Competition Among Tablets

Apple released its iPad 2 this past Wednesday. I know it can seem like Apple and other technology companies come out with a new and improved product before we have a chance to get sick of its last one. It can make people crazy when trying to stay on top with the latest trends, but it is good for competition. Competition among tablets is increasing which will assist in competitive pricing, and very possibly, more affordable tablets. I believe tablets will be extremely practical and useful devices for all students and teachers…once they’re affordable for the average person.

Whether or not you’re willing to spend the money on a tablet, it’s good to know their capabilities and improvements. So, I’ve summed those up below.

Apple’s iPad 2

Size: 1.3 lbs (3 oz lighter than original iPad); 9.7-in. screen; aluminum shell is 33% thinner




Resolution: 1024 by 768 pixels (same as original)




Storage Options and Respective Prices: 16 GB [$499], 32 GB [$599] and 64 GB [$699] (same as original)




Memory and Processor: 512 MB and new dual-core A5 processor(this lets you do more than one thing at a time)




Includes 2 cameras.




If you have the $39 dock-to-HDMI Digital AV Adapter, iPad 2 is capable of video mirroring which is a beneficial tool for presenters and teachers.




There are more than 65,000 apps available at the App Store.




Motorola's Xoom

Size: 1.76 lbs; 10.1-in. screen




Resolution: 1280 by 800 pixels (greater than iPads)




Storage: 32 GB

Price: $799

Memory and Processor: NVIDIA’s Tegra 2, 1GHz dual-core CPU and a 1GB RAM

Includes dual cameras.




Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

Size: 1.76 lbs; 10.1-in. screen




Resolution: 1280 by 800 pixels (greater than iPads; same as Xoom)




Storage Options and Respective Prices: 16 GB and 32 GB (price could change due to release of iPad 2)




Memory and Processor: NVIDIA’s Tegra 2, 1GHz dual-core CPU and a 1GB RAM (same as Xoom)

Includes dual cameras.