Android Tablets Vs. iPad

Android Tablets vs. iPad - this may well become the big tech debate of 2011. I will break down the differences for you and tell you what side I am on! There are several key differences between the two devices -
Tablet Android

Operating System

Tablet Android

Obviously, one of the largest differences between the two systems is the operating system. Android tablets are running on some version of the Android OS from Google, while Apple's iPad is running on Apple's iOS. Both are the same basic OS that runs on the companies' respective smart phones.

To me, this is just a matter of preference. These days, many developers prefer Android over iOS, as it is much easier to get a new app into Android's app market. However, every Android tablet (and phone) may run on a different version of the software, which can make it a bit unsettling for users, as some apps may work only on a newer version of Android, which every tablet may not get.

The companies that develop the tablets decide when to push an update of the Android software to each type of device, so one type might get an update, while others may wait for months, or never get an update at all.

As far as I am concerned, there is no clear winner in this arena. If you get a chance, try each one and see which operating system you like best. Personally, I am a bigger fan of Android.

Screen Size

Having a big screen can be a plus or a minus depending on what you plan to use it for, and especially on how you plan to carry a tablet around. For example, I purchased the Samsung Galaxy Tab, considered one of the best Android tablets currently on the market, and a big selling point for me ws the screen was actually much smaller than the iPad.

The iPad screen is over 10 inches, making almost as big as some small laptops. That can be great if you plan to carry it in a backpack all the time and want to watch videos on it, but it does make it harder to carry around. For me, the Galaxy Tab made more sense because I don't carry a backpack and like to bring it to meetings.

So, again, no clear winner here. You may want to decide first whether you want a wireless device that is portable or if you want the biggest screen possible. One caveat here, however - soon there will likely be tablets running Android on the market that have screens the size of the iPad.

Apps

You can have a discussion about Android tablets vs. iPad without talking about apps. Apps make or break the tablet in my opinion. Having used both operating systems extensively, I will say that, although the iPad certainly has more apps than Android, I have not been disappointed with Android and can find just about any kind of app I can think of. In addition, almost every company that makes an iPad app makes an Android app as well.

In fact, in my estimation, given that Android sales are now surpassing iPhone, and the fact I mentioned above - that it is easier to develop apps and get in the Android market, I would not be surprised to see Android catch up the Apple in the future when it comes to apps.

Cost

It seems that even the best Android tablets are cheaper overall, and you can find some good, cheap Android tablets out there. Both have data plans, and you can't do much without a data plan on a tablet unless you stay in a wifi zone, so you will likely end up paying about the same there.

However, when it comes to the cost the device itself, Android wins.

This argument will rage on during 2011, but when it comes to Android Tablets vs. the iPad, I am all for Android!

Android Tablets Vs. iPad
Tablet Android

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101-A1 10.1-Inch Tablet Computer (Tablet Only)
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ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101-A1 10.1-Inch Tablet Computer (Tablet Only) Feature

  • 10.1" WSVGA (1280x800) IPS Capacitive LED Touchscreen; Android 3.2 Operating System
  • NVIDIA Tegra 2 CPU; 1GB of DDR2 SDRAM, 1 slot, 1GB Max; 16GB Internal Flash Memory; Wireless 802.11bgn; Bluetooth 2.1
  • Mini HDMI Port; Micro SD Card Slot; 1.2MP (front) and 5.0MP (rear) Webcam
  • GPS; Gravity Sensor; E-Compass; Light Sensor; Gyroscope; 24.4Wh Lithium Polymer Battery (Up to 9.5 Hours Battery Life)
  • 40-Pin Docking Port for Optional Keyboard (Keyboard Not included)/Docking Station (Model Name: TF101 DOCKING)


ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101-A1 10.1-Inch Tablet Computer (Tablet Only) Overview

With a slim, lightweight design and a 10.1-inch WSVGA IPS capacitive display made from durable and scratch-resistant glass that is viewable at angles up to 178°, the versatile Eee Pad Transformer is the perfect tablet for anyone who want to enjoy multimedia on the move, but still wish to have easy access to the web, email, and other productivity applications. A custom user interface provides easy access to the many features of the Android 3.2 (Honeycomb) operating system, while the NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2 chipset provides full support for Adobe® Flash® 10.2,1 smooth HD video conferencing and playback, a lightning fast web experience, and incredible mobile gaming performance. Front and rear cameras make for easy video chat and digital photography, which can be played back in video on HDTVs via a mini HDMI output port, making it a true mobile entertainment device.

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101-A1 10.1-Inch Tablet Computer (Tablet Only) Specifications

Some things are meant to go together
Transforming the Conventional into the Unconventional

With a slim, lightweight design and a 10.1-inch WSVGA IPS capacitive display made from durable and scratch-resistant glass that is viewable at angles up to 178°, the versatile Eee Pad Transformer is the perfect tablet for anyone who wants to enjoy multimedia on the move, but still wishes to have easy access to the web, email, and other productivity applications. A custom user interface provides easy access to the many features of the Android 3.2 (Honeycomb) operating system, while the NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2 chipset provides full support for Adobe® Flash® 10.2,1 smooth HD video conferencing and playback, a lightning fast web experience, and incredible mobile gaming performance. The optional docking station turns the Eee Pad Transformer into PC mode with a QWERTY keyboard, while extending battery life up to 16 hours.2 Front and rear cameras make for easy video chat and digital photography, which can be played back in video on HDTVs via a mini HDMI output port, making it a true mobile entertainment device.

Awards Received
Award
"… the best Android slate we've seen" – Computer Shopper

"A convenient keyboard dock, sleek design, and aggressively low price make the Eee Pad Transformer our favorite Wi-Fi-only Honeycomb tablet." – Laptop Magazine

"Of all of these new entrants, the Eee Pad Transformer impresses us most so far—and not just because of its low price tag. The 10-inch slate is lighter than competing Honeycomb tablets, features an IPS screen for wider viewing angles, and plugs into an optional keyboard dock that adds more battery life. It's this kind of combo that could prove a hit with the back-to-school crowd, as well as mobile professionals who want to take notes in meetings. The dock adds a reasonable 9 to that rock-bottom 9 price." – Laptop Magazine

"… the Honeycomb tablet to get.." – Anandtech



Some things are meant to go together

Key Features

  • 10.1-inch WSVGA IPS capacitive pressure-sensing multi touch display for brilliant HD entertainment and intuitive navigation. 178° viewing angle (1280 x 800)
  • Powered by NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2 mobile processor for best web experience with up to two times faster browsing, hardware accelerated Flash, and console-quality gaming (Learn more)
  • Front (1.2 MP) and rear (5 MP) cameras for face-to-face video chats and on-the-go video and picture capturing (Learn more)
  • Mini HDMI port to supersize your entertainment to compatible HDTVs and external displays (Learn more)
  • Optional Docking station with QWERTY keyboard adds additional 6.5 hours of battery life, to instantly turn the Transformer into PC mode with up to 16 hours of battery life 2 (Learn more)


Learn More

When Tablet meets Keyboard

When Tablet meets Keyboard
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Breaking the mold, an optional keyboard docking station designed especially for the Eee Pad Transformer transforms your tablet into PC mode with a 92% sized QWERTY keyboard with unique Android Function (Fn) keys for added convenience.

Featuring all of the connectivity you'd expect in your notebook, the Eee Pad Transformer comes complete with 2 USB 2.0 ports, a headphone audio jack and a 4-in-1 card reader when used with the optional docking station. Also to keep you unplugged longer without interruption, the optional keyboard docking station adds an additional 6.5 hours of battery life, allowing the Eee Pad Transformer to last up to an astounding 16 hours.2

When Android meets Tegra

When Android meets Tegra

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Designed specifically with tablets in mind, the Android Honeycomb 3.2 operating system provides you with optimized features and functions such as multi-touch and a holographic interface that allows you to access widgets and shortcuts with ease. Get refined multitasking, rich notifications, Home screen customization, widgets, and more. And experience the web with Adobe® Flash® 10.21 for added convenience.

Other Android Features:

  • Customizable Home screens
    • Five customizable Home screens give users instant access to all parts of the system from any context. Each screen offers a large grid that maintains spatial arrangement in all orientations. Users can select and manipulate Home screen widgets, app shortcuts, and wallpapers using a dedicated visual layout mode. Visual cues and drop shadows improve visibility when adjusting the layout of shortcuts and widgets. Each Home screen also offers a familiar launcher for access to all installed applications, as well as a Search box for universal search of apps, contacts, media files, web content, and more.

  • Recent Apps, for easy visual multitasking
    • Multitasking is central to the Android 3.2 experience. As users launch applications to handle various tasks, they can use the Recent Apps list in the System Bar to see the tasks underway and quickly jump from one application context to another. To help users rapidly identify the task associated with each app, the list shows a snapshot of its actual state when the user last viewed it.

  • Redesigned keyboard
    • The Android soft keyboard is redesigned to make entering text fast and accurate on larger screen sizes. The keys are reshaped and repositioned for improved targeting, and new keys have been added, such as a Tab key, to provide richer and more efficient text input. Users can touch-hold keys to access menus of special characters and switch text/voice input modes from a button in the System Bar.

  • Improved text selection, copy and paste
    • When entering or viewing text, a new user interface lets users quickly select a word by press-hold and then adjust the selection area as needed by dragging a set of bounding arrows to new positions. Users can then select an action from the Action Bar, such as copy to the clipboard, share, paste, web search, or find.

    NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2, world's first mobile super chip, brings the fastest, most visually-rich tablet experience ever seen. The Eee Pad Transformer takes full advantage of this mobile dual-core processor, providing extreme multitasking capability with the best web experience – up to two times faster browsing, hardware accelerated Flash, and NVIDIA® GeForce® gaming.

    When Multimedia meets Functionality

    Connect to Your World Control It with Your Touch
    View larger
    		Experience the wonders of video chat and crisp digital photography with front (1.2MP) and rear (5MP) facing cameras, which can be played back in video on HDTVs via a mini HDMI output port. Built in SRS Sound technology also provides a dynamic 3D stereo audio experience with maximum bass response and a wide sound field from the built-in speakers.

    When the Cloud meets Convenience

    Connect to Your World Control It with Your Touch
    View larger
    		ASUS' Waveshare Interface hosts a variety of unique applications that help you easily launch software, manage content and access online services and connect devices with a few simple taps.

  • MyNet
    • Allows users to easily stream digital media wirelessly within home network devices with the Eee pad Transformer. Play HD videos or music on any home network devices such as the HDTV monitor or desktop PCs for an even better experience from the Eee Pad Transformer.

  • MyLibrary
    • Consolidates downloaded books, magazines and newspapers in to one easy to browse profile.

  • MyCloud
    • MyCloud is a total cloud solution, providing access to digital content such as music, videos and files from the cloud anywhere, anytime. Users can even use MyCloud to remotely access and control any PC or Mac system and access applications or files to extend the versatility of the Eee Pad Transformer experience.

    Relax, ASUS Has You Covered

    Ranked as the #1 most reliable PC brand by 3 independent sources3, readers and editors alike choose ASUS as their trusted notebook and netbook. We tirelessly strive to exceed expectations of quality to ensure you an unmatched peace of mind every time you start your PC.

    We also back our commitment with the industry's most comprehensive warranty.

    • 1 year North America warranty
    • Free one-way standard shipping
    • 24/7 tech support

    What's in the Box

    • ASUS EeePad Transformer TF101
    • User manual
    • Power adaptor with USB to 40 pin connector
    • Warranty card

    Specifications

    • Operating System: Android 3.2 (Honeycomb) Platform
    • Display: 10.1-inch WSVGA IPS capacitive multi touch display built with durable and scratch-resistant glass; 178° viewing angle(1280 x 800)
    • Chipset: NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2 Mobile Processor
    • Memory: 1GB DDR2
    • Wireless: 802.11b/g/n
    • Bluetooth: Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR
    • Storage: 16GB eMMC Flash (Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 32 GB (functionality requires future software upgrade)
    • Camera: 1.2 megapixel (Front); 5.0 Megapixel (Rear)
    • Speakers: SRS Sound
    • Card Reader: Micro SD Card Reader
    • Input / Output: 1 x Mini HDMI, 2-in-1 audio jack (head phone/mic-in jack), internal mic
    • Battery Pack: 24.4 W/h Li-polymer battery (up to 9.5 hours)1
    • Dimensions: 10.67" x 6.89" x 0.47" –inches (W x D x H)
    • Weight: 1.5lbs
    • Color: Espresso

    © 2011 ASUS Computer International. All Rights Reserved. ASUS is a registered trademark of ASUSTeK Computer. All specifications and terms are subject to change without notice. Please check with your supplier for exact offers on selected models. Products may not be available in all markets. Product may not be exactly as shown in photos. All trademarks are registered to their respective companies. ASUS shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.


    1 Adobe® Flash® 10.2 support requires an upgrade available online.
    2 Actual battery life varies with usage. Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations.
    3 Rated number 1 Windows-based PC maker in PCMag.com's Service & Reliability Report 2010. Rated number 1 PC brand according to SquareTrade, the leading direct-to-consumer warranty company (for more information visit http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/laptop-reliability-1109/ ). Rated number 1 reliable PC maker in Q2 2010's RESCUECOM report http://www.rescuecom.com/2010-2nd-Quarter-Computer-Reliability-Report.html


    Check Out Other Great ASUS Products

    ASUS Transformer Portfolio
    Protect your Eee Pad Transformer with the ASUS Portfolio cover designed to fit the tablet perfectly. The portfolio also has a fold-able cover that turns into a keyboard stand or a reader stand, making it convenient to use your Eee Pad comfortably for hours-on-end.
    Eee Pad Transformer Docking Keyboard
    It is meant to be together. Add a docking keyboard to your Transformer tablet and get up to an amazing 16 hours of battery life. With 2x USB ports, an 4-in-1 card reader, the expansion possibilities are almost limitless. Its full QWERTY keyboard and a row of shortcut keys means you can get what you want done, faster, more efficient.
    ASUS Index Sleeve - Black
    When docked, your Eee Pad Transformer is not just a tablet, it is also a very capable notebook style PC. Don't leave home without a sleeve protecting your Transformer. Check out this water-repellant textured leather sleeve with an soft sued interior.
    ASUS Index Sleeve – Pink
    When docked, your Eee Pad Transformer is not just a tablet, it is also a very capable notebook style PC. Don't leave home without a sleeve protecting your Transformer. Check out this water-repellant textured leather sleeve with an soft sued interior.



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