It might just be me, but I'm starting to see these gaining a lot of popularity this year. Everyone is aware of Apple's awesome iPad 2, but I've been really intrigued with the less expensive and more customizable Android internet tablets. If you're familiar with the android phones such as the Droid X or LG Ally (and everything in between), then you should feel right at home with an Android tablet. Personally, I have the HTC Droid Incredible and am very satisfied with it. My only wish is wanting a bigger screen, without having to shell out any more to my cellular provider (trust me, they get enough of my money each month).

The options for tablets are growing and are getting quite a bit of attention. I've been intensely researching a number of these for about a month now. I've found some interesting pros and cons for all of them, including the iPad. Surprising to me, I've settled on the Archos brand Internet tablet. My main selling points were that I wanted was a large screen, no more than $300 price range -- my absolute spending limit, and the most functionality possible. This brand has the best selection of sizes available: from 2.8" screen below $100, to a 10" screen for $300, and several sizes in between. I have to say I really considered the Samsung Galaxy Tab. I just didn't want to get into another 2-year contract, and wanted something bigger than 7 inch screen. Mine will primarily be for home use because the full size tablets are a good bit larger (about the size of the iPad 2). I found a local retailer selling them, which is a plus if I need to return it for any reason.

If anyone had any questions about these in general, please feel free to ask. Or if you had a tablet and wanted to add your experience, by all means do so! This may grow to be a popular thread. I'm hopeful it will give some helpful feedback to those thinking about buying one. I probably could post a comparative list later on if someone's interested. YouTube has been a great help for me.

Thanks!

And they still call star trek sci-fi. HA! They certainly look useful but I plan to wait a decade or so for more miniaturization before I get one.

Ya I almost bought the Samsung Galaxy on impulse after a few beers. I also want them to get smaller.

Jsmooth15 wrote: Ya I almost bought the Samsung Galaxy on impulse after a few beers. I also want them to get smaller.

I did notice the Archos brand offers the smallest tablets available with virtually all the same functionality as a full size Android tablet. They're more comparable to a smartphone without the expensive contract. I've been writing all my forum posts with mine. Of course I'm not trying so sell you on one, but they are handy devices, nonetheless. I've been getting quite a few hours logged on Angry Birds this month, lol.

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If you want to play games, get a desktop, plain and simple. Nothing will ever replace the PC because your only other choice is less power and less ways to perform maintenence on your own machine. And good luck living life on the phone with Indian call centers trying to get your stuff back once they make you send it in for repairs...

I got a android Incredible and its a neet phone to have great for looking up stuff on Wiki or other sites on the net!

Codeguru wrote: If you want to play games, get a desktop, plain and simple. Nothing will ever replace the PC because your only other choice is less power and less ways to perform maintenence on your own machine. And good luck living life on the phone with Indian call centers trying to get your stuff back once they make you send it in for repairs...

Wow, I couldn't believe how long ago I posted this. I guess the spammers have been keeping this thread alive, lol. I'd have to agree with this for the most part, though I personally have been using my tablet way more for browsing and gaming (yes, even more than my Xbox 360). I decided to upgrade to the Acer Iconia A500 after a month of having the Archos, but they basically function the same. One's a dual core with Honeycomb and one's a single core with Froyo. (Android operating system names are far out there).

I can and have played Gametap games using a remote desktop to my PC. Mainly this only works with mouse operated games you can play in windowed mode, so you can tell it's not great. (and Civ 5 is someone laggy but playable). But it really shines on emulating almost any older console game, though almost all of them I use I own. I've heard of people on Android forums have problems here and there, but mine has been solid. These gadgets are still the same price as a desktop PC, but I've noticed them coming down in price.

Only last week have I started playing games on my desktop after at least a 3 month haitus. I'm hoping Gametap will keep my interest before I go back to my tablet.
Always good to hear from you Codeguru, and I appreciate your take on this. I would be hard pressed not to have a desktop for my FPS and strategy game addiction.

Viperony wrote: I got a android Incredible and its a neet phone to have great for looking up stuff on Wiki or other sites on the net!

Same here! Got any apps you recommend?