There are plenty of choices for buyers of tablet computers with screens measuring about 10 inches diagonally. Here’s a look at how the iPad and other tablets of similar size compare:
Apple Inc.’s iPad:
_ Price: Starts at $499 for 16 gigabytes of storage, goes up to $699 for 64 gigabytes, more for versions with cellular data access. (Apple still sells the older, iPad 2 for $399.)
_ Screen size: 9.7 inches diagonally
_ Screen resolution: 2,048 by 1,536 pixels, at 264 pixels per inch.
_ Weight: 1.44 pounds
_ Cameras: 5-megapixel camera on back and a low-resolution camera on front, for videoconferencing
_ Battery life: 10 hours.
_ Operating system: Apple’s iOS
Pros: Unmatched access to third-party applications, high-quality Apple software and the iTunes store. Widest range of cases and accessories available. Available with access to fast 4G wireless broadband networks, starting at $629.
Cons: Data storage cannot be expanded with memory cards, and the base 16 gigabytes doesn’t go far.
Barnes & Noble Inc.’s Nook HD+
_ Price: $269 for 16 gigabytes of storage; $299 for 32 GB
_ Screen size: 9 inches diagonally
_ Screen resolution: 1,920 x 1,280 pixels, at 256 pixels per inch
_ Weight: 1.14 pounds
_ Cameras: None.
_ Battery life: 10 hours of reading, 9 hours of video
_ Operating system: Modified version of Google’s Android
Pros: Cheap and portable. Storage is expandable with microSD memory cards. Easy access to Barnes & Noble book store.
Cons: Selection of third-party applications is small. Barnes & Noble lacks wide range of content. Lacks cameras and option for wireless broadband.
Samsung Electronic Co.’s Galaxy Note 10.1:
_ Price: $499 for 16 gigabytes of storage, $549 for 32 GB
_ Screen size: 10.1 inches diagonally
_ Screen resolution: 1,280 by 800 pixels, at 149 pixels per inch
_ Weight: 1.3 pounds
_ Cameras: low-resolution front camera, 5-megapixel back.
_ Battery life: 9 hours.
_ Operating system: Google’s Android
Pros: Comes with a pen, for jotting notes and drawing on the screen. Slightly thinner and lighter than an iPad. Longer, narrower screen better suited to movies. Storage is expandable with microSD memory cards. Can act as a universal remote control for an entertainment center.
Cons: Selection of third-party applications not as good as iPad’s, but wider than Kindle. Screen resolution lower than iPad’s. No option for wireless broadband. Pen sensor slightly shortens battery life.
Microsoft Corp.’s Surface:
_ Price: $499 for 32 gigabytes of storage, $100 extra for keyboard cover. $699 for 64 GB version, includes keyboard cover.
_ Screen size: 10.6 inches diagonally
_ Screen resolution: 1,366 by 768 pixels, at 148 pixels per inch
_ Weight: 1.5 pounds.
_ Cameras: Front and back cameras
_ Battery life: 8 hours.
_ Operating system: Microsoft’s Windows RT.
Pros: Storage can be expanded with microSD memory cards. Comes with free Microsoft Office software. Models running full version of Windows 8 coming soon, offering compatibility with programs available for traditional Windows computers.
Cons: Operating system lacks good track record on tablets. Selection of tablet-adapted third-party applications small. No option for wireless broadband.
Google Inc.’s Nexus 10
_ Price: $399 for 16 gigabytes of storage, $499 for 32 GB
_ Screen size: 10.1 inches diagonally
_ Screen resolution: 2,560 by 1,600 pixels, at 300 pixels per inch.
_ Weight: 1.33 pounds.
_ Cameras: 5-megapixel camera on back and a low-resolution camera on front, for videoconferencing
_ Battery life: 9 hours for video playback, 7 hours for Web browsing.
_ Operating system: Google’s Android
Pros: Access to a variety of games, utilities and other software for Android devices, though not as extensive as apps available for iPad. Longer, narrower screen better suited to movies. Cheaper than newest full-size iPad.
Cons: Integrates with Google Play store, which is still new and isn’t as robust as Apple or Amazon’s stores. Data storage cannot be expanded with memory cards. No option for cellular wireless broadband.
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