Hot Tablets and Where to Buy Them in Singapore

Acer Iconia Tab A200

Specs: 10.1” LCM screen | 710g | 16GB internal (up to 32GB microSD) storage | Tegra 250 Dual cortex A9, 1GHz processor | Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

What’s hot: This Android tablet is priced lower than other 10-inch sized ones in the market. Its USB 2.0 port allows you to transfer data quickly, while its expandable memory space and competent dual-core processor ensures a smoother performance. We also like its reliability in battery life—lasts a good eight hours as stated.

What’s not: While there’s a front-facing camera, it has only two megapixels so don’t expect high quality pictures. It also weighs 710g, making it heavier and bulkier than most tablets. Plus, you can’t charge the Iconia Tab through the USB port. So remember to bring the charger along when you’re on the go.

Verdict: The features are modest, but its price makes it well worth considering.
$499 from 3.Mobile, #B3-34 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6509-8083.

What’s hot: This 7.7-inch screen has a vivid display due to its 1,280×800 pixel resolution and SUPER AMOLED Plus technology. Its slimness (7.89mm) and light weight mean this handy gadget fits easily into any bag (or large pocket). The dual-core processor allows faster loading of content so you don’t get frustrated when surfing. It’s surprisingly energy-efficient; battery life is said to last 10 hours but it can last up to 14 hours with normal usage.

What’s not: Its 3.2-megapixel camera with LED flash and 2.0-megapixel front-facing one will give you lower resolution images, compared to other tablet cameras. It’s far better to use your smartphone to snap pix instead. Performance also slows down when you have more than nine apps running concurrently. The rich screen display can be a little too bright for some users.

Verdict: The long battery life and the fact that this Galaxy Tab supports Adobe Flash Player make it a worthwhile buy for power users.
$898 from Samsung, #02-28/29 VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, 6376-9150.

What’s hot: Its 3G capability and user-friendly interface allows you to toggle between desktop and mobile rendering so you can view pages offline—saving you from hitting your monthly data ceiling (no thanks to the recently lowered cap by network providers). The infrared universal remote control function and PlayStation certification means you’ll be able to play a handful of games unavailable on other Android devices—an added bonus.

What’s not: The 1GHz processor isn’t as fast as the competition, and price edges more toward the expensive range. It isn’t the lightest and most portable tablet around as the tapered end can be bulky.

Verdict: Its unique “folded magazine” look makes it stand out from the crowded tablet market. This tablet also showcases what Sony is good at—its rich gaming legacy.
$698 from Sony Store, Isetan Orchard, #04-01 Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Rd., 6733-1876.

The New Apple iPad

Specs: 9.7” LED backlit screen | 652g | 16, 32, 64GB flash storage | Apple A5x CPU | iOS

What’s hot: The breathtaking 2048×1536 retina display on the 9.7-inch screen means it’s a joy looking at photos or simply consuming media content. The five-megapixel camera and high definition video recording function are superior to the others in the market so you will get decent quality images even if the tablet’s response time is slightly slower than its predecessor. It also has the world’s largest app store for all your games and media needs.

What’s not: This new iPad is slightly thicker (by 0.6mm) than the iPad 2 and it’s almost imperceptible but the extra weight can be felt when you carry it for long periods. The front-facing camera lacks the HD function. Battery life is capped at nine hours on casual usage—slightly shorter than Android tablets’ battery performance.

Verdict: Upgrades are modest but this is still the finest tablet around, especially with its rich graphic display. Just remember to take the charger wherever you go.
$658-$1,088 from Multimedia Integrated @ Ion Orchard, #B3-14 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6238-9378.