The Android tablet ecosystem in a nutshell
With Apple recently announcing that the latest iPad will soon be hitting stores, it’s worth taking a moment to look at the competing tablets currently available. The universe of Android tablets is booming and offers a thousand and one alternatives to the iPad that in many cases are just as good, if not better. Consumers are slowly starting to realize this, although understanding what Android has to offer can be confusing. Here’s a brief synopsis of the state of the Android tablet today.
Ecosystem Overview
Like Apple’s iOS, Android is simply an operating system that is installed on a variety of devices. Unlike iOS, Android is more open because it is based on the Linux kernel. Since entering the tablet market, Android has exploded and can now be found on many different types of tablets. Currently, the most up-to-date version is Android 4.0, also known as “Ice Cream Sandwich”. Most tablets today run Android 3.0 “Gingerbread,” which is the tablet-optimized version of the operating system.
Benefits and advantages
The main advantage of an Android tablet is the same as that shared by smartphones that use the operating system, which means that Google’s mobile operating system offers options in large quantities. Android can be installed on several different form factors, while a tablet version of iOS can only be found on an iPad. While the iPad is a nice device, it only offers a strict set of specs and features. Android tablets come in all shapes and sizes, including foldable models and hybrid tablet/laptop versions.
Some models of choice
Let’s cut to the chase and mention some notable Android tablets that can and should give the iPad a run for its money. The Motorola Xoom is a 10.1-inch powerhouse that packs up to 64GB of storage space, a 1.0GHz dual-core CPU, and a 5MP camera. The Samsung Galaxy Tab is another popular Android model that features a powerful Nvidia Tegra 2 processor, plenty of storage space, and many innovative features. Android tablets also include smaller models like the Kindle Fire and Asus Memo 370T that are more compact and convenient and offer the same performance as larger devices.
last word
Although Apple’s PR machine has done its best to downplay Android tablets, the truth is that many models offer an iPad-like user experience at a lower price. In some cases, Android tablets actually outperform Apple’s flagship tablet in terms of performance and versatility. Although they got off to a slow start and are still behind the iPad when it comes to market share, tablets are poised to explode next year. Regardless of what you’re looking for in a tablet, there’s a good chance there’s an Android tablet that’s the perfect fit for you.