Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Why Choose An Android Tablet

By Anne Harvester


It's actually a bit pointless trying to convince an Apple fan to look at the Android tablet. However, there are rational consumers who are willing to look beyond the iPad. For these objective buyers, here are a few reasons why the Android tablet is actually a better choice than an Apple device.

For starters, an iPad buyer gets all the hardware and the operating system from Apple itself. Put simply, there is no real choice regarding size, cost, service and support, features, and so on. Apple maintains complete control over the rights and how the device is used, which leaves consumers with less choice.

So while the 9.56" iPad is the only choice for Apple users, those who prefer Android tablets can choose from a host of manufacturers offering different sizes and models ranging from 5" to 10+". Apple only added cameras to its latest iPad version after it became obvious that it was essential. Others have been offering devices with two cameras (for the front and back) for quite some time now.

Open Source: Apple's iOS is not open source and developers have to work with whatever changes Apple decides to incorporate. The Android OS, on the other hand, is an open source project based on Linux. There's an army of developers working hard to add features and make it better, on top of the fact that any manufacturer can choose to use it which reduces the net cost for consumers.

Processing Power: Apple's inability to boost the iPad's processor is yet another effect of the company's need to maintain control. A powerful processor able to multi-task would trigger changes like a better display and a battery able to withstand the enhanced drain. In other words, it calls for a complete redesign of the device.

In other words, it would mean a complete redesign of the iPad and Apple is holding back on getting into such a big change. But other manufacturers have already been there and made the changes. Many of these tablets are now more powerful and able to take on complex computing needs which the iPad is not capable of currently.

Replacements: It's virtually impossible to provide service and support for a single mold device like the iPad, which has no screws. Apple has to replace the entire device if a customer's battery dies out. Android-based tablets don't have this problem, and their manufacturers can easily provide service agencies with individual parts that can be replaced cheaply.

iTunes: This is also one more way that Apple retains control over the iPad and its use. Customers who download apps on other devices need to sync it with iTunes to upload on the iPad. The Android marketplace puts no such restrictions, and a user who downloads it for another device is able to transfer it straight to the tablet.

The sum of it is that consumers need to think about the choices. The iPad offers a cool and hip device with no freedom or options except what Apple allows. The Android tablet is likely to be closer to what the consumer really wants, since there is so much choice from many different manufacturers.




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