As you might know, there are quite a few tablet PCs on the market that compete strongly against market leaders like the Apple iPad. These tablet PCs are almost always cheaper and faster than the iPad and offer a wider range of customizability options.Some of these tablet PCs run the Windows 7 operating system, while others run Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (or lower versions). If you're ready for a change in your tablet PC, then we're here to help.
The best iPad alternatives
If you're looking for a direct competitor to the Apple iPad in the tablet PC market, then you don't have to look far to find a solution that is not only more affordable, but more powerful as well. There are a number of powerful tablet PCs on the market today, and almost all of them offer more performance per dollar than the iPad and other tablet computers.To make your shopping easier, we've broken down each iPad alternative by its price. Take a look:
Low-range iPad alternatives (less than $300)
It seems crazy that you can buy a decent iPad alternative for less than $300, but that's exactly what you can do with the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7-Inch (read a review HERE). At only $249, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 sure doesn't look like a lower-end tablet. Its sleek design and smooth performance place it right up there with the iPad and other tablet PCs.Sure, the screen is only 7 inches, but that just makes it more portable. With a 1GHz CPU and a gig of RAM backing up the vivid, crystal-clear display, the 7-Inch Galaxy Tab 2 has what it takes to run all of your programs. At $249, you're not going to find a better tablet PC.
Mid-range iPad alternatives ($300 to $500)
If you want a tablet PC that costs less than an iPad but offers faster performance, then this is the price range you should be looking in. There are several powerful tablets in this price range. However, the best tablet PCs in this range are fairly obvious: the ASUS Transformer TF300 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1-inch).Each of those tablets is available for only $399, which is less than the cheapest iPad. Each tablet runs the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system, which is smooth and fast on just about any device.
Each tablet has similar technical specifications, but there is one major difference: the ASUS Transformer TF300 has an astonishing 8MP camera. That's several megapixels higher than any iPad and much higher than virtually any other tablet PC.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 has its advantages as well. Many people prefer its design over the bland exterior of the TF300, and the sleek, rounded edges are a joy to run your fingers over. Users of the Tab 2 also gain access to Samsung's Media Hub and other unique applications.
Ultimately, in this price range, you can't go wrong. To help make your decision, here's a TF300 review and a 10.1-Inch Tab 2 review
Higher-end iPad alternatives ($800+)
If you want an iPad alternative but don't mind spending a little extra money, then tablet PCs offer an extaordinary amount of value - even at the premium-level range. Most tech websites agree that the best Windows tablet on the market today is the Samsung Series 7 Slate. Priced for just over $1000, the Slate offers crisp visuals, lots of data storage, and the fastest interface we've ever seen in a Windows tablet.Here are a few reasons why people love the Samsung Series 7 Slate:
-Large, vivid 11.6" screen
-Incredibly powerful performance (4GB of RAM, core i5 CPU)
-128GB of SSD storage space
-7 to 10 hours of battery life on an average charge
-Numerous accessories available at a lower price than Apple
The Samsung Series 7 Slate beats out the iPad in every category, and even the most expensive iPad is no match for its power. If you're looking for the best iPad alternative on the market, then you can't do any better than the Samsung Series 7 XE700T1A-A02US 11.6-Inch Slate (128GB, Win 7 Home Premium).
Read a Samsung Series 7 Slate review
