Staffordshire Chambers’ survey reveals mixed fortunes for businesses…

We talk you through the upcoming tablet PCs that are already fighting for a slice of the market and some of the most interesting designs being developed, all so that you can start saving and start asking Santa very nicely for an expensive new piece of tech this Christmas.

The HP Slate

Vital Stats:

HP Slate                            Apple iPad
Software: Windows 7        iPhone OS 3.2

Size: 8.9”                                9.7”

Storage: 32/ 64GB            16 / 32 / 64GB
Price: TBC                            £429
Weight: approx 2.6lb      1.5lb

Unveiled at the beginning of the year and still yet to materialise, rumours were abound that HP’s latest had been scrapped following the iPad’s quick release this April. Despite a lack of official details, Microsoft CEO Steve Balmer yesterday announced that the Slate would  bet with us before Christmas, although the who, what and where still remain unclear.

According to an preliminary HP stats, the Slate will boast some advantages over its main competitor, including upgradeable storage, an inward and outward facing webcam and a higher processor of 1.6GHz. Another main plus for the Slate is the compatibility of Flash content support, along with the crucial capability to multi-task, som

ething which has been the main disappointment for iPad users looking to download and surf at the same time.
Although official price lists haven’t been confirmed, initial forecasts show that the Windows 7 tablet may come out on the cheaper end of the spectrum for a 32GB model compared with the iPad, yet those looking for anything smaller will be out of luck and will have to rely on Apple’s 16GB tablet starting at just under £400.

Archos 9

Vital Stats: Archos 9                   Apple iPad
Software: Windows 7                  iPhone OS 3.2
Size: 8.9”                                         9.7”
Storage: 60GB                              16 / 32 / 64

GBPrice: approx £340             £429

Weight: 800g                               1.5lb

One of the only tablets currently for sale, the Archos 9 is a lightweight alternative to the iPad, offering similar features, an integrated web cam and an additional replaceable battery as standard. Other advantages include a built in leg-stand which allows easy table-top viewing and negates the need to buy a fancy external stand for those not on the move. And for those who are yet to convert fully to life without a mouse, the Archos does allow the combination of a mouse and a touch screen.
The only areas in which this tablet falls down is the lack of 3G (although the USB does combat this slightly) and the fact that Mac fanatics have Windows 7 to contend with. The main concerns for those making the jump to the Archos is that it’s just too slow in comparison, with reviews picking faults in the touch screen’s sensitivity and processor. However, a number of extra features, including the ability to subscribe to television channels with the Archos’ two antennas, may make up for its sluggish nature.

The Dell Streak
Vital Stats: Dell Streak                                 Apple iPad
Software: Google Android 1.6 OS            iPhone OS 3.2

Size: 5”                                                               9.7”

Storage: up to 32GB                                     16 / 32 / 64GB
Price: £429                                                     £429

Weight: 220g                                                 1.5lb

One of the smallest tablet designs on the market, the current Dell Streak’s 5” screen is considerably minute compared with the iPad’s 9”, making it almost double in size to the Dell. Despite being launched in the UK this summer, the Streak has received considerably less hype than its main competitor, with a number of post-launch reviews comparing the tablet to an over-sized smart phone, noting that the tiny screen remains too small for those used to watching their multimedia on a 10” tablet.
One of the main advantages the Streak holds is the ability to multi-task and an impressive 5mp integrated camera that allows both front and rear facing camera capabilities. It’s these features, along with the option of a large 32GB expandable storage that allows the Streak to double up as a smart phone by inserting your SIM.
The fact that retailers Carphone Warehouse are offering the tablet free on a contract might make the tech more affordable in the short-term, yet as previously mentioned, despite being intended to bridge the gap between the tablet and the smart phone, the Streak is hardly going to fit into most people’s pockets as an everyday smart phone. Subsequently a 7” and 10” model that run on an improved Android 2.2 are being developed, meaning that the next edition of the Streak could make a significant dent in the tablet market.

Samsung Galaxy TAB

Vital Stats: Samsung Galaxy TAB               Apple iPad
Software: Android 2.2 OS                               iPhone OS 3.2

Size: 7”                                                                   9.7”

Storage: 16GB / 32GB                                      16 / 32 / 64GB

Price: approx £500                                         £429

Weight: 380g                                                      1.5lb

The Samsung Galaxy TAB is probably the non-iPad device that is gaining the most hype ahead of its release. With a screen larger than the Streak’s and smaller than the iPad, this tablet does have hand-held capabilities and offers a light-weight alternative for those wanting a larger tablet.
With its lighter weight naturally comes smaller storage and 3 hours less battery life, however the 1GHz processor can certainly keep up with the iPad and does a few things that Apple have yet to; provide Flash, allow multi-tasking and include two integrated cameras for easy web chatting. Similar to the streak, there will also be the option of making calls from the Galaxy TAB and doubling it up as a large and glossy smartphone.
Using the improved Android 2.2 OS system might prove the best non-Apple alternative of the moment, yet despite some exciting new features, the power of the Samsung App store doesn’t come close to competing to the lust-have industry favourite.