Gadget Reviews, Product News, Electronic Gadgets

Earlier today, we reviewed why we believe the iPad 2 is a better choice than the Kindle Fire. We now offer an alternative view and discuss why neither tablet might be suitable for some users.
If someone asked me for a tablet recommendation, I would be remiss if I did not immediately suggest Apple’s iPad 2. It is by far the best tablet currently on the market, for those of us who can accept the closed nature of Apple’s system. I would be flat out lying if I said that another tablet was the better choice.
I know that there are people out there who just don’t want to drink the Apple-flavored Kool-Aid. For example, my own brother eschews Apple products just because they are Apple products. There are also people who absolutely require the functionality that an Android tablet can provide, such as easy access to Flash websites, integration with Google services, and the ability to play more video formats.
This Christmas, if you are shopping for someone (or yourself) who has requested a tablet that is not an iPad, you may immediately think of the Kindle Fire. It’s cheap, it’s from a brand that you trust, it’s readily available, and it’s the “in” product to own right now.
But remember that old adage, you get what you pay for? It couldn’t be more true, as far as the Kindle Fire goes. There are people who are happy with their Fires, but overwhelmingly, tech reviews have been more negative than positive, citing a poor design, small storage capacity, short battery life, and the inability of the tablet to deliver a smooth performance. Amazon’s Kindle Fire is just as limited as the iPad as far as apps go – the tablet is limited to Amazon’s Appstore.
In addition to a lackluster performance, there are also rumors that Amazon is going to be updating the Kindle Fire with a new version in the first quarter of 2012. Given the negative reviews the tablet has garnered, and the high return rate, it’s a rumor with some weight behind it.
If I had to recommend a tablet that wasn’t an Apple iPad, the Kindle wouldn’t be my first choice. In fact, it wouldn’t even be in the top 5. My number one choice for a low cost device would be Barnes and Noble’s Nook Tablet, which has been overshadowed by the release of the Kindle Fire. It features a better design, expandable storage, faster response times (swiping and page turning), more RAM, and a better battery life.
The same sites that have reviewed the Kindle Fire and found more negatives than positives have generally given positive reviews of the Nook Tablet (except for its more limited app availability). At just $49 more than the Kindle Fire, it’s worth comparing before jumping headfirst into a purchase.
If you’re looking for a little more power, the BlackBerry PlayBook can still be had for a decent price, and beyond that, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and the Motorola Xoom may not be budget tablets, but they are solid Android alternatives.
It’s not just the iPad 2 and the Kindle Fire out there. Many other companies have viable alternatives, which is a good thing to keep in mind when you’re tablet shopping this Christmas.
via : Padgadget