Android tablets had a rocky start,
but as Google continues to refine its mobile operating system, we're
finally seeing a steady flow of high-quality Android tablets. And
that's a good thing, since they provide viable alternatives to the Apple iPad,
which has dominated the tablet market since its first release in early
2010. One of the major benefits of Android over the iPad and the
never-quite-caught-on BlackBerry PlayBook,
is that instead of a single hardware choice, you can access the OS on a
number of tablets in different sizes with varied designs.
The only hitch there: There isn't a single version of Android. At Google's I/O developer conference last month, the company unveiled Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), which adds so many valuable improvements that it's our Editors' Choice for mobile operating systems. It's the best Android yet, but you can only get it on Google's own Nexus 7 tablet, which will be available for sale later this month. Admittedly, the Nexus 7 is the best small-screen tablet we've ever tested with high-quality hardware, top performance, and a very affordable $200 price. But there's no word as to when Android 4.1 will be available on other tablets, or whether tablets currently running 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) will be upgraded to 4.1. Android has notorious problems with timely OS updates.
Still, even if you don't have the latest OS iteration, Android continues to be the most configurable tablet operating system you’ll find. It's a master multitasker with an excellent notification system, and top-notch integration with Google services like Gmail, Google Chat, and Google Maps. There still aren't as many tablet-specific apps as you'll find for the iPad, but slowly, that's changing.
If Android is for you, check out the slideshow for a look at top-rated tablets you can buy, or compare these models side by side.Click here to see "The Best Android Tablets" slideshow >
The only hitch there: There isn't a single version of Android. At Google's I/O developer conference last month, the company unveiled Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), which adds so many valuable improvements that it's our Editors' Choice for mobile operating systems. It's the best Android yet, but you can only get it on Google's own Nexus 7 tablet, which will be available for sale later this month. Admittedly, the Nexus 7 is the best small-screen tablet we've ever tested with high-quality hardware, top performance, and a very affordable $200 price. But there's no word as to when Android 4.1 will be available on other tablets, or whether tablets currently running 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) will be upgraded to 4.1. Android has notorious problems with timely OS updates.
Still, even if you don't have the latest OS iteration, Android continues to be the most configurable tablet operating system you’ll find. It's a master multitasker with an excellent notification system, and top-notch integration with Google services like Gmail, Google Chat, and Google Maps. There still aren't as many tablet-specific apps as you'll find for the iPad, but slowly, that's changing.
If Android is for you, check out the slideshow for a look at top-rated tablets you can buy, or compare these models side by side.Click here to see "The Best Android Tablets" slideshow >
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