Hooray for 2011!
The original iPad may have launched way back in the mists of early 2010, it's only PS Now that there is a plethora of alternatives to choose from genuine iPad.
Nvidia's Tegra 2 CPU has been the driving force in a new generation of dual-core Android 3.0 tablets, while wildcard alternatives like the TouchPad and the PlayBook cũng sprung up running completely Different operating systems.
We now stand on the Brink of the next-next generation of tablets. Nvidia's Tegra 3 CPU will imminently cross the streams with Google's Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0 OS and give birth to a raft of Exciting new products. The first of These is the Prime Transformer, mà We've already reviewed - see below.
Apple is putting the finishing touches of course to the iPad 3, and there's a whole raft of other cũng Innovative tablets on the way with glasses-free 3D screens and all sorts of features you have not thậm thể heard of yet.
So let's take a look at the best of the bunch as They currently stand. These are the top 21 best tablet PC iPad alternatives - there's one for you in there somewhere!
Check out TechRadar's tablet buyers guide video:
Asus eee prime transformer pad review

Asus Eee Prime Transformer Pad

UK release date: January 2012
Specs: Android 3.1, Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core CPU, 10.1-inch capacitive display at 1280x800, keyboard dock with internal battery, micoSD, HDMI-out, 8MP rear-facing camera, 1.2MP front-facing camera, 586g
What We think: The Prime is the first Tegra 3 tablet the best tablet and aside form the iPad. It's thinner than every other tablet in existence, and comes bundled with a keyboard dock đó can be fixed to make the tablet a full-on fold-up Android netbook. The dock has its own battery too, and passes its charge over to the tablet whenever it's connected. All in all, there's 17 hours of battery life to be had mà amazing. It's ultra fast and powerful, and will launch in Jan for £ 499.
Read more: Asus Eee Prime Transformer Pad review
Asus eee pc slider

Asus Eee Pad Slider SL101

UK release date: Autumn / Winter 2011
Specs: Android 3.2, Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core CPU, 10.1-inch capacitive display at 1280x800, slide-out keyboard, micoSD, HDMI-out, rear-facing camera, front-facing camera
What We think: While the form factor might not suit: Those going for an iPad-a-like Android option, the Slider is still a gorgeous tablet. With its slide-out QWERTY keyboard, it offers the perfect balance the between portability and functionality. It's got an absolutely gorgeous cũng screen, and offers the best experience of any Android 3.2 touch tablet out there.
Read more: Asus Eee Pad Slider review

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9

UK release date: Autumn 2011
Specs: Android 3.1, Nvidia Tegra 2 dual core 1GHz CPU, 1GB RAM, 16GB storage, 8.9-inch capacitive screen at 1280x800 (WXGA), Wi-Fi only, 447g.
What We think: The Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 is almost indistinguishable from its 10.1-inch big brother. Đó end, it's a fantastic tablet mà both significantly lighter and thinner than the iPad 2. It's ideal for anyone who thinks 10.1 inches is just slightly too big for a tablet, pen cũng finds 7-inch options a tad too small. A great screen, and Across the board premium features make it a superb option.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 review
Asus eee pad transformer

Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101

UK release date: Out now
Specs: Android 3.2, Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core CPU, 10.1-inch capacitive display at 1280x800, full-size keyboard dock, card reader, HDMI-out, rear-facing camera, front-facing camera
What We think: Asus is keeping all its bases Covered by offering a variety of options khác tablet, and waiting to see what People buy. The Eee Pad Transformer comes with a keyboard dock and the whole package Costs just £ 429 - a veritable bargain. Asus is certainly flying under the radar When it comes to marketing its new tablets, pencils of should you associate the name with words like 'quality' and 'user experience'. This is a fantastic product.
Read more: Asus Eee Pad Transformer review
samsung galaxy tab 10.1

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

UK release date: Out now
Specs: Android 3.0, 1GHz dual core CPU, 1GB RAM, 16GB/32GB storage, 10.1-inch capacitive screen at 1280x800 (WXGA), 3MP rear-facing camera, front-facing 2-megapixel camera, 3G, 599g.
What We think: As an out-and-out tablet, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is brilliant. It matches the performance of the other two Honeycomb Tegra-based tablets while beating the pants off them in the portability stakes. This tablet is the lightest and thinnest 10-inch tablet in the world - and yep đó includes the iPad 2. So trừ khi đó keyboard dock above is a serious draw for you, this is currently the one to watch.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 review

motorola Xoom 2 review

Motorola Xoom 2

UK release date: Out now
Specs: Android 3.2, OMAP 4 1.2GHz CPU, 1GB RAM, 32GB Flash storage, 10.1-inch capacitive LCD at 1280x800, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, barometer, gyroscope, 5MP rear-facing camera, 1.3MP front-facing camera, 599g.
The Motorola Xoom 2's Most noticeable upgrade might be in the chassis, it's PS Also had an upgrade to a 1.2GHz CPU, along with Android 3.2.This has Produced a tablet that's quite snappy overall, though it does still Suffer from the odd moment where swipes take a moment to register.
In all honesty, we're rather disappointed with the Xoom 2. It's not the all-conquering tablet We Were Hoping it was going to be. It does not quite match the best tablets for quality above or the iPad, and nhiều good Android tablets have it beaten for price.
Read more: Motorola Xoom 2 review
sony-tablet-s

Sony Tablet S

UK release date: Out now
Specs: Android 3.2, 1GHz dual core CPU, 1GB RAM, 16GB/32GB storage, 10.1-inch capacitive screen at 1280x800 (WXGA), 3MP rear-facing camera, front-facing 2-megapixel camera, 598g.
What We think: We love the Sony Tablet S and its wedge-shaped design. It really makes it stand out from the crowd. The responsive touchscreen and unique shape combine to make this tablet Extremely sử dụng được, and a joy to type on. If you're choosing an Android tablet you will not be disappointed, if it's a pen shoot out the between the Sony and the iPad Tablet S 2, trừ khi hardened're a Sony fan, then your money is still better Spent with Apple.
Read more: Sony Tablet S review
motorola-Xoom

Motorola Xoom

UK release date: Out now
Specs: Android 3.0, Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core CPU, 1GB RAM, 32GB Flash storage, 10.1-inch capacitive LCD at 1280x800, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, barometer, gyroscope, 5MP rear-facing camera, front-facing 2-megapixel camera , 3G, 730g.
What We think: The Motorola Xoom is one of the second-generation Android tablets rằng tech world got very excited about When it came out. Packing super-powerful Nvidia's Tegra 2 chip and running the tablet-friendly Android 3.0 OS, the Xoom was the first genuine iPad Challenger. Ultimately though, it failed to Attract buyers, mà thể why you've never seen one. These days, while the Xoom is still a decent, well-built premium and tablet, Simply there are better options available. Stay tuned for the Xoom 2, coming very soon!
Read more: Motrola Xoom review
PlayBook

BlackBerry Playbook

UK release date: Out now
Specs: BlackBerry Tablet OS (QNX), 1GHz dual core Cortex A9 CPU, 1GB of RAM, 7-inch capacitive LCD at 1024x600, front-facing camera 3MP, 5MP rear-facing camera, 400g.
What We think: The BlackBerry PlayBook is Designed to be mobile and business-friendly. That Means, at 130x194mm, the device is small enough to hold with one hand, slip in a laptop bag side pouch, and thậm carry around all day to Meetings. The problem's start, though, with the lack of an email app, the dependence on owning a BlackBerry smartphone and a terminal lack of apps. The Playbook is powerful and has brilliant multitasking Capabilities, pen for now it's one to watch rather than one to buy.
Read more: BlackBerry Playbook review
lg optimus pad

LG Optimus Pad

UK release date: Out now
Specs: Android 3.0, 1GHz Tegra 2 CPU, 1GB RAM, 32GB storage, 8.9-inch capacitive screen at 1024x768, 2x 5-megapixel rear-facing cameras for 3D capture, front-facing 2-megapixel camera, 3G phone-friendly, 630g.
What We think: The Optimus Pad is a super-looking tablet and has the USP of having dual rear-firing 5-megapixel cameras for 3D image capture. Add to đó Tegra 2 dual-core CPU, a decent screen and Android 3.0 and you've got an Exciting tablet on Your Hands. But pricing could be this tablet's Achilles heel - it's pricey. And frankly, the 3D image capture without a 3D display = a product before its time. In 2012 We Expect to see the LG Optimus 3D Pad, pen until then, this thể Is not for you.
Read more: LG Optimus Pad review
toshiba-Thrive-will-it-Thrive-in-the-tablet-market-

Toshiba AT100 (aka Toshiba Thrive)

UK release date: Out now
Specs: Android 3.2, 1GHz dual core CPU, 1GB RAM, 8GB/16GB/32GB storage, 10.1-inch capacitive screen at 1280x800 (WXGA), 5MP rear-facing camera, front-facing 2-megapixel camera, 725g.
What We think: The Toshiba AT100 (known as Toshiba Thrive outside Europe) is a good choice for: Those who like the idea of full-size HDMI and USB ports. For a specific use, gồm customisations and future upgrades, the Toshiba AT100 offers some extra flexibility.Yet, the hefty size and weight (plus the screen passable quality) is the main reason other recent We prefer tablets.
Read more: review Toshiba AT100
htc flyer

HTC Flyer

UK release date: Out now
Specs: Android 2.3, 1.5GHz single-core Snapdragon, 1GB RAM, 32GB memory, 7-inch capacitive LCD at 1024x600, 5MP camera, 3MP front-facing camera, phone-call-friendly 3G, 415g.

What We think: HTC has decided to release its first tablet running on Android Gingerbread (2.3), mà will upset some purists believe đó These tablets of should only run on Honeycomb. Tuy nhiên, it does come with a new version of HTC Sense with dual-pane windows mà works well with videos and email. As a single-core device in a dual-core world, though, the Flyer just Is not good enough. And the chunky form factor and lack of sparkling features are a real let-down.
Read more: HTC Flyer review
Archos 101 G9

Archos 101 G9

UK release date: Out now
Specs: Android 3.2, Dual-core CPU, 10.1-inch capacitive display at 1280x800, HDMI-out, rear-facing camera, front-facing camera, 250GB HDD gồm multiple storage options.
What We think: If you're in the market for a capable tablet, pen have a limited budget, then this is one of the best options outside of price cuts can bạn get.The potential problem is we're about to be bombarded by cut-price tablets, and much better units can be had for this kind of cash - tablets with more memory, built from better materials and more Generally put together with love.
Read more: Archos 101 review G9
ViewPad 7

Viewsonic ViewPad 7

UK release date: Out now
Specs: Android 2.2, Qualcomm MSM 7227 600MHz CPU, 512MB RAM, 512MB storage, 7-inch capacitive LCD at 800x480, 3MP rear-facing camera, VGA front-facing camera, 3G-friendly phone call, 375g.
What We think: Not technically built by Viewsonic, this tablet is available under various khác cũng titles. Essentially it's a Chinese-built OEM device, pen you'd be wrong if you think đó Means it's not very good. It is. It's responsive, it's a nice size and it's sử dụng được. The problem Is that at launch it of should have cost £ 200, not 400 pounds. And Even though it can now be found for around £ 180, the ship has sailed!
Read more: Viewsonic ViewPad 7 review
See also: Linx Commtiva N700 review
hp touchpad

HP TouchPad

UK release date: Discontinued
Specs: webOS 3.0, 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon CPU, 1GB RAM, 16GB, 32GB storage, 9.7-inch capacitive screen at 1024x768, 1.3MP front-facing camera, 740g.
What We think: The HP TouchPad is less polished than the iPad, with a smaller range of Impressive third-party apps. Yes, it's got rằng iPad lacks features, so do the Android pen tablets, and They have a bigger app selection, too. The interface appears more polished than nhiều Android tablets, pen in operation đó does not really stand up. It's Also lagging behind in nhiều hardware features, word such as HDMI output. And it's very tricky to cũng not get hold of, as HP killed it just a couple of months after it launched. If you can pick one up cheap though, it could be a good budget option.
Read more: HP TouchPad review
A500

Acer Iconia Tab A500

UK release date: Out now
Specs: Android 3.0, Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core CPU, 1GB RAM, 10.1 capacitive screen, rear-facing 5-megapixel camera, 3G.
What We think: The A500 was ultimately a disappointment. It was relatively competitive on price, Simply pen it did not offer the same good looks as the likes of the Galaxy Tab or iPad. It will forever be known as an Also-ran, pencil you can be sure đó Acer will be back for more next year. If you can find this model at a crazy cheap price, it might be worth a splash. But nếu không, of should you opt for one of the tablets higher up in this list.
Read more: Acer Iconia Tab A500 review
samsung-galaxy-tab

Samsung GT-P1000 Galaxy Tab

UK release date: Out now
Specs: Android 2.2, 1GHz Cortex A8 CPU, 512MB RAM, 16GB/32GB, 7-inch capacitive LCD at 1024x600, rear-facing 3.2MP camera, 1.3MP front-facing camera, phone-call-friendly 3G, 380g.
What We think: While the Galaxy Tab Promised the world, it did not quite Deliver the tablet experience We Were Hoping for. As the first big-name tablet to take on the iPad, it failed to live up to its billing. That said, user response has been positive, and despite the aging features, this first-generation Android 2.3 tablet can now be picked up for under £ 200 if you look hard enough.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy Tab review
iconia

Acer Iconia Tab A100

UK release date: Out now
Specs: Android 3.0, Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core CPU, 7-inch capacitive screen at 1024x600, 5-megapixel rear-facing camera, front-facing 2-megapixel camera, 3G.
What We think: The A100 is the little brother to the Acer Iconia Tab A500, and it's not a bad option all-Told. It's hardly a great Looker though, and ultimately fails to make a case for better and more chính nó Among Competitors aggressively priced.
Read more: Acer Iconia Tab A100 review
asus eee memo pad

Asus Eee Memo Pad

UK release date: Winter 2011
Specs: TBC ...
What We think: We do not know much about the Asus Eee Memo Pad yet. What We Know Is that because there are four models in the Asus Eee Pad range, and the memo is the one yet to see Even a hint of a release. We know đó so is taking its time with Asus Eee Pads These, We can be fairly confident than đó When it does finally go on sale, it'll be good. And the latest news suggests it may have a glasses-free 3D screen.
amazon-kindle-fire-tablet-Officially-Announced

Amazon Kindle Fire

UK release date: Early 2012?
Specs: Heavily modified Android 2.3, 512MB RAM, 1GHz Texus Instruments OMAP 4430 CPU 4, 7-inch capacitive screen 1024x600, microUSB port, Amazon Sevices bundled, 8GB of storage
What We think: After months of speculation, the Amazon Kindle Fire has been Officially Announced at an event in New York, marking the first time the company has proper nhập vào the tablet market. The successor to the Amazon Kindle is a 7-inch device comes with Android đó, albeit a version đó has been heavily altered by Amazon to make the best use of the company's e-shopping spine.The is an IPS screen display that's made from Gorilla Glass, it houses a dual-core processor, and weighs in at 14.6 ounces. There is a tablet-optimized shopping app on board - this is said to comprise simplified and streamlined pages, than it is Easier to buy stuff on Amazon than the actual website.