The iPad 2 is out, but smart buyers will wait a while
THIS may be the year of the tablet, but you don't have to buy an iPad 2 given critical reviews referring to it as the iPad 1.5.
THIS may be the year of the tablet, but you don't have to buy an iPad 2.
As reviews critical of the second generation iPad roll in, referring to it as the "iPad 1.5", it might be time to consider other options.
There are plenty of alternatives already on the market and even more about to hit shelves next month.
For starters, there's the original iPad. It’s a damn sight cheaper — JB Hi-Fi are selling low-end models for just $447.
That's only $50 more than what you'd pay for a second hand one on eBay.
In the meantime, Android's Honeycomb OS for tablets is starting to hit the market and the early reviews are saying Google have finally got it right.
The best of the early bunch looks to be Samsung's upgraded Galaxy Tab, which the company claims is thinner than the iPad 2.
Of course, whether or not that claim is true is already being disputed.
Below is a quick guide to the choices that waiting that extra month before plunging into the tablet market will offer.
If you're into specs, click here for a full rundown of what's inside each one.
Samsung Galaxy Tab
Release date: Mid-April
Cost: $729
Size: 10.1"
Weight: 599g
OS: Android Honeycomb 3.0
Selling point: Unlike the iPad 2, the Galaxy Tab supports Flash. It’s also the thinnest tablet on the market, and has a larger resolution.
Where iPad wins: At $729 for the 32G model, the Galaxy Tab costs slightly more than the iPad 2 equivalent, which is $689.
BlackBerry Playbook
Release date: April 19
Cost: Starts at $499
Size: 7"
Weight: 400g
OS: BlackBerry Tablet OS
Selling point: The BlackBerry Playbook also supports Flash, unlike the iPad 2. It also supports both BlackBerry and Android apps.
Where iPad wins: The 7" Playbook is considerably smaller than the iPad 2's 9" display.
Motorola Xoom
Release date: Not confirmed for Australia
Cost: $599 (in the US)
Size: 10.1"
Weight: 730g
OS: Android Honeycomb 3.0
Selling point: Supports Flash, as well as full HD 1080p playback and a Micro SD card slot.
Where iPad loses: The Motorola Xoom is more than $100 cheaper than the 32G iPad 2 equivalent.
Sonic ViewPad
Release date: March 22
Cost: $599
Size: 10.01"
Weight: 380g
OS: Android 2.2
Selling point: At 380g, the ViewPad is the lightest of the bunch. It also has a Micro SD card slot and is about $100 cheaper than the iPad 2.
Where iPad wins: The iPad 2 has a better camera.