’ve finished typing, and then exit the comment box… And then, Recapitalise the firSt word where yOu left off! It’s so aNnoying!!!
Chloe B recently posted..Wooden Postboxes – Simply Beautiful
Twitter: jonpaulwade
says:
I would like a tablet but cannot afford the iPad prices. I was hoping a nice Android would be cheaper, but they are pretty expensive too. Shame really. What bugs me is that I only paid £100 for my Android G1 phone in 2008. OK, it is way behind the modern phones (yes, I am still using it, with a new battery) but it works. Why are the tablets and new phones all £300?
Jon recently posted..McDonalds Charges £50 Parking To Enjoy Happy Meal and Play
Twitter: peacefulrunner
says:
Thanks for the article. It contains great comparative information and it helps to know what has been added to the newer versions. I like using my tablet for travelling on short trips, but I don’t think I will ever replace my laptop. For me working without an actual keyboard is just not practical.
peacefulrunner recently posted..Cushioning Running Shoes
Twitter: happyupdates
says:
Daily lot of new things are happening in tablets market in future we will see more innovative tablets. I like all these tablets compare to all I like iPad3 and Samsung Galaxy Note more. Thanks for sharing this information with us.
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