Best Tablets 2011
Here's a collection of the best tablets on the market from CNET editors.
Apple iPad 2 PC769LL/A Tablet - 16GB, WiFi, Black 2ndThe 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. Pros: 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. Cons: 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. List Price: Best Price: $397.95 as of 5/19/2012 16:53 EDT Details You Save: $1.05 Condition: New 200 Refurbished, used & new from $339.00 |
Samsung Galaxy Tab - 10.1-Inch, 16GB, Wi-FiSleek, sexy, and light, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 gets as close to the iPad 2 as any Android tablet before it. Pros: Its blazingly fast 4G LTE speeds match and in some cases surpass that of Wi-Fi networks. As thin as the iPad 2 and even lighter, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 in any form is still the sexiest Honeycomb tablet we've seen. Cons: The placement of the volume rocker and power button on the side leads to lots of accidental button presses. Also, the lack of ports will be a problem for some and the plastic back leaves it feeling less solid than the iPad 2. Preliminary battery life using 4G is disappointing. List Price: Best Price: $448.00 as of 5/19/2012 16:53 EDT Details You Save: $51.99 (10%) Condition: New 101 Used, refurbished & new from $299.00 |
ASUS Transformer TF101-A1 10.1-Inch Tablet - Dock Sold SeparatelyThe Asus Eee Pad Transformer is a low-price, quality Honeycomb tablet with useful options. Pros: At $400, the Asus Eee Pad Transformer has the lowest price of any Honeycomb tablet. Also, its high-quality screen and relatively cheap keyboard/dock make it an attractive option. Cons: A few things keep the Transformer from completely blowing us away: the choppy recording and playback of the camcorder; its sharp edges; a build quality that's somewhat lacking; and problems that arise when docking. List Price: Best Price: $319.99 as of 5/19/2012 16:53 EDT Details You Save: $79.01 (20%) Condition: New 88 Used, refurbished & new from $244.61 |
Blackberry Playbook 7-Inch Tablet - 16GBThe BlackBerry PlayBook ably showcases RIM's powerful new mobile operating system, but its middling size diminishes many of its best features. Pros: RIM's BlackBerry PlayBook is a fast, powerful 7-inch tablet with HDMI output, advanced multitasking and security, and a browser that integrates Adobe Flash 10.2 for a desktop-style Web experience. Cons: The 7-inch screen cramps the powerful browser, the wake button is almost impossible to push, and some stalwart features are only available when pairing a BlackBerry phone. List Price: Best Price: $200.00 as of 5/19/2012 16:53 EDT Details You Save: $299.00 (60%) Condition: New 182 Used, refurbished & new from $135.99 |
T-Mobile G-Slate 4G Android Tablet - T-MobileThanks to its high-quality screen, streaming TV features, and 4G support (if you're willing to sign a contract), the T-Mobile G-Slate is one of the better Honeycomb tablets on the market today; however, its high no-contract price insures that it's not the best. Pros: With 4G support, a wide-angle IPS screen, out-of-the-box streaming TV features, and Honeycomb support, the G-Slate is one of the best options for Android tablet shoppers. Cons: Unless you have a thing for two-year contracts, the G-Slate is pretty expensive. 3D implementation is disappointing, and 4G drains the battery something quick. List Price: Best Price: $479.95 as of 5/19/2012 16:53 EDT Details You Save: $320.04 (40%) Condition: New 17 Used & new from $325.00 |
The following tablets represent the highest-rated Android-based tablets currently available.
Samsung Galaxy Tab - 10.1-Inch, 16GB, Wi-FiSleek, sexy, and light, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 gets as close to the iPad 2 as any Android tablet before it. Pros: Its blazingly fast 4G LTE speeds match and in some cases surpass that of Wi-Fi networks. As thin as the iPad 2 and even lighter, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 in any form is still the sexiest Honeycomb tablet we've seen. Cons: The placement of the volume rocker and power button on the side leads to lots of accidental button presses. Also, the lack of ports will be a problem for some and the plastic back leaves it feeling less solid than the iPad 2. Preliminary battery life using 4G is disappointing. List Price: Best Price: $448.00 as of 5/19/2012 16:53 EDT Details You Save: $51.99 (10%) Condition: New 101 Used, refurbished & new from $299.00 |
ASUS Transformer TF101-A1 10.1-Inch Tablet - Dock Sold SeparatelyThe Asus Eee Pad Transformer is a low-price, quality Honeycomb tablet with useful options. Pros: At $400, the Asus Eee Pad Transformer has the lowest price of any Honeycomb tablet. Also, its high-quality screen and relatively cheap keyboard/dock make it an attractive option. Cons: A few things keep the Transformer from completely blowing us away: the choppy recording and playback of the camcorder; its sharp edges; a build quality that's somewhat lacking; and problems that arise when docking. List Price: Best Price: $319.99 as of 5/19/2012 16:53 EDT Details You Save: $79.01 (20%) Condition: New 88 Used, refurbished & new from $244.61 |
Toshiba Thrive 10.1-Inch 16 GB Android Tablet AT105-T1016The Toshiba Thrive is a bulky but aggressively priced Honeycomb tablet that earns its girth with full port support and a removable battery. Pros: The Toshiba Thrive's very aggressive pricing gives it an advantage over most other tablets. Its grooved back, full HDMI and USB support, full SD card slot, and replaceable battery justify its very bulky design. Also, its built-in file management system makes finding and accessing files in Honeycomb easier. Cons: The Thrive's bulky design and hefty weight are not for everyone. Also, awkward back camera placement and a difficult panel removal process make us wish more time had been spent in the design phase. The LED lights on the bezel can be distracting. List Price: Best Price: $382.99 as of 5/19/2012 16:53 EDT Details You Save: $17.00 (4%) Condition: New 44 Used, refurbished & new from $250.00 |
Acer Iconia Tab A500-10S16u 10.1-Inch Tablet Computer - Aluminum MetallicAcer's Iconia Tab offers the features of the Motorola Xoom at iPad-beating prices but weighs in as the heftiest Android tablet yet. Pros: The Acer Iconia Tab offers Android Honeycomb on a 10.1-inch screen along with GPS, front and rear cameras, Adobe Flash compatibility, full-size USB host port, HDMI output, and a reasonable price. Cons: The Iconia Tab is thick, and one of the heaviest consumer tablets we've seen. Some locally stored HD video files wouldn't play properly. List Price: Best Price: $389.00 as of 5/19/2012 16:53 EDT Details You Save: $89.14 (19%) Condition: New 50 Used, refurbished & new from $229.84 |
T-Mobile G-Slate 4G Android Tablet - T-MobileThanks to its high-quality screen, streaming TV features, and 4G support (if you're willing to sign a contract), the T-Mobile G-Slate is one of the better Honeycomb tablets on the market today; however, its high no-contract price insures that it's not the best. Pros: With 4G support, a wide-angle IPS screen, out-of-the-box streaming TV features, and Honeycomb support, the G-Slate is one of the best options for Android tablet shoppers. Cons: Unless you have a thing for two-year contracts, the G-Slate is pretty expensive. 3D implementation is disappointing, and 4G drains the battery something quick. List Price: Best Price: $479.95 as of 5/19/2012 16:53 EDT Details You Save: $320.04 (40%) Condition: New 17 Used & new from $325.00 |
MOTOROLA XOOM Android Tablet - 10.1-Inch, 32GB, Wi-FiThe Xoom's spec sheet is enough to make any tablet tremble, but the price is high and Google still has some work to do before its tablet software experience is as fleshed out and intuitive as Apple's. Pros: With Google's next generation of Android, Motorola's knack for great hardware, and Verizon's promise of 4G network compatibility, the Xoom tablet technically offers a more powerful, more capable alternative to Apple's iPad. Cons: It's expensive, slightly heftier than the iPad, and novice users may balk at Android 3.0's read-the-manual attitude. Adobe Flash not yet supported. List Price: Best Price: $350.00 as of 5/19/2012 16:53 EDT Details You Save: $149.00 (30%) Condition: New 118 Used, refurbished & new from $243.69 |
Samsung Galaxy Tab - 7-inch, 16GB, Wi-FiSamsung's 3G-free version of its 7-inch tablet, the Galaxy Tab, offers an appealing mix of price and horsepower, but it's overshadowed by the wave of inexpensive Android 3.0 devices. Pros: The Galaxy Tab Wi-Fi Android tablet offers a bright, responsive 7-inch screen, GPS, Bluetooth, and full access to Google's suite of mobile apps, including Android Market. Cons: This Galaxy Tab is an Android 2.2 tablet living in an Android 3.0 world, and bigger and better tablets are priced in the same ballpark. Price: $390.75 as of 5/19/2012 16:53 EDT Details Condition: New 47 Used, refurbished & new from $160.87 |
HTC 7" Flyer Tablet - WIFI - 16GB - AndroidThe HTC Flyer puts a new spin on the 7-inch Android tablet, but its high price and dated OS hold it back from mainstream appeal. Pros: Fans of 7-inch tablets will appreciate the HTC Flyer's screen quality, durable construction, HD video recording, and unique features, such as digital pen compatibility and HTC's Sense UI customization. Cons: The Flyer is small, thick, and pricey, and isn't running Google's Android 3.0 tablet OS. Its most unique feature, the Magic Pen, may not come included and is expensive to replace. Currently unavailable |
ViewSonic ViewPad 7 7-Inch Android 2.2 Tablet - Black -The ViewPad 7 offers a solid platform for Android 2.2, but it comes off as an oversize, overpriced smartphone--not a Netbook alternative. Pros: The ViewSonic ViewPad 7 delivers Android 2.2 on a 7-inch screen, with a powerful processor and rear- and front- facing cameras. Cons: The ViewPad 7 is a doppelganger for the Samsung Galaxy Tab and shares many of its shortcomings, including a frustrating keyboard and awkward size. Lacks camera flash. Bring your own memory card. List Price: Best Price: $450.00 as of 5/19/2012 16:53 EDT Details You Save: $149.00 (25%) Condition: New 9 Used, refurbished & new from $191.99 |
Archos 70 - 250 GB Internet Tablet - BlackThe Archos 70 offers more horsepower and features than any other tablet under $300, but its limitations make it more of a toy than a tool. Pros: The Archos 70 Android tablet includes a capable 1GHz processor, capacitive 7-inch touch screen, front-facing camera, Bluetooth, HDMI output capability, and up to 250GB of storage. Cons: The tablet is generally sluggish, build quality feels cheap, viewing angles are crummy, and the app store is thinly stocked. List Price: Best Price: $266.97 as of 5/19/2012 16:53 EDT Details You Save: $13.02 (5%) Condition: New 30 Used & new from $215.00 |
With roughly half the screen area of 10-inch tablets like the iPad, 7-inch tablets offer a smaller, more convenient size. Their paperback-like dimensions also make them a natural fit for e-books.
Blackberry Playbook 7-Inch Tablet - 16GBThe BlackBerry PlayBook ably showcases RIM's powerful new mobile operating system, but its middling size diminishes many of its best features. Pros: RIM's BlackBerry PlayBook is a fast, powerful 7-inch tablet with HDMI output, advanced multitasking and security, and a browser that integrates Adobe Flash 10.2 for a desktop-style Web experience. Cons: The 7-inch screen cramps the powerful browser, the wake button is almost impossible to push, and some stalwart features are only available when pairing a BlackBerry phone. List Price: Best Price: $200.00 as of 5/19/2012 16:53 EDT Details You Save: $299.00 (60%) Condition: New 182 Used, refurbished & new from $135.99 |
Samsung Galaxy Tab - 7-inch, 16GB, Wi-FiSamsung's 3G-free version of its 7-inch tablet, the Galaxy Tab, offers an appealing mix of price and horsepower, but it's overshadowed by the wave of inexpensive Android 3.0 devices. Pros: The Galaxy Tab Wi-Fi Android tablet offers a bright, responsive 7-inch screen, GPS, Bluetooth, and full access to Google's suite of mobile apps, including Android Market. Cons: This Galaxy Tab is an Android 2.2 tablet living in an Android 3.0 world, and bigger and better tablets are priced in the same ballpark. Price: $390.75 as of 5/19/2012 16:53 EDT Details Condition: New 47 Used, refurbished & new from $160.87 |
HTC 7" Flyer Tablet - WIFI - 16GB - AndroidThe HTC Flyer puts a new spin on the 7-inch Android tablet, but its high price and dated OS hold it back from mainstream appeal. Pros: Fans of 7-inch tablets will appreciate the HTC Flyer's screen quality, durable construction, HD video recording, and unique features, such as digital pen compatibility and HTC's Sense UI customization. Cons: The Flyer is small, thick, and pricey, and isn't running Google's Android 3.0 tablet OS. Its most unique feature, the Magic Pen, may not come included and is expensive to replace. Currently unavailable |
Dell Streak 7 Wi-Fi TabletThe Dell Streak 7 polishes Android 2.2 to a tablet-worthy shine, and is the first to deliver 4G compatibility--but it's not enough to distract us from the incoming wave of Android 3.0 tablets. Pros: The Dell Streak 7 tablet offers dual-core processing, 4G network compatibility, Adobe Flash 10.1 support, front and rear cameras, and an inventive reimagining of Android 2.2. Cons: Dell's Stage interface doesn't make up for the stale operating system. Screen quality and responsiveness are not as good as they could be. List Price: Best Price: $189.98 as of 5/19/2012 16:53 EDT Details You Save: $190.01 (50%) Condition: New 66 Used, refurbished & new from $134.99 |
ViewSonic ViewPad 7 7-Inch Android 2.2 Tablet - Black -The ViewPad 7 offers a solid platform for Android 2.2, but it comes off as an oversize, overpriced smartphone--not a Netbook alternative. Pros: The ViewSonic ViewPad 7 delivers Android 2.2 on a 7-inch screen, with a powerful processor and rear- and front- facing cameras. Cons: The ViewPad 7 is a doppelganger for the Samsung Galaxy Tab and shares many of its shortcomings, including a frustrating keyboard and awkward size. Lacks camera flash. Bring your own memory card. List Price: Best Price: $450.00 as of 5/19/2012 16:53 EDT Details You Save: $149.00 (25%) Condition: New 9 Used, refurbished & new from $191.99 |
Archos 70 - 250 GB Internet Tablet - BlackThe Archos 70 offers more horsepower and features than any other tablet under $300, but its limitations make it more of a toy than a tool. Pros: The Archos 70 Android tablet includes a capable 1GHz processor, capacitive 7-inch touch screen, front-facing camera, Bluetooth, HDMI output capability, and up to 250GB of storage. Cons: The tablet is generally sluggish, build quality feels cheap, viewing angles are crummy, and the app store is thinly stocked. List Price: Best Price: $266.97 as of 5/19/2012 16:53 EDT Details You Save: $13.02 (5%) Condition: New 30 Used & new from $215.00 |
Tablets with 10-inch screens offer an experience that is closer to a laptop than a smartphone. Web pages display at their natural size. Movies and games are more immersive. Apps can be designed without the constraints of the smartphone's pocket-size screen.
Apple iPad 2 PC769LL/A Tablet - 16GB, WiFi, Black 2ndThe 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. Pros: 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. Cons: 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. List Price: Best Price: $397.95 as of 5/19/2012 16:53 EDT Details You Save: $1.05 Condition: New 200 Refurbished, used & new from $339.00 |
Samsung Galaxy Tab - 10.1-Inch, 16GB, Wi-FiSleek, sexy, and light, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 gets as close to the iPad 2 as any Android tablet before it. Pros: Its blazingly fast 4G LTE speeds match and in some cases surpass that of Wi-Fi networks. As thin as the iPad 2 and even lighter, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 in any form is still the sexiest Honeycomb tablet we've seen. Cons: The placement of the volume rocker and power button on the side leads to lots of accidental button presses. Also, the lack of ports will be a problem for some and the plastic back leaves it feeling less solid than the iPad 2. Preliminary battery life using 4G is disappointing. List Price: Best Price: $448.00 as of 5/19/2012 16:53 EDT Details You Save: $51.99 (10%) Condition: New 101 Used, refurbished & new from $299.00 |
ASUS Transformer TF101-A1 10.1-Inch Tablet - Dock Sold SeparatelyThe Asus Eee Pad Transformer is a low-price, quality Honeycomb tablet with useful options. Pros: At $400, the Asus Eee Pad Transformer has the lowest price of any Honeycomb tablet. Also, its high-quality screen and relatively cheap keyboard/dock make it an attractive option. Cons: A few things keep the Transformer from completely blowing us away: the choppy recording and playback of the camcorder; its sharp edges; a build quality that's somewhat lacking; and problems that arise when docking. List Price: Best Price: $319.99 as of 5/19/2012 16:53 EDT Details You Save: $79.01 (20%) Condition: New 88 Used, refurbished & new from $244.61 |
Toshiba Thrive 10.1-Inch 16 GB Android Tablet AT105-T1016The Toshiba Thrive is a bulky but aggressively priced Honeycomb tablet that earns its girth with full port support and a removable battery. Pros: The Toshiba Thrive's very aggressive pricing gives it an advantage over most other tablets. Its grooved back, full HDMI and USB support, full SD card slot, and replaceable battery justify its very bulky design. Also, its built-in file management system makes finding and accessing files in Honeycomb easier. Cons: The Thrive's bulky design and hefty weight are not for everyone. Also, awkward back camera placement and a difficult panel removal process make us wish more time had been spent in the design phase. The LED lights on the bezel can be distracting. List Price: Best Price: $382.99 as of 5/19/2012 16:53 EDT Details You Save: $17.00 (4%) Condition: New 44 Used, refurbished & new from $250.00 |
HP TouchPad Wi-Fi 16 GB 9.7-Inch Tablet ComputerThe TouchPad would have made a great competitor for the original iPad, but its design, features, and speed put it behind today's crop of tablet heavyweights. Pros: The HP TouchPad uses Palm's unique WebOS interface and delivers Adobe Flash-enabled Web browsing, Beats audio enhancement, and impressive compatibility with third-party calendar, messaging, and e-mail services. Cons: The TouchPad has a thick, smudgy design, offers no rear camera or HD video capture, includes a limited app selection, and its unique cards system of multitasking isn't as fully utilized as it could be. Price: $270.00 as of 5/19/2012 16:53 EDT Details Condition: New 85 Used, refurbished & new from $186.00 |
Sometimes "the best" just isn't in the budget. We've collected our favorites of the tablets priced substantially less than the iPad and its high-end competition. For parents, if your kid is obsessed with getting an iPad, be sure to consider the Apple iPod Touch. Its screen may be small, but nothing comes closer to matching the iPad's "fun factor," and the price is tough to beat.
Samsung Galaxy Tab - 7-inch, 16GB, Wi-FiSamsung's 3G-free version of its 7-inch tablet, the Galaxy Tab, offers an appealing mix of price and horsepower, but it's overshadowed by the wave of inexpensive Android 3.0 devices. Pros: The Galaxy Tab Wi-Fi Android tablet offers a bright, responsive 7-inch screen, GPS, Bluetooth, and full access to Google's suite of mobile apps, including Android Market. Cons: This Galaxy Tab is an Android 2.2 tablet living in an Android 3.0 world, and bigger and better tablets are priced in the same ballpark. Price: $390.75 as of 5/19/2012 16:53 EDT Details Condition: New 47 Used, refurbished & new from $160.87 |
ViewSonic ViewPad 7 7-Inch Android 2.2 Tablet - Black -The ViewPad 7 offers a solid platform for Android 2.2, but it comes off as an oversize, overpriced smartphone--not a Netbook alternative. Pros: The ViewSonic ViewPad 7 delivers Android 2.2 on a 7-inch screen, with a powerful processor and rear- and front- facing cameras. Cons: The ViewPad 7 is a doppelganger for the Samsung Galaxy Tab and shares many of its shortcomings, including a frustrating keyboard and awkward size. Lacks camera flash. Bring your own memory card. List Price: Best Price: $450.00 as of 5/19/2012 16:53 EDT Details You Save: $149.00 (25%) Condition: New 9 Used, refurbished & new from $191.99 |
Archos 70 - 8 GB Internet Tablet - BlackThe Archos 70 offers more horsepower and features than any other tablet under $300, but its limitations make it more of a toy than a tool. Pros: The Archos 70 Android tablet includes a capable 1GHz processor, capacitive 7-inch touch screen, front-facing camera, Bluetooth, HDMI output capability, and up to 250GB of storage. Cons: The tablet is generally sluggish, build quality feels cheap, viewing angles are crummy, and the app store is thinly stocked. List Price: Best Price: $169.99 as of 5/19/2012 16:53 EDT Details You Save: $70.00 (29%) Condition: New 16 Used & new from $120.00 |
ARCHOS 101 Internet Tablet 8GBThe Archos 101 tablet's price is right and the screen is ample, but the experience is outdated and performance is sluggish. Pros: The Archos 101 is one of few Android 2.2 tablets with a large 10.1-inch screen. Extras such as a front-facing camera, Mini-HDMI output, USB host and sync ports, and microSD memory expansion are impressive considering the tablet's low price. Cons: Charging requires wall adapter, screen quality and responsiveness are mediocre; onscreen keyboard is awkward; not fully compatible with Adobe Flash; lacks support for Android Market and Google Mobile apps, such as Maps, Navigation, Contacts, and Calendar. List Price: Best Price: $229.99 as of 5/19/2012 16:53 EDT Details You Save: $40.00 (15%) Condition: New 38 Used, refurbished & new from $125.00 |
You can also see our best tablets 2011 comparisons table to help you find the features you are looking for "best tablets on the market" for you.