Reviews on Tablets

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CNET Review: Sony Tablet P

With its eye-catching clamshell design and twin screen configuration, the Sony Tablet P sets itself apart from other Android tablets. It boasts a 1GHz dual-core CPU, 4GB of internal storage and Android 3.2 -- better known as Honeycomb. It also has 3G connectivity to make it a truly mobile device.

Good: Unique design, Bright twin screens, 3G connectivity

Bad: Dual-screen setup isn't supported by all apps, Poor battery stamina, Low internal storage, Doesn't charge via USB

Conclusion: The Tablet P is a really odd device -- we're not entirely sure if we should love or loathe it. When the twin-screen setup is used effectively it's a real revelation, and reminds us of the first time we ever experienced a dual-monitor arrangement on a PC.

Few apps support those screens fully, however, and when Sony itself can't be bothered to ensure complete compatibility with its own pre-loaded programs, you know the long-term omens aren't good.


CNET Review: Motorola Xoom 2 (Dual-core processor 1.2GHz; 10.1-inch display)

The good: The Motorola Xoom 2 feels like an amalgamation of all our favorite Android tablets of 2011.
 
The bad: Not as fast as current top Android competitors; expensive; cannot be recognized as a generic USB device.
 

The bottom line: The Motorola Xoom 2 is a premium Android tablet from the company that defined the category, held back by a high price and uninspired design.

Review: Motorola kicked off 2011 with the world's first Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) tablet, the Motorola Xoom. In its wake we witnessed a flood of imitators, and eventually a handful of thinner, brighter, more innovative tablets.


CNET Review: Toshiba Thrive 7 inch (32GB)

 
The good: The Toshiba Thrive 7-inch has a mini HDMI port, a very responsive screen, and includes a built-in file manager.
 
The bad: Unlike the 10-inch version, there's no support for full ports or a swappable battery. Also, its camera placement is ill-conceived, the shutter speed is painfully slow, and the tablet is expensive, given what it offers.
 
The bottom line: The Toshiba Thrive 7-inch is a decent tablet, but there are simply better options our there for the price.
 
 

CNET Review: Apple iPad 2 (16GB, Wi-Fi, black)

 
Apple iPad 2 (16GB, Wi-Fi, black)Saturday, 12 March, 2011 4:13 AMThe iPad 2 refines an already excellent product. Its easy-to-use interface, vast app catalog, and marathon battery life bolster Apple's claim to being the king of tablets.
 
The good: Apple's iPad 2 is dramatically thinner and boasts front and rear cameras, FaceTime video chat, a faster processor, and 3G options for both AT&T and Verizon.



The bad: The iPad's screen resolution hasn't budged, photo quality is mediocre, there's still no Adobe Flash support, and ports for HDMI, USB, and SD all require adapters.



The bottom line: The iPad 2 refines an already excellent product. Its easy-to-use interface, vast app catalog, and marathon battery life bolster Apple's claim to being the king of tablets.
 
 

CNET Review: Samsung Series 7 Slate 700T

The Samsung Series 7 Slate 700T is the fastest Windows 7 tablet we've tested, and paired with its optional accessories, it provides a very laptop-like experience, but one marred by the typical awkward onscreen Windows typing experience.

The good: Samsung's Series 7 Slate is a powerful touch-screen Windows 7 PC, with a very Windows-8-like optional interface.

The bad: Onscreen typing is finicky and headache-inducing. The sold-separately dock and keyboard are practically required.

The bottom line: The Samsung Series 7 Slate 700T is the fastest Windows 7 tablet we've tested, and paired with its optional accessories, it provides a very laptop-like experience, but one marred by the typical awkward onscreen Windows typing experience.

 
 

CNET Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (32GB)

 
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 (32GB)Thursday, 12 May, 2011 2:22 AMSleek, sexy, and light, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 gets as close to the iPad 2 as any Android tablet before it.
 
The good: As thin as the iPad 2 and even lighter, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 is the sexiest Honeycomb tablet we've seen. Also, it has a 3-megapixel back camera and a 2-megapixel front camera, and powerful dual speakers.

The bad: The lack of ports on the tablet will be a problem for some and the plastic back leaves it feeling less solid than the iPad 2.

The bottom line: Sleek, sexy, and light, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 gets as close to the iPad 2 as any Android tablet before it.
 
 

CNET Review: Acer Iconia Tab W500-BZ467 (32GB, gray, with keyboard docking station)

 
The Acer Iconia Tab W500 works in several potentially good ideas, undone by half-baked physical design that makes it needlessly frustrating to use.
 
The good: The Acer Iconia Tab W500 has a clever design that allows you to detach its Netbook-like screen for use as a standalone tablet.
 
The bad: The keyboard dock is a pain to connect or disconnect; you can't simply fold it shut like a laptop; and there's no touch pad, only a trackpoint stick.
 
The bottom line: The Acer Iconia Tab W500 works in several potentially good ideas, undone by half-baked physical design that makes it needlessly frustrating to use.
 
 

CNET Review: Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime (64GB, gray)

 
The Asus Transformer Prime is the best full-featured Android tablet yet, with a sexy design, thoughtful features, and an impressive camera.
 
The good: The Asus Transformer Prime sports an iPad 2-inspired design that's even thinner and nearly as light, while also managing to include microSD and Micro-HDMI support. The Prime delivers smooth and clear 1080p video, and the 8-megapixel camera captures detail and color more accurately than any other tablet we've reviewed. Feature highlights include being able to play games on HDTVs via a game pad and to throttle CPU speeds to save battery life.
 
The bad: Not every game takes advantage of the quad-core CPU, and frame rates can suffer as a result. When connected to the dock keyboard, the tablet is top-heavy and can easily slide off a lap or table if you're not careful.
 
The bottom line: The Asus Transformer Prime is the best full-featured Android tablet yet, with a sexy design, thoughtful features, and an impressive camera.
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