In a previous blog post, we covered a bunch of tablet alternatives to the iPad™. Unfortunately, shortly after writing the article, most of the tablets were either cancelled or delayed, so we wanted to follow-up on our previous article and give some updates on what is happening with tablet.
Also, in an upcoming blog post we will be covering a new batch of tablets that have since been announced. In general, since we develop (or can potentially develop) custom software applications for clients on these devices, we tend to focus a bit more on the software side of these tablets.
The WePad – Now the WeTab
Status: Delayed until mid-September, and underwent a name change. Formerly the WePad, Neofonie has changed the name of its upcoming tablet to the WeTab, perhaps in consideration of all the iPad jokes.
Features: the WeTab has a very impressive arsenal of features and hardware. Based around Google’s™ open Android™ operating system, the WeTab boasts a 11.6" display, a 1.66GHz Intel Atom N450 processor, GPS, a webcam, USB sockets, a flash card reader, and many other impressive features. It also boasts Flash compatibility and broad support for standard PC peripherals.
With the Android operating system, users will be able to download and run apps from the Android Marketplace, as well as its own WeTab AppStore, which means that current android apps should be able to run fine on the WeTab, or have WeTab specific applications. Also, unlike the iPad, the Android OS allows multitasking which creates a much better user experience.
If it can do everything they say it can, it is going to be one of the most impressive tablets on the market, and it provides encouragement to those looking to build apps for android phones since they will also get to play with tablet devices. Archos Home Tablets
Status: Originally planned to ship in late April or May, but was delayed until June. It is not open to the Android Marketplace and only runs on Android 1.5, but it does have its own marketplace with about 1000 apps.
Features: Unfortunately, there is no longer much that really makes the Archos tablets stand out. Archos 8 – with its picture frame type display still could have some fun uses, such as in the kitchen, or for more social chatting, but neither really stands out in terms of features or price. Of course, they do provide all the standard tablet features, but they leave out some of the extra perks that really distinguish it from other tablets, or even from larger display Smartphones.
Notion Ink: Adam
Status: Delayed until November, but preorders are set to start soon. It may come with a standard LCD version and then one with an upgraded Pixel QI screen.
Features: According to the website, the Notion Ink’s Tablet "changes everything." Why are so many people trying to change everything and then changing it again? But besides the branding, the tablet is really cool.
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