5 Noteworthy iPad Alternatives

The iPad arrived earlier this year with much excitement from Apple enthusiasts. It can also be said that many PC users were intrigued and tempted by the tablet styled computer. As it made its way into the hands of the masses, many began to declare it as revolutionary, while others simply proclaim it to be a useless oversized version of the iPhone. Whatever the thought is behind the viability and practicality of the iPad, admittedly, new and unique gadgets have great appeal. If owning a touchpad computer is of great interest, but the iPad isn't quite your thing - here are 5 great alternatives to consider.

Hewlett Packard (HP) has sold the successful Touchsmart line of computers for a number of years now. The latest ultra-portable in the notebook line, the tm2t series, offers both keyboard and touch-screen input. The tm2t can be customized at HP's website, and features a full yet compact keyboard, and a standard 12" 1200 x 800 swiveling widescreen that spins and folds to "transform" into a tablet style PC.

Toshiba's libretto series of notebooks are popular mini fully featured notebooks that precede and rival the currently popular netbooks. After a short hiatus, the libretto has returned with dual 7" touchscreens in the W100 series. With no physical keyboard, the touch screen acts as a virtual keyboard, and the ultra-portable form factor features solid state storage.

Dubbed by many as the first iPad competitor, the new Samsung Galaxy Tab is a true tablet device. Powered by Google's Android, the Tab is scheduled to arrive soon in a small package measuring in at 7.5" x 4.7" x .5", and features a 7" touch screen.

Earlier this year, CES (The Consumer Electrons Show) provided a moment of excitement when the HP Slate was announced. The tablet currently in development went through some ups-and-downs, and rumored cancellations. Now, recent web reports state that the HP Slate (possibly being renamed to Hurricane) is scheduled to arrive "soon" with Windows 7, and also in Q1 2011 with a webOS version.

When speaking of mobile devices, particularly tablets, or hand-held devices, the name Dell doesn't usually come to mind. The computer giant gave up in the Windows Mobile market when it discontinued its Pocket PC line of Axims several years ago. Now, the computer giant is back with a device intended to bridge the gap between the smart phone and tablet computer. The extra-sized tablet style mobile phone called the Streak runs on Adnroid, and recently received high marks in a CNET review.

There are a number of other touch devices on the market. Honorable mentions include Archos Android Tablets, and the Notion Ink Adam.Sources/Resources:

HP Touchsmart tm2t
Toshiba Libretto W100
Samsung Galaxy Tab
HP: HP Slate
CNET Review Dell Streak