Books & Pads & Slates & Tabs....Oh My!

Samsung Galaxy Tab, Apple iPad, BlackBerry PlayBook, HP Slate 500 Tablet PC... Yep, the tablet wars have officially begun. Since its release back in April of this year, tech geeks like your very own TechBender have been awaiting suitable contenders to challenge the iPad's industry-changing presence. Sure, we've seen some low end Android tablets released on the market. Those were simply what I affectionately describe as 'quick dollar knock offs'. They are so weak and clunky, I'm not even going to mention them by name. It's taken well over six months, but just like Santa, some new players have come to town. But will these competitors take market share away from the iPad? Are they a little too late coming out of the gate? Let's take a brief look at each tablet and I'll give the TechBender 'best guess'. (Note: You may want to read this article about what the iPad can do before you read any further.)

Galaxy Tab:
The Galaxy Tab will be the first Android 2.2 based tablet computer to challenge the iPad. With a 7" screen, both a front and rear facing camera and access to the Android market, this little puppy is full of potential. It has a 1Ghz processor (generally speaking, the higher the number, the faster a computing device will perform tasks), and claims to have a battery life that allows 7hrs of video playback. The 'cool' feature for the Galaxy Tab is the inclusion of SWYPE input. Users will have the ability to swipe their fingers around the keyboard to write. It's been proven that SWYPE input is THE fastest way to type. Check out these videos on how SWYPE works. The Galaxy Tab will come in a 3G/Wi-Fi version on Verizon. The Verizon 3G plan will be a $20/month plan with 1G of data included. There are hints on the internet that there will be a Wi-Fi only version coming soon. The Galaxy Tab is rumored to be released on Verizon in early November.

BlackBerry PlayBook:
The 1Gz dual core, 7" PlayBook is BlackBerry's first tablet solution. Running the proprietary BlackBerryTablet operating system, the PlayBook is an enterprise ready device that is ready for video conferencing with its front facing camera, 5 megapixel rear camera, and 1080p LCD screen. Using Wi-Fi, users will have access to BlackBerry App World. Users can also access the internet using this devices 'cool' feature, which is the PlayBook will seamlessly tether with BlackBerry phones to connect to 3G using the phone's BlackBerry service. BlackBerry is targeting business users with this device and is rumored to have it available at the beginning of 2011.

HP Slate 500 Tablet PC:
Aimed at enterprise, the Slate 500 is the first Windows 7 fully 'PC-like' tablet computer. So, think of the Slate 500 as a laptop that has only a touchscreen interface. With a 1.83Gz processor, full Windows 7 32bit operating system and USB port, think of this machine as a fully functioning 8.9" screen PC in your pocket. Need I say more? I mean, it's a laptop without a keyboard! HP claims a five hour battery life, but we'll see what the real life battery life turns out to be. The cool feature of the Slate 500 is the USB drive and Bluetooth. Imagine plugging in a mouse and using a Bluetooth keyboard at the same time. This will drain the battery, which is why I'm wondering about true battery consumption. But, it's cool nonetheless. The HP Slate is available now for business customers.

So, these are the tablet devices. These are the players. Now, will these tablets beat the iPad? Hell no! Whoops! I think I got a little carried away. I better explain myself before I get accused of being an Apple fanboy again. My reasoning behind these devices not stopping the iPad train have nothing to do with Apple and all to do with timing. You see, I don't think it matters that the PlayBook and Galaxy Tab have 7" screens versus the 9.7" on iPad. I don't think it matters that the HP Slate 500 is running a full Windows 7. I don't think it matters that the BlackBerry and Samsung both have front facing cameras. One thing I didn't write about but is true is that all three competitors have more RAM memory than the iPad. The HP is $799, the 16gb Samsung Galaxy Tab will be $600 with a monthly contract on Verizon. The PlayBook pricing has not yet been announced. And, guess what? Just because the iPad is cheaper, starting at $499 for a 16gb model, that's still not the reason I think these competitors won't overtake the iPad's popularity. In my TechBender opinion, all these great options don't really matter and won't stop the iPad from being the device of choice for the next two years at least. Why? Why oh why great Techbender, are you a naysayer? If you're not an Apple fanboy, then prove your point!

It's simple folks. Timing is everything, and the competitors waited too long to get on the bandwagon. Remember when I mentioned it's been six plus months since the iPad was released? And did you notice that the only device now available in the US is the HP Slate 500? Anyone who wants a tablet computer right now only has one choice: iPad. HP is selling their devices only to businesses. So, the average consumer isn't aware of how to buy the device. That also means the iPad is the only tablet being marketed to consumers. Thus, iPad is the only choice. Those that are ready can pick one up at an Apple Store, online at Apple.com, at Target, Best Buy and even Wal-Mart. And for those that are waiting on the competitors to release the devices, guess what Apple is going to do in January, just three months away? You are correct! Apple will release the 2nd generation iPad, and it will be better, stronger, faster (better bionics) than these late releases from BlackBerry and Samsung. And once that announcement is made, people will wait another three months for that best in class device.

Basically, you don't have to be a fanboy to realize Apple is ahead of the game. Until the competitors come up with a device that has unique innovation, Apple will remain one step ahead, because they released first and caught the competition flat on their feet. 6+ months!

What do you think? Will the next iPad have a camera to work with FaceTime? Let me know your thoughts.