Catching Up or Staying ahead

Before we really had no knowledge of what a tablet meant. We all were scrambling around comparing the now late net-books. Then Apple brought us into another world. Much like they did with mp3 players. With them bringing us the iPad. Tablets were now a clear definition. Though being the first out of the gate doesn't hurt at all. Now we are flashing forward. Samsung tried but without google's help. That ended up being more of a small attempt. Apple decided to take a small step ahead. Upgrading the iPad 2 with minimal features. Though will that be enough to again stay ahead of other tablets that outshine the iPad 2 on the specs table? Other tablets will try their luck this year. We have the Motorla Xoom, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Blackberry's Playbook, HTC's Flyer and HP's TouchPad. They all run flash, true multitasking, app stores and have unique operating systems. Still that may not be enough to stay ahead but only to play catch up. Though what follows is a list of things that will make or break a tablet against the iPad 2.

Pricing: 

Believe it or not this factor is only semi-important. Apple decided to have two models. Having a less expensive Wi-Fi only tablet. The other being one with Wi-Fi and 3g. This is the real key to success. As most locations around the world have free Wi-FI. Even Starbucks and Barnes and Nobel. Who were nertourisly known for charging their customers. This only fuels that most people will want that version. Motorla Xoom did not learn this lesson. As they procided to release their tablet with one version. Another version to arrive at a later date. We will see if the others learn.

Ecosystem:

This could be titled under OS. Though the connections between everything with in a tablet. Is simply known as an ecosystem. Playing music, slideshows and videos on a iPad2 are so simple. Even if a person has had no computer knowledge. They could understand the one button operating system. Though Itunes is really the strong support behind everything. Purchasing music,podcast and movies all are covered under the same app. If you try to do things by yourself. Such as ripping a movie that you already own.This could be trouble. As most formats won't play on the iPad2. The other tablets might have a more simple system. Much like how hard drives have drag and drop Though it is unclear if they have an easy marketplace. Amazon would be the only supporter that comes to mind. Even with that app it is not as easy of a ecosystem as Itunes has.

Apps:

Quite possibly the most important of them all. Relax they all have apps. Though lets just say if a tablet did not have any app support what so ever. It will automatically fail. No madder how great the O.S. would be. Apple has built what most consider the best app marketplace. It's such an easy transaction. That Adults to even kids have a full understanding. They have the power of major studios and companies. Wanting to release their apps only on iOS devices. All of this sounds too good to be true. Most of it is good but their marketplace is very strict. Not all apps will make it through the process. This is where Android comes into the picture. Being a very open market. Your more than likely to find whatever app your looking for. As for the other two tablets HP and Blackberry. Apps have not be their strongest points and this is a very large problem.


What do you feel that are important features of a tablet? Leave a comment below.