Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Russell
Consider these specs as a baseline. Maybe I'm wrong here, but I don't see a lot of other choices (yet)...
* 10hrs+ battery life
* Backlit 9"+ hi-resolution color screen
* Small slate or convertible tablet form factor (netbook size or smaller)
* PDF, txt and ePub support
* Price below $500
|
Sure, but it's fairly arbitrary to decide that those particular iPad stats constitute some kind of "baseline". Unless you feel that there's something extra special about those exact specs (and you don't mind the iPad's limitations), then there are a number of other choices.
Off the top of my head, companies like Asus, Acer, Dell, HP, Fujitsu, Lenovo, etc all make tablet style computers which have specs that are least comparable. Sure, some of their specs may not directly match those on your list but, to balance that out, they have other features which exceed those of the iPad.
My HP was more expensive, but it's got a bigger touch screen and it has the much greater versatility that comes with a full and open OS. That allows me to instal whatever software I like. It also has a decent physical keyboard (that also acts as a protection for the screen when I close it). That's not necessary for some users - but I like it that way.
The ASUS T91MT matches the specs on price, but has a smaller screen, and less battery life. However, it too has the advantages of a full OS.
As WillAdams says above, the Fujitsu's a pretty impressive machine too.
It really depends on what you want. There's nothing particularly magical about those iPad specs. Unless you believe that there is of course...
From what I've read, the iPad seems like an attractive device but, unless it has some specific thing that really grabs you, then it doesn't really have the field to itself. Unless you choose to define the field as "That precise niche which only an iPad can fill".
Cheers,
Chris