Best Reviewed
Tablet Computers
- Budget tablet computer Amazon Kindle Fire *Est. $200
- Best tablet computer Apple iPad 2 *Est. $500
- Best Android tablet Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 *Est. $500
- Best value tablet Acer Iconia Tab A100 *Est. $330
- Best convertible tablet computer Asus Eee Pad Transformer *Est. $390
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- Fast performance
- Responsive touch screen
- Thousands of apps available
- Excellent battery life
- New software update adds multitasking
- Doesn't support Flash
- Lacks a USB port, camera and webcam
- Display is hard to read in bright sunlight
Although it is facing increasingly tough competition, the Apple iPad remains the best consumer-oriented tablet on the market. Apple has just updated the operating system to iOS 4.2, and reviewers say this free update makes the iPad even better. The iPad now supports multitasking -- a frequent complaint about the original version -- and you can run multiple apps at once. You can also organize apps into folders, stream content to an Apple TV and print wirelessly (although only a few HP printers are supported at the time of this update). Experts remain impressed with the sleek 9.7-inch design, and the responsive touch screen is hard to beat. Battery life is excellent and easily exceeds Apple's 10-hour claim. The iPad also has access to nearly all of the 200,000 apps in the iTunes store, and now there are almost 40,000 that have been optimized for the iPad's large display. Reading ebooks is another of the iPad's strengths, because the color illustrations and lifelike page turns are in stark contrast to the drab grayscale screens on competing e-readers, though some experts say that the less colorful displays are easier on the eyes for long-term use.
That said, there are a number of downsides that likely preclude the iPad from becoming your primary computer. It doesn't support Flash, which means many web pages don't load properly, and you can't stream video directly from popular sites like Hulu; however, sites like Hulu and YouTube now make their content available via apps that the iPad can run. In addition, the tablet lacks common laptop features like a USB port, camera or webcam. It's also heavier and larger than competing tablets, and the glossy display can be hard to read in bright sunlight.
The Apple iPad is available in two versions, one with Wi-Fi (*Est. $500 and up) and one with Wi-Fi and 3G (*Est. $630) compatibility. The Wi-Fi only iPad is slightly lighter and costs less, but experts say the 3G version is worth the extra money if you plan to use the tablet away from home on a regular basis. Otherwise, the Wi-Fi only iPad is the better deal. Versions with 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB of internal storage are available. The 3G iPad requires a data plan from AT&T. Verizon also offers the Wi-Fi only iPad bundled with a MiFi Mobile Hotspot, which converts the 3G signal into Wi-Fi, starting at $630.
Manufacturers are scrambling to produce their own iPad alternatives, and Apple is facing increasing competition on the tablet front. The best iPad alternative -- by far -- is the Samsung Galaxy Tab (Discontinued). This Android-based tablet has features the iPad lacks, including Flash support and dual cameras. The 7-inch design is also easier to carry and hold with one hand. However, reviewers prefer the iPad overall. The Galaxy Tab has a sluggish web browsing experience, according to reviews. Although it has access to a good number of apps, most aren't optimized for the Tab's large display.
The latest iPad software update has addressed reviewer complaints from earlier this year. As a result, lots of reviewers, including PCMag.com, Laptop Magazine, Engadget.com, TabletPCReview.com, TechRadar.com and others, have updated their coverage to test the iPad with the latest iOS 4.2 software. Their reviews focus only on what has changed, but older reviews from these and other sources cover design, battery life, the display, and other factors that are unchanged, and they remain worthwhile and relevant.
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| Apple iPad (first generation) MB292LL/A Tablet (16GB, Wifi) | |
(711 reviews) In Stock. |
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Our Sources
PCMag.com reviews the latest software for the iPad and gives it an Editors' Choice award. Jeffrey Wilson says it "sets the standard for tablet computing," and he especially likes the multitasking support, new folder organization and AirPlay. Although the iPad still doesn't support Flash video, he says he thinks that is not the huge downside it used to be.
Review: Apple iOS 4.2 (for iPad), Jeffrey L. Wilson, Nov. 22, 2010
2. Laptop MagazineDetails/Subscribe
Laptop Magazine gives the Apple iOS 4.2 a 4-star rating. "Multitasking, AirPlay streaming, and a bevy of other enhancements make the best tablet platform even better," says Michael Prospero. He says the update makes the iPad even more usable, although the AirPrint feature has a few snags.
Review: Apple iOS 4.2 for iPad, Michael A. Prospero, Nov. 23, 2010
3. Engadget.com
Engadget.com also says the iPad is better than ever with the latest software update. "What Apple has added here puts the iPad much, much closer to the netbook-chomping beast we always felt it could be," Joshua Topolsky writes. However, he does have issues when using AirPrint with a networked printer.
Review: iOS 4.2 review (for iPad), Joshua Topolsky, Nov. 22, 2010
TabletPCReview.com says iOS 4.2 brings many welcome improvements to the iPad, including multitasking, wireless printing and a unified email inbox. However, Ed Hardy says he wishes the AirPrint feature was compatible with more printers.
Review: Apple iPad OS 4.2 Hands-On Review, Ed Hardy, Nov. 23, 2010
TechRadar.com doesn't rate the iPad's new OS, but Craig Grannell does have a detailed overview of what has changed. Although he says he is disappointed with the AirPrint feature, Grannell says the software does make considerable improvements.
Review: Hands on: iOS 4.2 review, Craig Grannell, Nov. 23, 2010
Although he says he thinks the AirPrint feature isn't quite ready for prime time, Edward Baig says the new OS is a "no-brainer addition." Like other reviewers, he appreciates the multitasking support and ability to sort apps into folders.
Review: Review: iOS 4.2 Upgrade for iPad Enriches Experience, Edward C. Baig, Nov. 23, 2010
Tim Gideon at PCMag.com has one of the most detailed reviews of the iPad. He gives the tablet an Editors' Choice award and praises the responsive touch screen and e-reader functionality. The lack of Flash is one of the biggest drawbacks, he says.
Review: Apple iPad (Wi-Fi), Tim Gideon, March 31, 2010
8. Laptop MagazineDetails/Subscribe
The Apple iPad scores an Editors' Choice award from Laptop Magazine. High points include an elegant design, easy-to-use interface and fast performance. However, Mark Spoonauer notes that the display is hard to read in bright sunlight and iPad-optimized apps are more expensive than their iPhone versions.
Review: Apple iPad, Mark Spoonauer, April 4, 2010
9. CNET
Donald Bell gives the Apple iPad 4 stars out of 5 -- an excellent rating. Bell says the iPad is the "first affordable tablet computer worth owning," but he notes that it is not a must-have device for those who already have a laptop and smartphone.
Review: Apple iPad (64GB, 3G), Donald Bell, Updated Nov. 23, 2010
PC World has one of the most balanced and critical reviews of the iPad. Melissa Perenson finds the keyboard very hard to type on, and the tablet's lack of Flash is a disappointment. However, she does praise its multimedia performance, including playing games or watching movies.
Review: Apple iPad with Wi-Fi 32 GB, Melissa J. Perenson, April 3, 2010
Walter Mossberg gives the Apple iPad a glowing review, saying it has the potential to change the way we think about portable computing. Battery life and portability are high points, and Mossberg says he thinks the iPad is better for reading ebooks than the Amazon Kindle. He does note a few limitations within the email program.
Review: Apple iPad Review: Laptop Killer? Pretty Close, Walter S. Mossberg, March 31, 2010
David Pogue writes two reviews of the Apple iPad -- one for techies and one for everyone else. His tech-focused review is highly critical, with complaints about the weak ebook selection and the lack of Flash. He does praise the numerous apps and lengthy battery life.
Review: Looking at the iPad From Two Angles, David Pogue, March 31, 2010
Edward Baig gives the Apple iPad 3.5 stars out of 5. Baig says the iPad is an excellent choice for Internet surfing, playing games or reading ebooks, but he has the same complaints as other reviewers: no USB ports and no Flash.
Review: Verdict is in on Apple iPad: It's a Winner, Edward C. Baig, March 31, 2010
14. BoingBoing.net
Xeni Jardin says the Apple iPad has excellent battery life -- more than 12 hours between charges. However, she prefers using the optional keyboard dock rather than the touch-screen keyboard.
Review: Apple's iPad is a Touch of Genius, Xeni Jardin, March 31, 2010
Wired doesn't rate the Apple iPad, but Steven Levy pens a detailed first look at the tablet. He calls it a "groundbreaking way to consume media," but he has some complaints about the hard-to-use keyboard.
Review: Apple iPad: One Small Step for Tablets, One Giant Leap for Personal Computers, Steven Levy
Bob LeVitus is very impressed with the iPad, saying it met nearly all of his high expectations. He finds it comfortable to hold and notes that it stays cool even under demanding conditions. The speaker also has good audio quality.
Review: Dr. Mac: Apple's iPad is Better Than Expected, Bob "Dr. Mac" LeVitus, March 31, 2010
Andy Ihnatko, the technology columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times, says the iPad is "one of the best computers ever." Ihnatko says he thinks the iPad could replace a laptop for many consumers.
Review: Review: iPad is Pure Innovation -- One of the Best Computers Ever, Andy Ihnatko, March 31, 2010
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Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 3G P7300 16GB Unlocked GSM Android Tablet (White)
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