iPad Alternatives ???

[MultiMat]

OK the misses would love a iPad , but my money tree has gone & died  . Can anyone suggest an alternative too the iPad. I like the look of the Android OS Tablets.
My quick research on these 2 models the Binatone Homesurs 8"($228) & Pioneer Computers Dreambook 7"($188) suggests these 2 are very much compromised by running older versions of Android (1.6-1..I was considering them as options as they are in stock & locally available , but given the reviews I have read they do not sound too good. 

I know Archos tablets look good but they are just as pricey as iPads  .

Can anyone suggest a good 7"+ tablet around the $200-$250 mark, it would primarily be used for surfing the net & playing videos (via memory card).I think Android 2 & above is required for smoothing running  .

The 8" & 10" DreamBooks as displayed in the below link might be OK  .I think the Pioneer Tablets are not made by the better known Pioneer company. Given the time constraints I am limited too locally available products.I am not sure if my goal is achievable on my budget 

[url]http://www.pioneercomputers.com.au/products/products.asp?c1=183&c2=185/url]
 
Thanks in advance 

Mat.

[Medic82]

The only true competitor to the iPad is Samsung Galaxy Tab but that is a little bit higher than the 250$ mark

[dbnyc]

The color Nook from Barnes & Noble has been rooted and can be used as an android tablet, and it is in your price range.  HOWEVER, this would require some computer expertise...

[Threeme2189]

http://FunnyOrDie.com/m/3jqh   

[Grant Lamontagne]

Try a netbook- they can be had in that price range and give all the functionality of a laptop, but in a more convenient package.

Def

[MultiMat]

Try a netbook- they can be had in that price range and give all the functionality of a laptop, but in a more convenient package.

Def

Def I like my lap top a lot so for me a netbook would be very cool BUT the Tablet is for the misses  , she is in love with her iPhone 4 & would LOVE a Tablet  .


Who am I too judge , I have a amassed a few MT's in the last couple of years 
I suspect in 6 months there will be a lot more tablets available, does not help for this Christmas though  .

The only true competitor to the iPad is Samsung Galaxy Tab but that is a little bit higher than the 250$ mark

Misses has a iPhone so the does not need the Galaxy's phone feature & in Oz they are VERY pricey.
I do not have a smart phone though 

The color Nook from Barnes & Noble has been rooted and can be used as an android tablet, and it is in your price range.  HOWEVER, this would require some computer expertise...

I am a wee novice when it comes to computer expertise & the misses is positively IT intellectually impaired 

http://FunnyOrDie.com/m/3jqh   

  , How do you instal firmware updates on that iPad 



 

[Threeme2189]

, How do you instal firmware updates on that iPad 

 
It's a new Apple marketing ploy, every time there's an upgrade they make you buy a new one! 

[Whoey]

, How do you instal firmware updates on that iPad 

 
It's a new Apple marketing ploy, every time there's an upgrade they make you buy a new one! 

sounds like a typical apple product to me...

[ryan1835]

id expect a new ipad to come out soon no idea when but im guessing by march simply because the samsungs such a good rival....

[ecfiffer]

the archos tab's are cheaper then the ipads...  BUT if she has an iphone 4 then getting an adroid based device might end up being really bad... see we (my wife and i) are android peeps, i got an ipad for her and i honestly say its nice but i would have rather bought an archos tab since android seems to run so much nicer... but thats me...  but her a notebook (the kind with paper in it) and a pen... then she has a tablet

[MultiMat]

Just found this Optus 7" Android(2.1,? 2.2 upgrade) tablet, it is made by Chinese company ZTE
http://thetechjournal.com/electronics/tablet/zte-optus-my-tab-android-tablet.xhtml

Specs from above link ;

Features :

7-inch resistive touch screen (800 x 400)
Android 2.1 (ZTE promising an update to Android 2.2 later this year)
512MB RAM
512MB ROM
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
WCDMA 3G connectivity
GPS, FM
Support for SD cards
3400mAh battery lasting 10 hours
Rear-facing 3MP camera, and a front-facing VGA webcam
403 grams

At $280aus it is $320aus cheaper than the entry level iPad. Being sold by a large chain store so warranty return is not a problem  .
Still a bit of coin but but ya only got one wife  , unless you live in Utah   

[ryan1835]

i still think if she has an iphone ipad is the way to go unless you need flash support

[Pacu]

The Galaxy pad is flying out the door at work. I installed/maintain the Archos tablets company wide and they suck IMO. The power/usb cable hole is shallow and always breaks. The software is slow and buggy. I have the vendor provided parts memorized for it i order them so much.


Netbooks have 2 gigs in them now with windows 7 home--not too shabby

[MultiMat]

i still think if she has an iphone ipad is the way to go unless you need flash support

You want too lend me the $300+ I am short 

The Galaxy pad is flying out the door at work. I installed/maintain the Archos tablets company wide and they suck IMO. The power/usb cable hole is shallow and always breaks. The software is slow and buggy. I have the vendor provided parts memorized for it i order them so much.


Netbooks have 2 gigs in them now with windows 7 home--not too shabby

Not sure if I can get a deal for a Galaxy in my price range 

Netbook for me 
Netbook & the misses     

[ryan1835]

i still think if she has an iphone ipad is the way to go unless you need flash support

You want too lend me the $300+ I am short 

  just saying...