gdgt

An iPad. Unfortunately (for the other guys), the fact that so many device-tailored apps are already available for iPad gives it an enormous advantage, apart from hardware comparisons. I could see considering other tablets if they substantially outperformed with hardware, design/form factor, or even price, but as it stands, Apple's in a pretty comfortable position at the moment—especially after catching up on things like cameras, hdmi out, etc.

Also, I think everyone has a somewhat clearer picture of what to expect from Apple in the next version of iOS. With any luck, we'll see a revamp of the notifications system, wifi syncing, &c., but stability and snappiness is basically guaranteed… much more "certain" than wherever BlackBerry and WebOS will head. In my view, the only really compelling featureset that is lacking on iOS at present is tight integration with google services—i.e. native apps for them as Android has.

If Apple could "fix" the notifications thing and "steal" the cards idea from WebOS they would be pretty much solidified at the top. As it is it will be difficult to knock them down regardless of how many Android+Blackberry+WebOS tablets come out. Between the AppStore and the mindshare they are at the front and they aren't letting up. The iPad 2 isn't as much a revolution as an evolution ... and as many are speculating the iPad 3 is likely to be a revolutionary and magic product.

I'm a self-admitted Apple fan, but I also see an annoying arrogance that they know best and absolutely no ability to admit they might be wrong. In today's always on information stream it would be refreshing to hear Apple say they missed the mark on mobile notifications and they are working on making it awesome. Maybe this will be Apple 4.0 ... the post-Jobs era ... when they can be more open and honest with their customers and really build that cult follwoing.

I currently own, and love, my iPad 1, 16g wifi. I take it to work every day with me, I'm an iOS developer, and my wife complains and wants me to leave it at home. So, I've been thinking about buying a second one and was considering buying an iPad 2, before yesterday, for myself and leaving the iPad 1 at home for the family.

iPad 2 looks great, I love the faster processor and cameras, but the way I use my iPad, I'm not sure if speed and cameras will benefit me that much. So thankfully I have a full week to consider an iPad 2 purchase, cause I'm not sure yet what I'll do.

I kind of think the new cover is dumb. I like that they're trying to keep it thin, but I've used the basic Apple case for my iPad 1 since day 1 and have no problems with the case. For iPad 2, I'd rather have a full case that protects the front and back.

Still deciding.

David B.

I'm an Android fan, but the iPad 2 is slick (only knock on my end is no SD slot - Apple LOVES to charge for those GBs). I honestly don't think I "need" a tablet - if I got one it'd be a coffee table Boxee Remote/Real Housewives distraction. I'm seriously considering getting a Nook Color and hacking some Gingerbread on. $200-$250 and capable of about 75% of tasks I'd want from a tablet.

I've had an iPad since day one and I'm itching to get the second version. While the iPad 2 is well spec'd I'm more excited about the iOS 5 enhancements that are just around the corner.

I played with the XOOM and iOS is so much smoother and refined compared to Android Honeycomb that I don't see any Android tablet in my future anytime soon.

The tablets at 7" are just laughable and DOA in my opinion, especially if they can't significantly beat the iPad price points.

The HP TouchPad looks interesting but it is more like the iPad without a decent ecosystem behind it. Also, I can get iPad v2 next week… the TouchPad is months away.

For me the PlayBook and TouchPad aren't even in consideration. I've never been a BlackberryOS fan, and I know the PlayBook has a new OS and all, but everything I've seen - including what you just wrote - indicates it is really primarily a companion for a Blackberry first, and a standalone tablet second. And both it and the WebOS TouchPad suffer from the same crippling issue - lack of apps.

WebOS is a fine OS, but it has failed to fire up the developer community. I was a long time PalmOS user (IIIx through the Treo 680), right up until launch day of the Droid. I watched Palm shoot themselves in the foot repeatedly, starting with OS6, and was very skeptical before the WebOS/Pre launch. And everything I said that would probably happen to keep it from catching on - did. The only thing I didn't predict was HP snapping them up - but I'm less than convinced HP will be able to make a success out of WebOS on their own. Don't get me wrong, I think the developers did a fine job with WebOS, it is just cursed with bad timing and the tepid launch support from Palm and Sprint was a heavy blow it has yet to recover from.

The TouchPad is really an unknown. Blackberry has some apps, but nothing like iOS or Android, and it remains to be seen how well developers take to the TouchPad en masse. As well as rumors about Android-app compatibility, etc. But still, the primary focus is on Blackberry users.

So it is iOS vs. Android for me - and I'm already and Android user and fan, and not a big fan of some of the decisions Apple has made. I don't like their restrictive 'We know what's good for you" app store policies. I don't care for the 30% vig they're taking on subscriptions. While I think a migration away from Flash is a good thing, I think it is a long-term migration and I want Flash support today. I'm not happy with stunts they've pulled like telling devs what tools they need to use to make apps, even if they reversed it later - it left a bad taste. I don't like their opposition to apps that 'compete' with built-in iPhone features, as if their designs are the best possible and no one could possibly prefer another option - choice is good. And I don't like having one choice in hardware - oh, I can have it in black or white.

I think it is pretty clear where my sympathies lay. I'm very likely to pick up an Android tablet in the next few months. Right now the Motorola Xoom is the front-runner, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 looks good too. I'm planning to give them a little time to shake out, and see what pricing, etc, settles in at. With the iPad 2 out there it may put some pressure on pricing. I'm also currently on Verizon with my Droid, having jumped ship from AT&T when it launched. I'm most likely to stick with Verizon since my coverage and service has been good - better than I was getting with AT&T on my Treo 680 - but my Droid is up for renewal in July and I'll shop around to see what phones are out there, which may mean switching carriers - and that could influence my tablet choice.

As a none tablet owner but interested in getting one I am also considering the option of reduced price/refurb iPad v1 models. For price and app support nothing seems to compete with Apple yet.

This is a huge question for me right now. I'm a Mac user with an original Palm Pre. I would like to have my phone and tablet run the same OS. I bought the Pre and absolutely love the OS and the form factor, but the lack of apps is killing me and the HP/Palm & Sprint relationship seems like I might not get another chance at WebOS on Sprint. I'd love to do with the TouchPad assuming I see some sort of increase in market potential for WebOS by the time it comes out.

My next choice is probably an Android tablet and matching phone. I bought a cheepo Archos 101 to hold me over in the tablet world and while I like the Android tablet and don't have too many problems without specifically tablet designed apps I know it isn't up to par... yet... without Honeycomb. Once I have a chance to play with Honeycomb on a new device that might sway me to one of the Android offerings.

Last, there's always Apple. I've always loved my computers and iPods, but I'm unreasonably adverse to moving to iPad/iPhone land... not sure why.

Blackberry? Yeah I tried that and like it, but I'm not terribly interested in a 7in tablet and I'm not sold on the phones.

As much as I find the improvements on the iPad 2 very compelling, I am likely to hold off until iPad 3 regardless of when it comes out (Q3 2011 or Q1 2012). I have a loaded 64GB 3G iPad version 1 that more than meets my needs and can't justify the upgrade.

The only iPad competitor I find myself tempted by is the HP TouchPad with its fantastic GUI that rivals iOS. However, given the lack of apps and likely high price point, I doubt it will get significant traction in the market. A shame considering I think it kicks the snot out of any Honeycomb tablet I've seen online.

Just want to add that I've been attempting to replace my laptop with the iPad and a desktop at home. So far, so good. I'm beginning to become a believer with some that a day may come when tablets overtake laptops and perhaps all "computers" as we know them today (Blasphamy!).

While I like the Xoom, the iPad is just such a mature product. I don't have a tablet now and likely won't have one ever (or at least in the foreseeable future), but if I bought one, I'd buy the iPad 2.

iPad is great. Nothing can ever be better than ipad.
Dont just see the hardware. See the apps and the user interface. Moreover on how it works and the ease of work.
Seeing these, ipad can be the only winner

I'm looking forward to the Asus Transformer. I think that the ability to "dock" into a laptop form factor is much more applicable for a tablet than a smartphone (re Atrix). The ability to do everything on a tablet and then add a keyboard and 8 hrs more battery is enough that I my be able to replace my "ultra portable" laptop and just carry the Transformer.

Let's see... Which of the sea of new tablets support my hundreds-of-dollars worth of iOS apps?

Hmm... Looks like the iPad 2!

Yep, I'll be ordering on the 11th, or sooner. One for myself, and one for my wife.

Despite the limiting frustrations of the iPad (mostly lack of flexible control over data files), I've been very happy with it and I use it all the time.

I will get an iPad 2. I'd like a better screen, of course, but I love the specs of the 2.

After yesterday's announcement the only hard question is what color leather cover for the iPad 2.

Sorry. Call me sheep but I use my iPad mostly for web browsing, book reading, light writing and preparation and of keynote presentations. The screen mirroring is a cinch for me.

The Xoom barely keeps up with the iPad 1 in web browsing.

Do any of the other tabs even screen mirrors or has software like iMovie or GarageBand?

Apple really did it right with the stores. You walk in and see iMovie running on an iPad presented beautifully among MacBook airs and pros. in comparison you have the one dirty broken Xoom in the corner of a best buy. Exactly where apple was 15 years ago, and we know how well that was working. I'm not saying it is necessarily a good thing but such is the state of the industry at this point.

I've been struggling with this the last few months. I had high hopes for the Xoom, but it just feels rushed. Maybe after the OS and hardware mature for 6-12 months the playing field will be more level. The HP TouchPad looks promising, but they need to get developer support and to start shipping. I am a Blackberry (work)/iPhone (personal) user, but the PlayBook is starting to feel like vaporware.

In the end I will be going with the iPad 2. It has the most of what I want right now. I want Netflix, Hulu, AirVideo, so on. Streaming video has yet to be realized on Android and that worries me a bit. My tablet needs are not the same as my phone needs, so it's likely I won't be using iOS on anything but a tablet in a couple months.

I've had a Palm Pre for a long time now. While at first I was irritated for with the lack of available apps for webOS, it has picked up quite a bit, not to mention the homebrew developer community is really great. I love that if I don't like the way a certain menu looks, I load up Preware on my phone, download & install a patch for it.

My hope is that with HP taking over, there will be a much larger developer base for webOS. I fully intend on getting an HP Touchpad, because I love the multiple card interface, as well as the phone-to-tablet interaction.

I picked up an iPad last September and I'm perfectly happy with it. It will take a whole lot more than the iPad 2 to make me jump ship.

Somewhere around the iPad 3 there might be enough A5 only apps to make the switch worth it.

A small note, Peter: AppleInsider observed that Jobs declared 2011 "The Year of the iPad 2", which seems to debunk rumors of a fall iPad 3 release. (www.appleinsider.com­/articles­/11­/03­/02­/apple­_kills...)

I won't be getting one.
While I WANT a tablet of some kind, I don't see anywhere in my work flow/daily life where a tablet would be able to fulfill a need that my laptop (Alienware m11x), cellphone (Droid 2, rooted), and e-reader (nook classic) don't already do and better. I am almost always near wifi, and my m11x has a new momentus XT in it, so boot times are very fast, and the battery can last as long as 6.5 hours. The e-reader is much more capable in terms of reading in multiple areas, given the light conditions, and is much more comfortable to hold than almost any of the tablets I have handled. And my Droid does (no pun intended?) any last-minute look-ups I have to do on the road or before a meeting.

As much as the inner Star Trek, Padd-loving geek in me wants to get a tablet (leaning toward the Xoom or ipad 2), I just don't see myself actually using it.

As a current iPad v1 user I'm looking forward to the iPad v2. I plan to buy it on 3/11/11 for sure. Looking forward to the increased speed and the camera. As someone who travels too much it will be nice to have the larger form factor when talking to family while on the road.

I also tend to look at things from the enterprise level. Sure Apple isn't the most enterprise friendly company to deal with. However, their gear offers very little fuss once you have it setup. We constantly fight with our Android based phones, for upgrades etc.

As a CIO I'm looking for a product that works and one that doesn't create more administrative overhead. Apple has hit the nail on the head IMO. Android is still swinging.

I'm stuck with T-mobile so I'll most likely get the G-Slate.

I bought the iPad 1 on day one, and will buy the iPad 2 on day one.

Too obsessed with gadgets not too. I do have one remark about this comment though, and also about every other news/blog/pundit.

Why would you make a decision about a tablet based on one spec (in this case RAM). The most important part about a device is how the hardware and software interact to complete a harmonious interface. I own the iPad 1, and I have never said to myself .... "This thing needs more memory". Even if it is lower, the operating system does a great job of managing it, and that is all that matters. That being said, when the new iOS came out, and essentially made the iPhone 3G a brick, I certainly said "This thing needs more something, whether it's a faster chip, or more RAM, is beyond my assessment".

I went for the Xoom, but each Honeycomb tab that comes out makes me regret that choice for about a week. The Transformer is really sticking with me, having a real keyboard would really round out honeycomb for me. The 10.1 galaxy tab, while sexy doesn't seem to really offer anything special over the Xoom.

I have an Elocity (Stream TV) A7, and I'm very happy with it. But I think I'll be pushing it down the food chain ( to my wife ), and getting a Notion Ink Adam. I'm just waiting on them sorting out some of their supply/support issues before I order. I think the PQi screen is awesome, with the back side touch pad for an optional input while not blocking the view. Only downside I can see to it is the bulkier size. But price performance I think is great.

When I want something that a tablet will work for, it had damn well better work. I dont want to have to worry abut if I have the latest updates, admin permissions, virus-laden apps, or anything. It needs to work like a Star Tred PADD. That means iPad all day, every day. What OS is on my iPad? I have no clue. On the rare occasion I think about syncing it with the computer, I check for updates. That kind of careless ease of use is only enabled when the hardware and software work as seamlessly as it does on the iPad.

The HP Touchpad looks like something that realizes the potential of WebOS, but build quality issues are still a big concern. Even with HP behind them, Palm is still pushing the original Pre design with the same build quality.

But that hardware is cheap & has some serious problems. The keyboard is extremely cramped & difficult to use, but was made even worse by the buffering problems it had (at least on the Verizon version). Moreover, people are spoiled by the number of pixels available on most smart phones today so a tiny Blackberry-sized screen isn't going to be compelling.

The iPad 2 is nice in a lot of ways, but it's still 3G and still 1024x768, which is enough to stop current iPad owners from upgrading because they (we) all know 4G versions of iPad will be available later this year. What are the chances the ONLY difference will be the radio?

Having played with Xoom, it's a nice enough device but seriously overpriced considering the competition. It's geek-oriented and all the people buying iPads so far have been "lifestyle" buyers -- they want that "user experience" at which Apple is so adept.

Moreover, iPad 2 will be available on multiple networks. No need to get AT&T just because that's the only choice available. Therefore no need to go Android when what you REALLY want is iOS.

If the Xoom were $199 they'd have a shot. If Palm/HP can market properly, doesn't screw up the hardware, and gets more apps, they've got a shot. Outside of those or some surprise device later in the year, it's going to be iPad leading the way for 2011.

Unfortunately the ipad 2 still has 256 MB of memory. So how addressed your biggest complaints are now?

I just ordered a refurbished iPad 16GB for $349. I've been very satisfied with refurb products bought from Apple. I have an iPhone4 so I don't need the cameras on the iPad2. Frankly I don't think the iPad2 is worth the extra $150. That will buy a lot of apps and content to keep my kids happy on trips.

My _first_ tablet is going to be whatever comes out that I can afford ... and is an actual full blown handheld computer that supports me doing whatever I want with it.

I'll be keeping my iPad probably. I'll wait until the iPad 3 for an upgrade.

I'm waiting for the HP TouchPad. I'll likely get a Pre3 at the same time. I think they will make a killer combo. I never invested in an IPhone or any iOS device so I have more freedom to make a choice without losing an investment in apps. The IPad 2 looks great and has reached or exceeded the specs of the other tablets. I'm just not into the iTunes purchasing model and don't agree with the "rooting" or "hacking" of a device I own if I want to play around. The TouchPad will be "unlocked" out of the box and that's appealing to me. I'll be able to tinker with free patches and apps from the homebrew community. It just feels like a better attitude. I also believe that the OS integration with web services like FB, Skype, etc being "baked in" via APIs. I should not have to launch an app to interact with these services, they should "just work". I'm optimistic that the HP TouchPad will be a more seamless experience for me. Honycomb looks too much like windows to me, and with the various vendors launching Android tablets the experience is bound to be different from tablet to tablet. I have not seen the Xoom in action, or the Galaxy so I don't have a strong feeling there. I'm still a Palm fanboy at heart and willing to give HP and webOS a chance. I'll be voting with my checkbook this summer.

My first "tablet"? The EVO 4G, which I am using now. My next tablet? Whatever phone replaces this when it dies. As much as I want to want a tablet, I just can't think of a single practical application for my own circumstances for which a tablet would be better than my phone or my netbook.

My Dad, on the other hand, has replaced 90% of his computer use with iPad use.

All that said, I think if I do end up getting a proper tablet at some point, I would be looking at the 7" options so I could fit it in my cargo pockets. I had to walk away from the Nook desk in Barnes & Noble after playing with the Nook Color because I *wanted* it, although I certainly don't *need* it.

I think that right now its too hard to pick. I really love the iPad 2s design and app support but the hardware seems limited(no SD and you have to buy an HDMI adapter) and so is the OS. Every other tablets OS looks so much more useful but they are either not released or have no apps(from what I hear about honeycomb).

I guess its back to waiting and seeing or I might just cave in and get the iPad 2.

I bought the Notion Ink ADAM, Love it, Android I am starting to like, Ubuntu netbook I am hoping to try

It's either the EP121 slate or HP Touchpad for me. One of my first gadgets was a Palm III, so I'm hoping Touchpad will fit. Otherwise the Asus EP121 slate would do more than I need.

I'm going to try to hang onto my iPad 1 for another year, then I'll see what the tablet market looks like. I'm really impressed with the demos I've seen of the Xoom, but I'm afraid there's not going to be a very big selection apps. If next year Android 3.0 apps have taken off, I'll consider an Android tablet. Of course, if iOS 5.0 includes a new notification system or entirely new UI, then it'll be a harder decision. A retina display on the iPad 3 would also be a huge incentive for me to stick with Apple's tablets.

I have the original iPad and want the new iPad 2, but like you, the iPad 3 rumors have me not so sure. I'll probably be staying with this until we hear more about it.

The PanDigital Novel 7" color

An iPad would be nice but it's overpriced ($299 and I'd buy one in a heartbeat!).

Current tablets, released or otherwise, are simply not all they could be and for sure are not trumping neither a smartphone or a laptop - BUYING A TABLET HANDICAPS BOTH SIDES OF THAT EQUATION.

If you've got a smartphone, then you've probably got a laptop. What we all want is something that meets in the middle of those two, not necessarily improved capability but at least -combined- capabilty, and certainly not a bastardized and impotent version of each device.

LAPTOP vs TABLET
A tablet carries all the pain-in-the-ass of a laptop (charging cord, some kind of carrying case, slightly unwieldy chassis) but then you trade off your keyboard and general mobile PC-application freedom (Skype, MSOffice, Adobe Acrobat, Windows Media, and let's say Kinko's Lapnet Wizard), in place of a 3g/4g "data-only" connection anywhere. Kind of nice right? Wrong! Your virtual keyboard typing is WAY worse than you think it is, and you use those few certain programs a lot more than you think (enjoying putting graphics in your Word Docs on Google Docs?).

SMARTPHONE vs TABLET
A smartphone has become somewhat of a laptop replacement for many because of the telecommunications advantage and portability - phone calls and peephole browsing -yay! A vital part of the direction devices have been going is towards a -united- computing and phone operating system. But where do tablets take this? No phone connection (at least in the USA), and typing the speed of a middle schooler who hasn't learned all the words. Huh. So, instead of having just a tablet device in place of my smartphone and laptop, I should just purchase another and keep all three?! Where is the valued added in that? Oh, and on top add ANOTHER monthly data connection cost to my bills?!


Seeing a little extra screen real estate does not offset the lost value of consolidated cell phone calls, and having anywhere internet on a less capable computer OS does not offset the cost of an entire additional monthly bill.

Tablets have neutered the previous device's capabilities they've been evolving from. For christ's sake, Android is a smartphone operating system and they're releasing versions without basic cell phone ability?


LOOK WHAT'S COMING IF YOU WAIT
Virtual keyboards are about to get amazing (this may be why iPad 3 is coming so soon), intuitive, easy typing without thinking:
Blindtype goo.gl­/2BNJD
Snapkeys goo.gl­/tB5bc
To a much lesser extent, SwiftKey/TouchType goo.gl­/LffDV
Hurry up your negotiations please, it's been almost 6 months.......

And phone connection for tablets will be "allowed" again at some point, they keep saying Android OS Ice Cream Sandwich will "converge" tablet with phone ability, but it simply means the greedy carriers will just be take off their own self-imposed OS restrictions that disable it. Here's a video showing how European users have connection TODAY, and even a handicapped USA tablet almost making a call (it actually has the phone interface but won't make calls...):
Samsung Galaxy Tab goo.gl­/PpGrV
Motorola Xoom goo.gl­/VdoCh


I understand that technology can only move along so fast but when it's purposely disabled for gain, it blows my mind and certainly diminishes any respect or loyalty for carriers. The first carrier to end this with a "smart-tablet," if you will, will be my hero, hopefully sooner rather than later..... And subsequently help me consolidate my personal and business telecommunications and data devices, respective bills, and drastically enhance my quality of digital life.

It seems like the smartest carrier would forego this charade as though $300-800 and a 2-year contract ($3670 is a lot more than a $500 laptop with Wi-Fi) is possibly worth it to purchase -part- of smartphone and -part- of a laptop, and just begin collecting hoards of customers from both the other cellular & wi-fi carriers and very likely the broadband cable/DSL internet providers (at least as soon as Netflix comes on-board a HD-output Android device).......

Well I already have the iPad and Archos 70. I might go for the HP/Palm TouchPad.

Archos 101 all the way! It is the best for the price and I couldn't ask for more!

I have the Archos 70 Internet Tablet 250GB. For my needs, the best item currently in the market. It doesn't duplicate all the functions of my Android based mobile, and gives me the function, performance, and most especially data space that I needed for carrying a good share of my media library with me. As a frequent and distance traveler, I don't always have the option to change out to other items in my library, so having this allows me to carry more media in a more compact form than a netbook or laptop.

I really like the 7" form factor. Portability is the other key for me, and this really meets that need as well.

I also like the HP TouchPad and the HTC Flyer, especially the Flyer for the additional option for pen input.

I'm skeptical to ever needing a tablet PC. The new Tablets have impressive specs but I lack any enthusiasm for buying one. I'm a student and my laptop with bigger screen and keyboard fulfils all my needs. Anyone else in my position who wants to get a xoom or ipad 2 is kidding themselves out of several hundred £.

the xoom or the galaxy tab 10.1 seem like the best choices to me... especially as my new samsung epic should be arriving tomorrow...

I'm still thinking of getting an ipad or ipad 2 as a toy one day though... that new video mirroring function is nice, but its still a drag its not wireless...

the question shouldn't be which tablet? it should be which iPad!! black or white?

I'm currently looking for a tablet that can be integrated into the dash of my car and powered/connected to a power supply/amplifier in a snap. Is there anything like this available yet ?

I was looking at the iPad2 specs today and I now have one rare major complaint for Apple: Mono? Still? are you kidding me? for a movie watching device? and with all that great AirPlay tech? Mono!?

I'm currently very happy with my original iPad, so I'm not looking at upgrading right now. Maybe when the iPad 3 is announced, I will take another look.

I will be getting iPad 2 and here is why:
While I really hate the restrictions of iOS and I like android, there are certain apps that are the whole reason for me to have a tablet and I can't get them on android and even though I'm sure at some point they will show up that might be years in some cases or never. The apps I have in mind are Skype (with video support), Netflix, and much bigger selection of apps for kids that are optimized for a tablet.
Second thing is the price and size, while there are cheaper tablets like Archos 101 which is also very small and light it is really underpowered and will probably never run honeycomb, other tablets like Xoom are just more expensive. And even though there will be a wifi only Xoom for $600 which is the same as 32GB iPad 2 it is much thicker and heavier than the iPad and one thing that is important to me is weight since I have arthritis and holding a device this size for longer periods of time is difficult for me.
When it comes to other tablets like HP touchpad and Blackberry Playbook even though they look very interesting and capable they are still months away and their app ecosystem will be a big disadvantage with no guarantees it will ever grow to be ever useful.
If other companies want to compete with the iPad they need to get cheaper because they will probably never match the overall hardware design of apple. The only way I will buy a device like a tablet or laptop that is bigger is if its cheaper or has a big software advantage and that's why Windows laptops still outsell MacBooks by a wide margin, not because they are better but because they are a lot cheaper.