Tablets...

GingerWarrior

Well, it was more of a case being stuck to Apple products only.

I was thinking maybe an Android tablet could potentially be better.

Lifeforms

Currently? No an android tablet is not better than an iPad. Yes you are tied to it, but so you are with an android. You can't take the iOS and use it on an android and vice versa. You're tied to Apple store, well you're tied to Google play (or a lower level, less access bypass on some tablets).

By it's very nature, saying tied to apple means nothing. Each product is individual and does not need another apple product to use it. If you're referring the likes of buying an ipad, always having to replace with an ipad, no, not true either. Conversion for anything you've done on the ipad, or even most things now are portable anyway. Notes, writing (google docs) music, videos etc. That alone means you can buy an ipad, break it, buy an android. (or not!)

If you buy an iPad you use apple iOS. If you buy an Android tablet, you use Google OS. (not including going down the route of other ROM's/Jailbreaking. Out of the box)

There are no android tablets as good as the iPad that are cheaper by far. Generally the iPad works, there are very few, if any compatibility issues when you use apps for example (unless you're running older items that aren't even supported; L2Read descriptions etc) You don't have that with Google play. it's hit and miss as to whether an app will work, and how well it'll work.

It's not a case of one is better than the other (though I would say I'd take my iPad wifi 2 over my Motorola Xoom Wifi (running ICS any day), more a case of what you'd prefer. If you like iPad, go iPad, if you like Android, go Android, and there are other OS on tablets out there as well.

*not an apple fangirl, but having had both types of OS, I prefer iPad. Hate itunes, but that's not even really needed anyway!
I really do wish they'd release a 7" model however. they'd pull a bigger market by doing so. a 7" ipad would be an instant want from me.

GingerWarrior

I may instead just decide to by a new laptop rather than spend money on an tablet! 5 year old laptop is slowly dying - so I am sure I could find something good for a similar price!

Thank you though for all your comments - it has been appreciated

davidbeckham

cnet and pcmag are amazing.. try them