The line between eReaders and tablets is getting fuzzier as each of these distinctly different portable devices tries to emulate the other. So if you are contemplating a new portable small screen device for the holidays, here is a refresher.
Let’s be clear: tablets, including the iPad, use an LCD screen, like a laptop and behave like laptops while eReaders use E-ink technology which resembles printed paper, great for book-reading but is too slow to run other applications.
Tablets and iPads are brighter, have more contrast and are difficult on the eyes after long periods of use. But they are more powerful, can run computer-like applications, offer great Internet browsing, run office apps and have access to hundreds of thousands of free or cheap applications including games. They all have onboard digital cameras, front and back, shoot HD video (720p or 1080p) handle many email accounts and can consolidate your social networks. All have WiFi and Bluetooth, while better models have GPS and tilt-sensitive screen accelerometers and about half also have optional 3G or 4G data connection through local carriers which includes a discounted purchase price with a three year data plan. Almost every tablet runs on some version of Google’s Android OS, almost all recent models are upgradeable to the new Android “Ice Cream Sandwich” OS 4.0 early 2012.
Tablets and iPads differ from more powerful PC laptops in that they don’t use a mouse. Instead, they use a multi-finger touch screen but can accommodate optional Bluetooth keyboards.
eReaders are thinner, lighter, run longer and are best for displaying black and white textbook like images with no discernable dots on their adjustable font display. That’s why a 6-inch eReader looks so good. They can be read in bright outdoor daylight or simply catch a few rays in a dimly lit room. Some have an Internet browser, but very limited. Many include MP3 audio capability to read with background music or simply use as an audio player. Colour E ink has generated press but is still in its infancy. Most eReader makers are taking a wait-and-see attitude on colour E ink.
Here is a brief “what I like best” run-down on current popular tablets, pads and eReaders, most having the common features mentioned above. This is based on features you may appreciate, or not, long after buying the device. Features you can’t change and have to live with. Prices vary based on memory, screen size, data connectivity and shopping outlet.
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Tablets and pads
iPad 2 from Apple, from $519 has the most responsive screen touch, essentially becoming an extension of your finger, although it’s not as sharp as newcomers. Still, the user experience is tops. It has the simplest interface requiring the least number of clicks and finger swipes to get things done and is great on batteries. It is unbeatable in working and synching your data with other devices in Apple’s free iCloud service. Its cleverly designed multi-angle folding cover is genius. Hint: if on a budget, check out pre-owned original iPads which can be had for half-price online on eBay or kijiji. They work great, are upgradeable to OS 5 including iCloud.
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Samsung’s Galaxy 10.1-inch Tab 4G $649 and 8.9-inch Tab LTE $649, are not cheap, but seem to share the same engineering DNA as the iPad, as does the Galaxy Nexus phone to the iPhone4S. They are thinner, lighter, sharper and have, unquestionably, the best colour screen quality than competitor models. Samsung throws in its own flavour of innovative applications in addition the Android Market store. you can get a couple of hundred bucks off if you take on a three-year $20-$35 data plan with Bell. I personally like the LTE 8.9 inch as a perfect size for travel and it can achieve the fastest data connection, 12-25 Mbps realistically, in most Canadian cities.
The Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101, $399.99, is the second thinnest Android 3.1 tablet, also more powerful than most. It too is sharper than the iPad. has great sound and offers the best laptop-like expansion with an optional removable keyboard dock that makes it look like a clamshell laptop. Combined with the dock’s built-in battery, the TF101 can run for 16 hours. It has two USB 2.0 ports, an SD card slot and get this: a mouse pad with a fully functional mouse cursor. Winner. One can argue than the $499 combined price for an Android tablet and dock is approaching cheap laptops but if laptop speed is not important, it’s a good choice for two portable shifts of work or play on battery. It also has the smallest charger. Bravo. Listen-up everyone!
Acer’s Iconia Tab A500 10.1-inch tablet similarly powered like the Asus TF101, $349.99, has the most uncluttered screen on first start with a nicely organized bookshelf look for your multimedia, social, games and reading apps and an easy way to add to each. It had the least problems connecting to my home WiFi and has the largest speakers in this grouping, and fuller sound. The screen is 10-point touch. Despite being the heaviest of the lot, it provides 10 hours of Internet browsing.
The Sony Tablet S, $449, has Sony written all over it for “just another” Android tablet. It’s easy to hold with a 9.4-inch screen using a clever thin wedge design and concave sides with all the buttons, including SD memory slot nestled out of the way. Being Sony, it hooks you up with the company’s Reader Store and the newest movies through the Sony Entertainment Network, currently offering up to $70 of freebies. It’s also an IR remote control for your theatre room working with non-Sony products as well.
Toshiba’s 10.1-inch Tablet, also on Android 3.1, starting at $379, is the closest thing to a full computer slate. It has removable batteries, exchangeable colour back covers, great softest grip for long hours of use, standard USB 2.0, an SD memory slot, HDMI out (the kind you can actually find cords for) and includes a file manager to moves your stuff around, like a PC.
eReaders
Most eReaders offer a package deal. Don’t fall for it. Sure you save on the first several books, but then you may be stuck with a model or brand you don’t like. Take time and compare the reading experience in stores, side by side.
Amazon’s new Kindle, $109, has the same six-inch screen size of the keyboard WiFi and 3G siblings, but minus the keyboard or MP3 music or audio jack. But it’s small, easier to carry, has WiFi, easily gets you to your previous Kindle books. It’s available in multiple languages including French, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, German and Italian. Kindles still have the visually smoothest E-ink page turn experience than competitors.
The Sony Reader WiFi six-inch screen recently discounted to $119.99, a hot deal, is light and thin and offers the best book deal ever: you can “burrow” library books for free from virtually any library membership in North America. It also takes additional memory and is a great MP3 player while you read or just listen.
Canadian Kobo’s newest seven-inch colour screen Kobo Vox eReader, $199, is a hybrid, like the Kindle Fire which is not available in Canada yet. It’s an LCD screen with good web access, email and runs a large selection of specially modified Android apps. Its Pulse feature lets you share reader experience on Facebook. Kobo is aiming for the largest selection of children’s eBooks. Kobo also has a free eBook reader app for Apple iOS, Android, BlackBerry and HP WEB OS.
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