There has been a sudden flood of new Android tablets in recent months, making it much more difficult to decide which you should buy. To help you pick out the best one to suit your needs let us look at the various contemporary options and compare them to the upcoming launches from big name manufacturers.
Samsung Galaxy Tab
This was one of the first Android-based tabs to get mainstream attention. It launched in 2010 and attempted to take on the iPad by being more portable and offering a better smartphone-style experience. With a 1GHz processor and Android 2.2 onboard it did the job, also introducing cameras on the front and rear which have become a standard feature on subsequent models. The arrival of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, with its larger display, dual core processor and Android 3.0 operating system will make the original seem outdated, but as prices fall it should be an attractive option.
Motorola Xoom
With a base Wi-Fi only model and a 3G-ready top of the line edition on the cards, the Xoom definitely has a solid foundation for its ascent to success. A dual core processor running at 1GHz allows it to shoot HD video at 720p as well as play back full HD 1080p video clips to make it a multimedia powerhouse. 32GB of storage space as standard and the option to add a microSD card to expand this further is a nice touch, although it will only become unlocked after a software update.
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Archos 101
The Archos 101 gets its name from its 10.1 inch display, like the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. It weighs in at an appealing 480 grams and is just over a centimetre thick to make it easier to hold for extended periods. While this may be an Android tablet it has a dual boot setup allowing you to load it up in another Linux-based operating system, Angstrom. This may not be a mainstream-friendly feature but tech fans and software designers will enjoy this flexibility. It only runs Android 2.2 and has a single core 1GHz processor, but it is built on the open source ethos that has made Android a success.
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Viewsonic G-Tab
The Viewsonic G-Tab is arguably the biggest competitor for the Motorola Xoom. It has an almost identical hardware setup, with a dual core processor and 10.1 inch display, although its resolution is a little lower and it only runs Android 2.2 which is a little less tablet-friendly than full Android 3.0. The lack of a camera on the rear and no option for 3G connectivity means that it is a cheaper alternative to Motorola`s powerhouse and one which is well worth considering if you are on a budget.
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LG Optimus Pad
Joining the Viewsonic and Motorola models, the Optimus Pad has a dual core 1GHz processor that is looking like a minimum requirement for the current generation of Android-based tablets. What makes this stand out from the crowd is the 3D capabilities of its display and its dual-five megapixel cameras. It could be the i Phone of the tablet market, leading the way with cutting edge features and designs that others can only hope to copy.
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