Five iPad alternatives for non-Apple fans
The new iPad from Apple went on sale last week. Got one? Good for you. But if you’re one of the many gadget fans thinking of laying down cash for a tablet without having to set foot in an Apple store, read on. Here are five non-Apple new iPad alternatives to check out now, or new ones worth waiting for.
Asus EeePad Transformer Prime
For around £450 (cheaper than a 16GB Wi-Fi & 4G new iPad) the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime is a tablet that, with a keyboard dock can transform into a fully-functional laptop. It might not have a Retina Display (it has a 1280×800 pixel resolution) but it is the first Android tablet to have a quad-core processor. It’s very quick.
Of course if you want to wait a little longer, a new TF700 model will be available this summer with updated specs, a 1920×1200 resolution and the latest Android 4.0 operating system. See our Asus EeePad Transformer Prime review Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1-inch
Samsung announced the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 at MWC 2012 last month. Look online and you’ll be able to find one for around the £490 mark. The Galaxy Tab 2 10.1-inch comes running with the latest Android 4.0 operating system, and a 1GHz dual-core processor, and is available as a 16GB or 32GB version. Samsung has released some capable tablets in the past, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1-inch is a worthy new iPad alternative.
Asus Padfone
The Asus Padfone isn’t in stores till April, but it could be worth waiting for. The full package includes a handset and a dock. Hear us out. Insert the phone into a detachable dock, and the Asus Padfone transforms into a 10.1-inch tablet with Android 4.0 and up to 64GB of storage. A price has yet to be confirmed, so be sure to keep a lookout when the Asus Padfone does arrive.
Motorola Xoom 2
The latest Motorola Xoom tablet is lighter and thinner than the previous model and has a 1.2GHz dual core processor. It might not be as sexy as the new iPad but with the Android operating system on board, you’ll have access to thousands of apps and games, and USB and HDMI connectivity to view full HD 1080p video. Check out our Motorola Xoom review
Sony Tablet S
If you really need your tablets to be as sexy as Apple’s try the Sony Tablet S. It’s a gorgeous 9.4-inch tablet with 1GB RAM and up to 32GB of storage and Android caked in. A built-in infra-red remote control will even control your other Sony products, acting like a Universal Remote. The Sony Tablet S even won a Best of Innovations award at CES 2012. That’s some serious kudos. Models start from just £229. Bargain. Check out our Sony Tablet S review
User comments (7)
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Ryan19 March 2012
The new iPad is actually priced at £399 for the 16GB.
Report as inappropriateGareth 19 March 2012
What about the amazingly cheap touchpad from HP - Ipad 2 beating spec and now available with Android 4, what more could anyone ask for? It even works with HP's own bluetooth keyboard. A True Winner at half the price.
Report as inappropriatematthew19 March 2012
yeah but the prime is 32 GB hahahaa
Report as inappropriateRich19 March 2012
@Ryan It clearly states the WiFi & 4g version.
Report as inappropriateRyan19 March 2012
@ Rich Sorry, just checked and you guys are correct. Got confused with the 16GB wifi only.
Report as inappropriateKen Boulton19 March 2012
The best way to get a iPad a really good price is do what I did last year Win One in a Raffle Ha Ha Ha Very impressed with it but there's no way I'd pay £400 for one In case your wondering the tickets were £1 each and i bought seven A good investment ithink
Report as inappropriateDavid20 March 2012
Glad to see another HP Touchpad fan out there @Gareth. Got myself one on ebay for £200 brand new. With WebOS installed, I was bored in a week. It's now running Android ICS and it gets used every day. Incredible value for money with full access all the android apps. Cracking HD video and now also runs Cornerstone for true multi-tasking. Don't dismiss it until you have seen it in all it's glory!
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