Microsoft Courier Booklet
Status: Prototype, expected to be released this year
Anything you can do, we'll try and do better: Microsoft's mantra right now might seem like one big game of hardware catch-up, considering the Zune had little impact on contesting Apple's long-held iPod crown.
But the team at Redmond still have a real chance to (re) create a competitive device that delivers what people want and not what Apple bean counters would prefer us to want.
The bottom line:
Two screens tethered by an odd hinge system, combining the aesthetics of a diary with finger gestures and multiple application modes. Rumours suggest it will be powered by Nvidia's Tegra 250 processor and an optimised version of Windows 7.
Notion Ink Adam
Status: In development
The 10in Adam found a great deal of praise after an official demonstration at the Mobile World Congress last month and earlier at the 2010 CES. The device, which includes a 180 degree swivel webcam is being touted as neither slate nor eBook reader, but that's just another fancy way of saying it's capable of doing both - a hybrid of sorts.
The bottom line:
Pixel Qi transflective display technology has the potential to make a big difference with this product. This display technology has the ability to save battery life as an eBook reader, or operate as a colour friendly LCD display. The spec is also impressive: Dual-Core ARM CORTEX A9 PCORE processor, HD LCD, Ebook client, 3G, WiFi connectivity, multi-touch support.
HP Slate
Status: In development
One of the most talked about iPad alternatives, the HP Slate is generating some spectacular buzz, with the likes of Microsoft's CEO Steve Ballmer plugging the device.
HP are old pros at tablet computing, and this Windows 7 based slate device looks like it will be an interesting alternative to the iPad. The usual specs that make it different from the iPad also apply with the Slate, including USB ports and a webcam.
The bottom line:
Unlike the iPad, the Slate has the full operating system of a PC. HP have also recently confirmed that the device will support Adobe Flash, unlike the iPad.
MSI Android tablet
Status: Prototype
If this is any indication, we can expect many more PC makers to hop on board and try their hand on what looks like another netbook priced sub genre.
Not many details exist about this MSI creation, although according to Engadget, it will be powered by the Nvidia Tegra 2 chip, and will have a 10in capacitive display and use the Android OS.
The bottom line:
MSI products have a reputation for good value, which bodes well for their slate device. The Android OS and Tegra combination could also be the best thing about this tablet.
Quanta Tegra tablet
Status: Prototype
An early review of the unit was critical of the touchscreen, but did approve of the HD video playback and 3G capabilities. Quanta has a bit of experience in hardware, but nothing tells us they have it what takes to create a desirable tablet experience just yet.
The bottom line:
HD Video, Android OS, WiFi and 3G could prove very tempting if the price is right.
Smart V7
Status: Avaliable
This device has been around for many a moon now - around 12 months actually. From Smart Devices, the V7 has three bootable OS platforms, WLAN, Bluetooth, USB, 1080p video playback and a 600MHz ARM11 processor.
The bottom line:
Three OS options, 1080p video playback, Bluetooth, WLAN. So far so good. Now all we need is somebody to spruce it up and give it an easy to remember name.
Kogan tablet
Status: To be released 1st quarter of 2010
The Kogan tablet and the Smart V7 may look similar and that's because they really are. The Kogan tablet is an unashamed rebadge of the V7. The Kogan will have USB ports, internal expandable storage via SDHC (2GB is included) and possibly a webcam.
The bottom line:
At $199, it's the only tablet with an Australian price announcement. And, for that kind of money, it looks rather tempting, no matter the lack of app limitations or the chunky design. Kogan is hoping to get the tablet out next month and beat the iPad to the party.
Vega
Status: To be released first half 2010
The Vega is among the largest slate devices on offer. Designed by ICD (Innovative Converged Devices), it certainly has the looks to pacify style hounds.
The specs look good too: an Android OS, FM radio, 3G and WiFi. At 15.6in wide, you'd be forgiven for thinking it looks like a giant version of the iPad. But will that be enough?
The bottom line:
A large screen could be a drawcard for some. Another Tegra powered slate, with 512MB of RAM, 1.3MP web cam, microphone and micro SD for expandable storage.
Joo Joo
Status: To be released first quarter 2010
It's hard to get past the silly sounding name, but once you do, Fusion Garage's Joo Joo could be worth looking out for.
For $US500, you get none of the Apple App compatibility and all the price of the iPad. It's bigger (12.1in) and weighs more (1.4Kg) than the iPad. More so, the Singapore based company is aiming to launch at around the same time as the iPad (March 25th). Ballsy stuff.
Bottom line:
USB ports, a future web store selling its own apps and the ability to run 1080p content. Unfortunately there's not much on the Joo Joo that really differentiates itself from the iPad or many of the other much better devices on this list and for us, that's the biggest problem.
