Tablet PC Alternatives to the iPad
As we’ve covered the iPad launch and subsequent reviews so heavily in the last week, this week’s reviews are focussed on tablet PC alternatives. Due to the limited devices already launched I’m focusing on the ones that caused some buzz this week with new details filtering out. We’ll finish up with the JooJoo that has just launched.
HP Slate Review…So Far
Ok, so it’s not out yet but HP couldn’t let the iPad launch go by without a few prods on the superior hardware of their HP Slate due in June (current estimate). However Apple has clearly set out their stall focussing on the ease of use of the interface on the iPad and the App Store. We haven’t seen much from HP yet on these two so that will be critical. In the mean time Engadget picked up that HP has done a hardware comparison of their Slate vs. the iPad.
HP Slate to Apple iPad Comparison
The HP Slate wins on a powerful 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor (compared to the iPad’s 1GHz Apple A4), the HP Slate’s memory is upgradable whilst the iPad you’re stuck with what you bought, the HP has a range of ports such as USB and HDMI for outputting to a TV, and an inwards facing camera for video conferencing plus an outward facing 3 megapixel camera.
The “threats” to the HP Slate where the iPad is superior is that larger screen, better connectivity, longer battery life (10hrs on the iPad, around 5hrs on the Slate) and a lower priced entry level model (albeit on a spec lower than the HP Slate too).
Prices will be starting at $549 according to this article.
HP also posted a video (see below) teasing us on what their device will do and Engadget highlights the iPod or iPhone being connected to the HP Slate running iTunes. A hint that the Slate will be capable of doing most of what the iPad does through iTunes?
ICD Gemini Review… Planned
Another tablet PC yet to land on the market caused excitement this week.
The ICD Gemini is the most hardware feature rich pure tablet PC device yet to be discussed. Of course it’s got to actually launch yet so there’s a long way to go. Check out the Engagdet post for a run down of the full ICD Gemini spec.
UPDATE: We’ve now added a full overview of the ICD Gemini, check it out here.
Fusion Garage JooJoo review
One tablet PC that has actually launched this week is the Fusion Garage JooJoo. Originally planned to launch before the iPad, it eventually landed at more or less the same time – not good for Fusion Garage, a relative start-up at this game.
Engadget ran it through its paces this week and the conclusion is not good – pity, I wanted this underdog to do so much better.
To summarise the Engadget review on the Fusion Garage JooJoo, it’s a good looking tablet PC reminiscent of an Apple design. A 12 inch screen and 2.4lb device means it’s portable but not designed to be held in one hand. It’s pretty much a web surfing device with no options for music or viewing your picture collection. Videos are restricted to flash videos that you’d find on the web rather than anything you’d be able to store on the device. Navigation and user interface are pretty clunky. Basically, there are a lot of software flaws and frustrations and even hardware lacks the intuition of simple home buttons. On the plus side it has a powerful processor so no problems on the speed side but this also drains the battery quickly when viewing Flash video so you’re looking at 5 hrs battery life without Flash and 2.5 hrs of battery life with.
Sorry JooJoo, you have a cool name but that’s where it stops. Prices start at $499 which is expensive given that you’re only getting a web surfing device.
Finally the post wraps up with a glimmer of hope highlighting how the Fusion Garage tablet start-up has managed to get a device out which is a lot more than others have yet and should be commended for. Now they can work on enhancing the software and ironing out these issues.
Check out the full JooJoo review here.
That’s it for this weeks reviews of iPad alternatives. Let me know if you spot any more JooJoo reviews or any other interesting tablet PC options.
Image Sources: Engadget.com, HP Voodoo Blog
