Tab Dance

Packing a Tegra 3 quad-core processor,12 core GPU,8GB and 16GB internal storage and 7-inch 1280 x 800 screen,the Nexus 7 certainly has the skills to pay the bills,but at a highly attractive price point.It looks like Google has got the budget end of the tablet market all wrapped up.It’s now been shoved up in capacity without a jump in price;this means you can get 16GB of storage or the full 32GB version-plus we’re getting a 3G version too.

Quick verdict

A quad-core processor,beefy GPU and the first device to run Android 4.1 Jelly Bean,and now it’s already been upgraded to Android 4.2 with raft of new fancy features.The Nexus 7 certainly packs a punch and while it may not tread a lot of new ground,the Nexus 7 is a solid performer and easily the best tablet a few thousand rupees can buy.

The 10.1 display is one of the biggest talking points on the Google Nexus 10.At 300 pixels per inch it’s the highest resolution tablet display on the planet. It’s fast and smooth whatever you throw at it.Though the lack of expandable memory will irk some,overall the Nexus 10 gives you a quality,big-screen Android experience.On top of that,the tablet has already been updated to Android 4.2.1 and adds support for some security issues too,showing this is the tablet to buy if you want a larger screen that Google won’t give up on.

Quick verdict

The Google Nexus 10 is easily one of the best Android tablets on the market and while it’s not quite as fantastic value for money as the Nexus 7,it certainly gives Apple’s high-priced iPad 4 a run for its money.For the price you’re paying, you won’t be disappointed.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 arrived on the scene with the iPad mini firmly set in its sights and while it gave a strong showing the Android tablet,complete with S Pen,didn’t manage to hit the same heights as its Apple-made rival.
That’s not to say the Galaxy Note 8.0 isn’t a good tablet as it’s a light,highly portable device and there’s no denying that its display is far better than that of the iPad Mini.It’s solidly built,with expandable memory-the S-Pen has clearly been enhanced to make this a major selling point,plus we love the IR blaster and its media capabilities.

Quick verdict

The Galaxy Note 8.0 is a good device.There are better out there for the money and with an arguably better design as well.However,for those that like the S Pen as a tool,it’s a great offering,albeit not really worth the extra cash for most.

The Infinity has got everything you could want in a tablet-and a keyboard dock as standard too.With the latest version of Android on the way,a simple interface and more ports than you can poke with a stick,the Infinity is the tablet that can handle anything you can throw at it.Add in the Super IPS panel with a tremendous resolution,and you can see why this is a tablet to rate very highly.New firmware updates in some territories have brought features like Wi-Fi Direct to the Infinity,and Android 4.2 will be landing soon too.

Quick verdict

While power is always welcomed,it was the improved screen that really catches the attention.The resolution is to be marveled at too. If you’re looking for a top Android tablet,then the Asus Transformer Pad Infinity should be at the top of your list.

The S Pen-with many levels of pressure sensitivity and the ability to easily sketch and annotate on a wide range of items gives the Galaxy Note 10.1 the ability to offer so much more than your average tablet.

It even comes with a microSD slot to boot.Android 4.1 is landing at the moment,and comes with a Premium Suite update,designed to make multi-tasking and general use that much easier.

Quick verdict

Sure,it’s a mite expensive,the screen quality is lower than we’ve seen from Samsung in the past and the build quality somewhat lower than the competition, but this is still a fabulous tablet that many workers constantly forced to use a paper and pen will love to try out.

The FonePad has a few trump cards including a great price,microSD slot and 3G connectivity which not only allows you to get online but also send/receive phone calls and text messages.

However,the Jelly Bean interface isn’t quite as slick and while the call function is cool,it’s also a little impractical on a device this size.However,pair this tablet up with a bluetooth headset and that little problem is quickly taken care of,after which you might as well throw out your old smartphone as this tablet can handle almost anything.

Quick verdict

The Asus FonePad is a very accomplished Android tablet and offers amazing value-for-money.If you’re not planning on spending a fortune,but still want a tablet with a wide choice of apps and features then you could do a lot worse than picking up this one in particular.