Alternatives For Non-Ipad Fans

The new iPad from Apple released. 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.

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.

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.