The tablet market exploded with options at the beginning of 2011, with many competitors appearing to challenge the iPad’s dominance. While Apple still holds the lion’s share of tablet sales, that doesn’t necessarily make it the best option for the business-oriented consumer. Below are five of the most talked-about tablets on the market right now, reviewed in terms of their usefulness as business devices.
- Apple iPad 2. With 365,000+ app options, the iPad 2 has a wide variety of functionality, and its interface is intuitive and easy to learn. An HDMI port allows it to connect to an HD screen for slideshows and presentations, and it has an estimated 10 hour battery life. Prices range from $500 for 16 GB of memory and Wi-Fi connection only to $830 for 64 GB and additional 3G cellular internet access. Two cameras allow for video calling along with the usual photo and video functionality. However, the iPad 2 doesn’t, and never will, support Flash, which makes it a below-average online device. But, in my opinion, it is still the best for business because of the dizzying array of applications that will integrate with just about anything and everything that you need. Plus, it is thin, fast, and combines entertainment excellence with corporate practicality. Not to mention that the user interface is familiar (and comfortable) to the millions of iPhone users. (Disclaimer: I use an iPad—and love it—so this assessment may be a bit biased.)
- Motorola Xoom. The Xoom runs on Android’s new tablet operating system, Honeycomb, which means smooth interfacing and good usability. Like the iPad, it has an estimated 10-hour battery life and an HDMI port for presentations, as well as dual cameras for a video calling option. Unlike the iPad, though, Xoom supports Flash, which means better internet functionality. It also has a voice-recognition option for speaking text instead of typing it. And while its app library isn’t as big as Apple’s, it does support over 100,000 Android apps, and that number is growing rapidly. At $600 for Wi-Fi only or $800 for cellular access, however, this tablet’s lowest price point is still more expensive than other tablets. All versions have 32 GB of storage – middle ground for tablets. And the Honeycomb OS, while powerful, is also a bit complicated to figure out; none of the icons are labeled, which means a lot of opening programs and apps just to see what they are. If you can afford the extra price and don’t mind the time spent getting used to the interface, the Xoom is my second pick for a business-ready tablet.
- BlackBerry PlayBook. The PlayBook runs on QNX, an operating system that’s efficient, secure, and easy to use. An HDMI port allows for HD presentations, Flash is supported, and its $499-$699 price range (for 16-64 GB of storage, respectively) makes it decently affordable for a tablet. If you have a BlackBerry phone, Bluetooth allows it and the PlayBook to connect in order to view the phone’s contents on the tablet or get the tablet online with the phone’s connection. The PlayBook’s online connectivity by itself, though, is limited to Wi-Fi only. It also doesn’t do email very smoothly, and is missing a calendar and address book. Moving files between a computer and the PlayBook is a bit complicated; there’s no video calling, and finally, there are no apps. In addition, the only way the PlayBook can receive BlackBerry email is by connecting a BlackBerry phone (either physically or through Bluetooth). And, although its dimensions are smaller than other tablets, which makes for a portability plus, its 7-hour battery life is on the low end for tablets. The PlayBook really just isn’t finished yet; programs and software are still in development to patch missing features. I wouldn’t dream of considering this device in its current form if you are not already a BlackBerry user. Maybe in the future, but at the moment, it doesn’t quite deliver.
- HP TouchPad. The TouchPad runs on a smooth and intuitive operating system built for multitasking, which makes for great usability. Like the PlayBook, if you own the related smart phone (Palm Pre in this case), some useful connectivity options exist between the two, such as easily moving content from one to the other, and receiving phone calls and texts on your tablet. Flash is supported, and a front-facing camera allows for video chatting, though the lack of a rear-facing camera means no recording options. There’s also no HD connectivity, and app support is subpar at the moment – less than 10,000 apps so far for the TouchPad compared to Android’s 100,000+ and Apple’s 300,000+. The 9-hour battery life is about average, as is the price range at $499 for 16GB and $599 for 32GB. Both versions are Wi-Fi only, though, with 3G cellular access announced but as-yet unavailable. And at 0.54”, it’s one of the thickest tablets out there. If you don’t mind waiting for the app options to increase, the TouchPad is a solid competitor in the tablet market – especially for business-minded users, since its operating system was designed specifically for that purpose.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. Samsung’s Android tablet is a hair thinner and an ounce lighter than the iPad 2, but with a screen that’s 0.4” wider. Running the latest version of Honeycomb (3.1 compared to Xoom’s 3.0), the Galaxy Tab is also slightly easier to use than the Xoom. Dual cameras mean recording and video chat, Flash is supported, and the battery life averages 9 hours. Like most tablets, it comes in both a $499 16 GB and a $599 32 GB version. Both are Wi-Fi and 3G only at the moment, however – 4G access has been announced but is not yet available. The new operating system also still has a few minor bugs, such as a small lag between typing a key and it appearing onscreen. And with no USB or HDMI ports, the Galaxy Tab doesn’t have the connectivity of other tablets. Although Samsung plans to further customize and update the Galaxy Tab’s interface in the future, in my opinion, its typing lag time disqualifies it as a true business tablet contender.
Last Word
The tablet industry is still evolving, and it will be exciting to see what comes next. New software will be introduced, technological gaps will be plugged, and new models will debut. And, although some of the tablets appear to be a better choice for the business savvy consumer, none are truly finished. As with any technology investment, consider how you will be using your tablet and the reasons motivating the purchase before you take the leap. Then, pick a tablet that will best suit your purposes now and in the future.
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