Written by After a decade of shaky starts, tablet computers have finally arrived. Unlike their bulky, expensive parents, this current generation of slates boasts trim frames, gorgeous screens, and power-house specs. So, here are the 10 most intriguing tablets of 2011, in order of screen size.
1. Samsung Galaxy Tab
Let’s start with the smallest. The Samsung Galaxy Tab is one of three entries on this list with a 7-inch screen – about the size of a paperback novel. While not quite pocket-size, the Tab is perfect for purses or briefcases.
The tablet runs on Google’s Android operating system, and connects to the 3G network of most major wireless providers. It has a zippy 1 GHz Hummingbird processor and runs on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth 3.0, and has up to 7 hours of battery life. While there’s no physical keyboard, this tab is equipped with Swype, a text input that allows for quick and easy typing. Plus, take your pick from the more than 100,000 apps in the Android Marketplace. With the tab’s successful launch, rumors are swirling that a Samsung Galaxy 2 is in the works.
Screen size: 7 inches
Price: $249 with contract, $599 without
OS: Android 2.2
Network: Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T
Available: Now
2. BackBerry PlayBook
The BlackBerry PlayBook will be coming out sometime this year. Rather than use Android or iOS, this tablet runs a custom QNX operating system, which should give it an undeniable BlackBerry feel. The tablet, packed with a speedy 1 GHz dual-core processor, is estimated to weigh less than a pound. It will have front-and rear-facing cameras, perfect for both taking snapshots and video conferencing.
Screen size: 7 inches
Price: Not yet announced
OS: BlackBerry OS
Network: Uses BlackBerry has a modem. 4G model to come.
Available: Spring 2011
3. Dell Streak 7
The last of our 7-inch tablets has less of a clear identity. The Galaxy Tab boasts brilliant picture quality in a petite frame. The PlayBook brings BlackBerry business sense to tablets. And the Dell Streak 7 falls somewhere in between.
Dell’s tablet runs the Android’s 2.2 operating system, with the ability to upgrade – important for keeping your tablet on the cutting edge.
The front-facing camera allows for live video chat. The Streak enjoys Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections with a battery life of 5-6 hours.
Screen size: 7 inches
Price: $199 with contract; $499 without
OS: Android 2.2
Network: T-Mobile
Available: Now
4. The LG G-Slate
Just slightly smaller than an iPad, the 8.9-inch G-Slate is the first on our list to feature Google’s next-gen OS. The G-Slate will come with Android 3.0 Honeycomb. Google has designed this new software specifically for tablets – and the features are impressive.
Also, Google purists take note: While many phone- and tablet-makers tweak Android’s interface to make the devices feel unique, the G-Slate will come with “pure Honeycomb.” No adjustments. No fiddling. Only the original code – just the way Google indented it.
The LG tablet will have T-Mobile’s 4G and Wi-Fi capability. Its tight frame will fit front-and-rear facing cameras. This will be the second tablet released by Google.
Screen size: 8.9 inches
Price: Not yet announced
OS: Android 3.0
Network: T-Mobile
Available: TBA
5. iPad
Yes, there were tablet computers before the iPad, but this is the one that started the current craze. The basic model only offers Wi-Fi connections, but shoppers can also get a 3G model for an extra $130 – plus the cost of an AT&T 3G plan – so if you happen to be without Wi-Fi you can still get a fast connection.
Now that Verizon has its own iPhone, expect a Verizon iPad not too far behind.
The battery life runs up to about 10 hours. There have been reports that an iPad 2 is already in production – and that an smaller “iPad 3″ is on the way.
Screen size: 9.7 inches
Price: Starts at $499
OS: Apple iOS
Network: AT&T
Available: Now
6. HP TouchPad
When Palm first unveiled its Pre smartphone several years ago, gadget-heads gushed. The hardware was powerful, but the software was the real star. Attractive and responsive, Palm’s webOS was one of the main reasons HP purchased the company last year.
And what a lovely baby they’ve raised together.
Set to be released this summer, the HP TouchPad will run an updated version of webOS. It has a front-facing webcam for live video calling. The TouchPad will be running on a Wi-Fi connection along with Bluetooth.
Screen size: 9.7 inches
Price: Not yet announced
OS: webOS
Network: WiFi only
Available: Summer 2011
7. Motorla Xoom
Our first 10-plus inch tablet is a real work horse.
Wide-screen HD display? Check.
Front- and rear-facing cameras? Check and check.
Blazing-fast dual-core processor? Double check.
The Motorla Xoom tablet runs on Android 3.0 Honeycomb – Google’s latest mobile OS, developed specifically for tablets. And the doubled-up processor makes multitasking a breeze. No word, however, on what all this speed will do to the battery life. Expect a thorough review once the tablet arrives this winter.
Screen size: 10.1 inches
Price: Not yet announced
OS: Android 3.0
Network: Verizon
Available: February-ish
8. Toshiba Tablet
The Toshiba Tablet will run Android 3.0. The slate will have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and front-and-rear facing cameras. Unlike other tabs, this one comes equipped with USB ports, plus HDMI and a mini-USB port.
Screen size: 10.1 inches
Price: $499
OS: Android 3.0
Network: WiFi only
Available: Spring
9. JooJoo
Poor JooJoo. Originally called the CrunchPad, its two corporate parents had a messy divorce in 2009. They’re still in court fighting over the 12.1-inch tablet.
According to its current owner, Fusion Labs, the JooJoo will be released sometime this year and the price is set at $499. It will run on the open-source Linux operating system, and has a very large display screen with a front-facing camera.
JooJoo runs on Wi-fi and Bluetooth. It lasts up to 5 hours on battery.
Screen size: 12.1 inches
Price: $499
OS: Linux
Network: WiFi only
Available: 2011
10. ASUS Eee Slate
Laptop? Tablet? The ASUS Eee Slate is a little of both.
With a 12.1-inch multi-touch display, the oversized ASUS Eee Slate runs on Windows 7 and has a 2-megapixel camera on the front that supports video chat.
The Eee comes with a stylus for precise controls, folio case, and Bluetooth keyboard for easier typing. All together, the Eee can quickly transform from portable media hub to stationary productivity machine.
Screen size: 12.1 inches
Price: $999
OS: Windows 7
Network: WiFi only
Available: Spring
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