Best alternatives to the iPad 2

We round-up the best iPad 2 alternatives, including the Samsung Galaxy Tab and the Motorola Xoom

Apple's hotly anticipated iPad 2 has just hit Australian shores, with prices starting at $579 for the entry level 16GB Wi-Fi version.

Despite being the dominant player in the relatively new tablet market, there is set to be plenty of valid alternatives to the iPad 2, particularly Android tablets.

The newest of these is the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1v, which will launch in Australia in mid-April through Vodafone. Samsung is serious about the tablet market — the company will also launch the Galaxy Tab 8.9 and a thinner, lighter version of Galaxy Tab 10.1 with the same name. Both of these new Android tablets will hit Australia sometime between July and September.

Along with the Galaxy Tab, the iPad 2 will face competition from the Motorola Xoom, RIM's BlackBerry PlayBook, the HTC Flyer and LG's Optimus Pad — all of which are expected to launch this year.

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Research In Motion BlackBerry PlayBook

The BlackBerry PlayBook has a refreshing interface and excellent multitasking, but its lack of apps -- both default and through BlackBerry App World -- means it offers little incentive for non-BlackBerry smartphone owners. With future software updates and additions, the PlayBook will only improve, but it remains behind the competition.

  • Review Date:
  • Reviewer:
  • Manufacturer:
  • 26th May, 2011
  • Ross Catanzariti
  • Research In Motion
  • Rating:
  • Price:
  • 3.50
  • $ 579.00
  • Pros:
  • Great software, multitasking and slick UI
  • Excellent performance
  • Comfortable size for travelling and commuting
  • Cons:
  • No native calendar, e-mail or contacts apps (yet)
  • Limited selection of apps in App World
  • Not much appeal for non-BlackBerry users
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