Android Tablets vs. iPad may well become the big tech debate in 2011. I will break down the differences for you and tell you what side I am on! There are several key differences between the two devices –
Operating System
One of the largest differences between the two systems is the operating system. Android tablets are running on some Android OS versions from Google, while Apple’s iPad is running on Apple’s iOS. Both are the same basic OS that runs on the companies’ respective smartphones.
To me, this is just a matter of preference. Many developers prefer Android over iOS, as getting a new app into Android’s market is much easier. However, every Android tablet (and phone) may run on a different version of the software, making it a bit unsettling for users, as some apps may work only on a newer version of Android, which every tablet may not get.
The companies that develop the tablets decide when to push an Android software update type of device, so one type might get an update, while others may wait for months or never get an update.
There is no clear winner in this arena. If you can, try each one and see which operating system you like best. I am a bigger fan of Android.
Screen Size
A big screen can be a plus or a minus, depending on what you plan to use it for and how you plan to carry a tablet around. For example, I purchased the Samsung Galaxy Tab, considered one of the best Android tablets currently on the market, and a big selling point for mews the screen was much smaller than the iPad.
The iPad screen is over 10 inches, almost as big as some small laptops. That can be great if you plan to carry it in a backpack all the time and watch videos on it, but it makes it harder to move around. The Galaxy Tab made more sense because I don’t have a backpack and like to bring it to meetings.
So, again, no clear winner here. You may want to decide whether you want a portable wireless device or the biggest screen possible. One caveat here, however – soon, there will likely be tablets running Android on the market that have screens the size of the iPad.
Apps
You can discuss Android tablets vs. iPad without talking about apps. Apps make or break the tablet, in my opinion. Having used both operating systems extensively, I will say that, although the iPad certainly has more apps than Android, I have not been disappointed with Android and can find just about any app I can think of. Also, almost every company that makes an iPad app also makes an Android app.
In fact, in my estimation, given that Android sales are now surpassing iPhone, and the fact I mentioned above – that it is easier to develop apps and get in the Android market, I would not be surprised to see Android catch up with the Apple in the future when it comes to apps.
Cost
It seems that even the best Android tablets are cheaper overall, and you can find some good, cheap Android tablets out there. Both have data plans, and you can’t do much without a data plan on a tablet unless you stay in a wifi zone, so you will likely end up paying about the same there.
However, Android wins when it comes to the cost of the device itself.
This argument will rage on during 2011, but when it comes to Android Tablets vs. the iPad, I am all for Android!
