Tablets represent a new age of computing. These devices are usually used to enjoy multimedia on the move, along with checking e-mail and handling basic productivity tasks. In recent times, all the application repositories swelling up across platforms has made the tablet market very competitive, with several options for you to pick from. We tell you which device you can consider, based on your pocket and requirements.
 

Entry-Level (Below Rs 15,000)

Slates in this category usually come with a lower RAM capacity, lesser internal memory, single core CPU, smaller screen size, and lower pixel dimensions. While the build quality is reasonably decent, you might have to opt for a resistive touchscreen over a capacitive one in order to cut costs further. Having said that, these tablets offer a decent multimedia experience, but on a fairly reflective screen.
 

NXG Xtab A10
MRP: Rs 5700 (4 GB), Rs 6700 (8 GB) (Click the Buy Now link)

This 7" tablet is powered by a 1 GHz CPU and 512 MB of RAM. It runs Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), and boasts of features such as Wi-Fi, 4 GB \ 8 GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, front 0.3 mp camera, 3.5 mm jack, USB OTG port, HDMI-Out, Flash 11.1 support, and a 3600 mAh battery. However, it lacks a main camera and Bluetooth.

iberry BT07
MRP: Rs 8000
Street Price (As On 14-May-2012): Rs 8000 (eBay.in)

This one is a 7" touchscreen slate, and like all low-end tablets, its screen is quite reflective. It features a 1 GHz CPU and has 512 MB of RAM, runs on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), and supports Flash. It comes with Wi-Fi, 4 GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, front 0.3 mp camera, 3.5 mm jack, USB OTG port, and a 3600 mAh battery. Here also, the main camera and Bluetooth are missing.

Mid-Range (Below Rs 25,000)

While the previous category is good enough for people who want to start off with tablets, these devices usually have insufficient features. If you're looking for something that gives you better audio playback, video streaming, and internet surfing capabilities, with a better battery life, you can pick from the options listed below.
 

Apple iPad 2 (16 GB Wi-Fi)
MRP: Rs 24,500 (Store Locator)

After launching the new iPad in India, as standard practice, Apple has slashed prices for its earlier model, the iPad 2. The 16 GB Wi-Fi only model with a 9.7" LED touchscreen is powered by a 1 GHz dual-core A5 CPU with 512 MB of RAM. Running on iOS 4.3, the tablet comes with a 0.3 mp front and HD (720p) rear camera. Boasting of 10 hours of battery life, and coupled with a well-stacked app store, the tablet definitely offers value for money. However, the iTunes dependency can be a bit annoying.

Lenovo IdeaPad K1
MRP: Rs 32,000
Street Price (As On 14-May-2012): Rs 23,000 (Flipkart.com); Rs 26,500 (Sulekha.com)

This 10.1" touchscreen tablet is powered by a 1 GHz dual-core CPU with 1 GB of DDR2 RAM. The Android 3.1 (Honeycomb) device comes with a micro-HDMI port, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, 5 mp primary and 2 mp front camera, 3.5 mm jack, SIM (for 3G data only), microSD card slot, 32 GB internal storage (25 GB available), 7400 mAh battery, and a bunch of sensors. Originally high-priced, the rate has undergone a reduction and is now a good deal.

High-End (Above Rs 25,000)

Tablets in this category offer you the best possible mobile computing experience. Apart from being the most expensive of the lot, these slates offer amazing pixel dimensions and screen contrast ratios, along with better processors to handle apps, games, and multimedia files more smoothly.


The New iPad (2012) (16 GB + Wi-Fi)
MRP: Rs 30,500 (Store Locator)

Powered by a new A5X chip, which packs a 1 GHz dual-core CPU and a quad-core PowerVR SGX543MP4 GPU, the new iPad runs on iOS 5.1. Its specs include 1 GB of RAM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, main 5 mp camera, front 0.3 mp snapper, 3.5 mm jack, and an 11,560 mAh Li-Po battery. A GPS receiver is only available in Wi-Fi + 4G versions. Its 9.7" touchscreen comes with pixel dimensions of 2048x1536, which delivers a pixel density of 264 ppi. While it does boast of an impressive battery life, you can't use it while it's charging, and that can take a considerable amount of time. On the flip side, like its predecessor, this one doesn't offer mass storage mode, lacks a standard USB port, and can't share files over Bluetooth.

Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet
MRP: Rs 51,000 (Store Locator)

This premium tablet is powered by a Tegra 2 chip and comes with a dual-core 1 GHz CPU and GeForce ULP GPU. Other specs include 1 GB of RAM, 32 GB of internal storage, a 5 mp rear camera, front 0.3 mp snapper, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a full-sized USB (OTG) port, HDMI-Out, micro-USB port, SD memory card slot, a 3.5 mm jack, and a 3250 mAh battery. The tablet also features a SIM slot for 3G connectivity and messaging, but you can't make phone calls. The 10.1" screen with pixel dimensions of 1280x800 is protected by Gorilla Glass, and the retail pack comes with a stylus and keyboard accessory-cum-dock that lets you turn this device into a notebook. On the flip side though, at 732 grammes, it is quite bulky to carry around.

Tags : Guides, Tablets, Apple, iPad, Lenovo, IdeaPad, ThinkPad, Kamakshi