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In this report
  • Introduction{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{2 mentions}{2 mentions}{1 mention}
  • Apple iPad{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{3 mentions}{1 mention}
  • iPad Alternatives{9 mentions}{1 mention}{3 mentions}{2 mentions}{5 mentions}{3 mentions}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}{3 mentions}{1 mention}{2 mentions}{1 mention}{2 mentions}{1 mention}{2 mentions}
  • Cheap Tablets{2 mentions}{3 mentions}{1 mention}{1 mention}{3 mentions}{1 mention}{4 mentions}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}
  • Convertible Tablet Computers{3 mentions}{2 mentions}{3 mentions}{3 mentions}{2 mentions}{1 mention}{1 mention}{3 mentions}{2 mentions}{1 mention}{1 mention}{1 mention}
  • Useful Links
  • Our Sources

See Also

Tablet Computers: Ratings of Sources
Total of 21 Sources

For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.

1. PCMag.com
As of April 2012
Tablets
by Editors of PCMag.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentPCMag.com is among the most prolific technology reviewers when it comes to reporting on tablets. It also has one of the better testing methodologies around, subjecting tablets to extensive benchmarking and hands-on examinations in its dedicated testing lab. Only a handful of tablets earn a 4 out of 5 rating or higher, and four of those -- the Apple iPad and iPad 2, the Amazon Kindle Fire and the Lenovo ThinkPad X220 Tablet -- also receive an Editors' Choice award.
2. Laptop Magazine
As of April 2012
Tablet/MID Reviews
by Editors of Laptop Magazine
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentLaptop Magazine is another good source of tablet computer reviews, with deep, benchmark-based testing and a large number of slates covered. The updated Apple iPad and the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime both earn Editors' Choice awards, as does the previous-gen iPad 2.
3. CNET
As of April 2012
Tablets
by Editors of CNET
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThe tablet computer reviews at CNET are thorough, and each slate is rated on a 5-point scale, with pros and cons clearly noted. Benchmarking and comparisons to other tablets are peppered throughout all reviews. The Apple iPad and the Asus Eee Pad Transformer each score an Editors' Choice award and 4 star ratings. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, the Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet and Sony Tablet S round out CNET's list of the top five tablets with ratings of 3.5 stars each.
4. Computer Shopper
As of April 2012
Tablet and E-Reader Reviews
by Editors of ComputerShopper.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentComputerShopper.com rates a wide variety of tablets at all price points. The Apple iPad and iPad 2 are the clear winners, with scores of 4.5 out of 5 and an Editor's Choice award -- ratings that are matched only by the Sony Tablet S. The site also gives the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Editors' Choice awards (along with ratings of 4 stars), and the smaller Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 also nabs a 4-star rating.
5. TheVerge.com
As of April 2012
Tablet Reviews
by Editors of TheVerge.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentTheVerge.com is a relatively new website, but most of the major tablet releases from 2011 onward are covered. The reviews themselves are detailed, illustrated, separated into categories (like hardware/design, internals and battery life) and usually include a supplemental video review at the end. The publication appears to have relatively stringent rating criteria, with most tablets receiving middling to average ratings; tablets really have to excel to score an 8 or higher at TheVerge.com, and the site is not bashful when it comes to handing out poor grades.
6. TabletPCReview.com
As of April 2012
Tablet PC Ratings and Reviews
by Editors of TabletPCReview.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentTabletPCReview.com is the sister site of NotebookReview.com, a highly respected source for laptop reviews. Each tablet is rated on a 5-point scale and is subjected to extensive hands-on and benchmark testing. Lenovo's ThinkPad X220 convertible Windows 7 tablet, the updated Apple iPad and the Android-based Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 all earn 4.5 out of 5 stars, the high-water mark for the site. Several other tablets receive above-average 4-star ratings.
7. Notebook Check.net
As of April 2012
Reviews
by Editors of NotebookCheck.net
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentNotebookCheck.net can be a challenge to use, but its detailed reviews make it worth the effort. The site focuses on traditional laptops, but slates and convertible laptops from Samsung, Dell and other makers get good coverage. On the downside, not all tablets covered are sold in the U.S., and readability isn't great because everything is translated from the editors' native German.
8. Engadget.com
As of April 2012
Tablet PCs
by Editors of Engadget.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentEngadget.com has a good selection of tablet reviews, including many that don't get much attention elsewhere (such as the Archos 80 G9, which impresses its reviewer). The site has abandoned its numerical rating system, but the exhaustive reviews leave no stone unturned and no doubt in readers' minds whether a product is recommended.
9. TrustedReviews.com
As of April 2012
Tablet Reviews
by Editors of TrustedReviews.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWhile TrustedReviews.com is based in the U.K., many of the tablets it reviews are also available in the U.S. TrustedReviews.com's analysis is lengthy, illustrated and based on hands-on testing. Some reports are supplemented with video reviews, as well. A list of the site's top 10 best-reviewed tablets makes it easy to cut to the chase quickly.
10. Pocket-lint.com
As of April 2012
Tablets
by Editors of Pocket-Lint.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentPocket-Lint.com is also based in Britain, and it again provides a large number of reviews of tablets that are available stateside. Finding those reviews can be tough, however, as you have to slog through page after page of tablet news to find them. The critiques themselves are fairly lengthy and detailed, although no technical benchmarking is documented. Ratings are awarded on a 1- to 5-star scale. Less formal Hands-on articles aren't quite reviews but provide brief insights into new or upcoming tablets.
11. Anandtech.com
As of April 2012
Tablet -- Latest Posts
by Editors of AnandTech.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAnandTech.com has some of the most detailed technology reviews on the Web, but the site doesn't review as many tablets as the sources we rank higher. Reviews, which run alongside tablet news and discussion posts, are lengthy and reflect a great deal of computer knowledge. Recent tablet reviews do a nice job of comparing models against each other.
12. Arstechnica.com
As of April 2012
Gear & Gadgets
by Editors of ArsTechnica.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentArsTechnica.com writes thorough reviews of tech products, including the occasional tablet computer. Editors cover every pertinent aspect of using a tablet, including performance, battery life and features. The tablets aren't rated, but a lengthy conclusion section sums up the editors' recommendations. Finding reviews can be a bit of a chore on this blog-type site.
13. TechRadar.com
As of April 2012
Tablets
by Editors of TechRadar.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentTechRadar.com offers its own reviews and compiles additional ones from a number of British technology publications, including What Laptop? magazine. The reviews are based on hands-on testing and culminate in a rating on a 5-point scale. The only downside is that many of the computers reviewed here aren't widely available in the U.S. Samsung's Galaxy Tab line and Asus' Eee Pad line lead the pack, with several models from each receiving scores of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
14. PC World
As of April 2012
Tablets
by Editors of PC World
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentPC World evaluates most of the big-name tablets, but its coverage is relatively lean compared to other publications. Reviews are based on hands-on testing but are not as detailed as those sources we rank higher. Several tablet computers earn 4-star ratings or higher.
15. Macworld
As of April 2012
Tablets
by Editors of Macworld
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAs its name suggests, Macworld focuses on Apple products, so it's not a good choice for reviews of Android tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. However, Macworld has detailed reviews of the iPad and older iPad 2 that reflect hands-on testing and are worth a read.
16. Wired
As of April 2012
Tablets & E-Book Readers
by Editors of Wired
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWired reviews several tablet computers in its usual irreverent style. Reviews are brief, but pros and cons are clearly noted and the analysis is nicely balanced. Some big-name tablets (including the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and original Asus Eee Pad Transformer) are not reviewed. The Apple iPad and Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime earn the highest ratings, at 9 and 8 (out of 10) respectively. Most other reviewed tablets receive more pedestrian scores; none rates higher than a 7 here.
17. AllThingsD.com
As of April 2012
Tablet
by Walt Mossberg
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentLongtime technology reviewer Walt Mossberg has lengthy reviews of a few tablet computers, including the Kindle Fire, Apple iPad, Sony Tablet S and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. The tablets aren't rated, but Mossberg's reviews are appropriately balanced and critical when necessary.
18. Amazon.com
As of April 2012
Tablets
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAmazon.com offers a decent selection of tablets, and many of the popular choices attract hundreds of reviews. Many of the tablets listed here score similarly (typically garnering around 4 out of 5 stars overall), including the Apple iPad 2, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, Acer Iconia Tab A500, Motorola Xoom 10-inch, Asus Eee Pad Transformer and the Toshiba Thrive. Some of the owner reviews are short and not too helpful, while others are detailed and provide information on long-term use that might be missed by experts. The Kindle Fire has amassed more than 1,300 reviews. Most owners are happy, but a number are not.
19. Gizmodo.com
As of April 2012
Tablets
by Editors of Gizmodo.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentGizmodo.com isn't the easiest review site to navigate. The quickest way to find tablet reviews is to search for them. But the editors do have detailed and balanced reviews, some with ratings of the latest tablet computers. The negative reviews are often amusing reads.
20. About.com
As of April 2012
Tablet PCs
by Mark Kyrnin
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentMark Kyrnin, the computer guide at About.com, reviews his top picks in five tablet categories -- best software, thinnest, best battery life, best value and best overall. He also covers a decent number of big-name tablets in standalone reviews that assign an overall rating and clearly list pros and cons, but are fairly brief. Hands-on testing isn't detailed, if it's conducted at all. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
21. TechCrunch.com
Nov. 17, 2011
Review: The Nook Tablet Is A Real Android Slate In E-reader's Clothing
by John Biggs
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis standalone review of the Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet is lengthy and chock-full of hands-on impressions and analysis. Despite saying, "It has a few near-fatal flaws," John Biggs says it is one of his favorite Android tablets, especially "if you already have a great deal invested in B&N content."
     
 

This is our assessment of the review’s relevance, clarity of testing and thoroughness.

Read more about our Ratings Criteria by clicking the link at the top of the page.
 
 
 
  
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