How the iPad 2 stacks up against the competition
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| Apple iPad 2 |
On paper, it looks like the iPad 2 adds the features it needs to keep up with its upcoming tablet competitors. For example, we're talking a faster, dual-core processor (essential for speedy performance and smooth multitasking), dual cameras (including a front-facing lens for video chat, a key omission in the original iPad), and a thinner and lighter form factor. The second iPad also keeps a couple of key qualities from the first: 10 hours of battery life, and a $499 price tag for the cheapest, 16GB Wi-Fi-only model.
But several of the tablets listed below, including the Dell Streak 7, the Samsung Galaxy Tab, and (eventually) the dual-core processor-packing Motorola Xoom come with Flash support (the Xoom is still awaiting a software update from Flash developer Adobe), while the LG G-Slate and the PlayBook will connect with bleeding-edge 4G data networks. (The Xoom will ultimately do so as well, although you'll have to ship it back to Verizon Wireless for hardware and firmware tweaks.)
Any true head-to-head evaluation of these tablets will have to wait until we get them in for testing, of course. For now, though, I've gone ahead and compiled a list of specs for the top iPad competitors that are either available now in the U.S. or are on their way soon.
We're still waiting for full details and pricing on some of 2011's most-anticipated upcoming tablets, but hey—I figured you'd want to see the details we do have, at least.
Specifications are supplied by the manufacturers—particularly when it comes to battery life. If I've reviewed or had hands-on time with any of the tablets, you'll find a link below the list of specs.
All set? Then here we go...
Apple iPad 2
Dimensions: 9.5 by 7.31 by 0.34 inches
Diagonal screen size/resolution: 9.7 inches, 1,024 by 768
Weight: 1.3 pounds (Wi-Fi-only), 1.33 pounds (Wi-Fi + 3G)
Processor: 1GHz dual-core Apple A5
Cameras: VGA in front, 720p video capture-capable in back
Battery: 10 hours of Wi-Fi surfing
Ports: 30-pin dock connector
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, 3G
Platform: iOS 4.3
Price: $499 (for 16GB Wi-Fi version) up to $829 (for 64GB Wi-Fi + 3G model)
Release date: March 11 (U.S.), March 25 (additional countries)
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| Dell Streak 7 |
Dimensions: 7.9 by 4.7 by 0.5 inches
Diagonal screen size/resolution: 7 inches, 800 by 480
Weight: 1 pound
Processor: Dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2
Cameras: 5MP (rear), 1.3MP (front)
Battery: 2780 mAh, four hours video playback
Ports: microUSB, microSD
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, 4G
Platform: Android 2.2
Price: $449 (no contract, T-Mobile), $199 (with two-year T-Mobile contract)
Release date: Available now
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| HP TouchPad |
Dimensions: 9.45 by 7.48 by 0.54 inches
Diagonal screen size/resolution: 9.7 inches, 1,024 by 768
Weight: 1.6 pounds
Processor: 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon APQ8060
Camera: 1.3MP (front)
Battery: 6300 mAh
Ports: microUSB
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, 3G
Platform: WebOS
Price: Unknown
Release date: Summer
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| LG G-Slate |
Dimensions: Unknown
Diagonal screen size/resolution: 8.9 inches, resolution unknown, 3D (anaglyph) capable
Weight: Unknown
Processor: Dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2
Cameras: 5MP (rear, dual-lens stereoscopic), front-facing lens (unknown resolution)
Battery: Unknown
Ports: Unknown
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, 4G
Platform: Android 3.0 "Honeycomb"
Price: Unknown
Release date: Spring 2011 (T-Mobile)
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| Motorola Xoom |
Dimensions: 9.8 by 6.6 by 0.5 inches
Diagonal screen size/resolution: 10.1 inches, 1,280 by 800
Weight: 1.6 pounds
Processor: 1GHz dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2
Cameras: 5MP (rear), 2MP (front)
Battery: 10 hours Wi-Fi browsing
Ports: MicroUSB, mini-HDMI, microSD (not enabled yet)
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G later this year (must be shipped to carrier for upgrade)
Platform: Android 3.0 "Honeycomb"
Price: $800 (32GB), or $600 with a two-year Verizon Wireless contract
Release date: Available now
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| Samsung Galaxy Tab |
Dimensions: 7.48 by 4.74 by 0.47 inches
Diagonal screen size/resolution: 7 inches, 1,024 by 600
Weight: 13.6 ounces
Processor: 1GHz Cortex A8 "Hummingbird"
Cameras: 3MP (rear), 1.3MP (front)
Battery: 7 hours
Ports: microUSB, microSD
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, 3G
Platform: Android 2.2
Price: $249 with two-year contact on T-Mobile, $299 with two-year Sprint contract, $549 on AT&T, no contract, $599 on Verizon, no-contract, or $299 with two-year Verizon contract.
Release date: Available now
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| Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 |
Dimensions: 0.43 inches thick
Diagonal screen size/resolution: 10.1 inches, 1,280 by 800
Weight: 1.3 pounds
Processor: 1GHz dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2
Cameras: 8MP (rear), 2MP (front)
Battery: 6860 mAh
Ports: microUSB
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, 4G
Platform: Android 3.0 "Honeycomb"
Price: Unknown
Release date: Spring (Europe), unknown (U.S.)
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| RIM BlackBerry PlayBook |
Dimensions: 7.6 by 5.1 by 0.4 inches
Diagonal screen size/resolution: 7 inches, 1024 by 600
Weight: 0.9 pounds
Processor: 1GHz dual-core Cortex A9
Cameras: 5MP (rear), 3MP (front)
Battery: 8 hours (or so RIM is promising)
Ports: microUSB, mini-HDMI
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, 4G (summer, through Sprint)
Platform: QNX
Price: Unknown (but expected to be $500 or less)
Release date: Q1 2011
Read More:news.yahoo