Tablet Talk

I have never been an Apple fan but so many around me seem to be falling.  As such, I have been researching some of the latest android  tablet offerings that have been popping up.

The first one to grab my attention was the new Kindle Fire by Amazon.

Wow, what a truly amazing thing.  Currently only available to the US market, but sure to spread, the Kindle Fire is awesome, and I think, my favourite of the current tablets around.  Amazon appears to have done everything right with this and at US$199 a bargain too.  They have the much acclaimed Silk browser, Amazon Market - the Android Market likeness, Cloud storage of content, Mail client & Document support, even MS Word!  Not to mention, it has fantastic E-Book support!
Specs as follows:

• 7" Multitouch Display (1024x600)
• Dual Core Processor
• 802.11b/g/n wifi
• 8GB Internal Storage
• 8hours battery life in continuous use (7.5 for video playback!)

The second one to appear on my list was the Pendo Pad

 At the time, these were being 'given' away by Dodo internet with new connections.  They appear to have  a decent spec/price and some reviews have been quite good.
Pendo Pad Specs:

• Android 2.1
• 7" Screen (800x480)
• 360grams
• 1Ghz RockChip 2818 Processor
• 2GB Flash Storage
• 256MB RAM
• Camera, 802.11b/g wifi, MicroSD & USB ports

For a price of around the A$200 mark this represents pretty good value for money

Lastly, I will briefly mention a couple of others around.
There is the Archos breeds with a few sizes available

• G9 80 with an 8" Display, Multicore 1Ghz CPU, GPS, G-Sensors, 
• G9 101 with a 10" Display & same as above
• 101 Internet again with 10" but no GPS

They seem to range in price from $200-$400

Ainol Novo 7 Advanced

retailing at less that $200 (often around $120-$150) the Ainol Nova 7 Advanced is getting some good reviews and a lot of chatter on the Whirlpool Forums.
With a 1Ghz CPU, 7" Capacitive screen (5point multitouch!), Android 2.3.4

There are many others too, but that's all I will include for now.  If you think there is a fantastic tablet that I have not mentioned, drop a comment and let me know!

Now, with my work being in the Education/IT industry, the big question for me is - "Can an Android tablet make it in the school environment?"  Can these devices be a useful educational learning tool?  Whether it is a Kindle Fire, Pendo pad, etc I believe that with such a great entry price, these have a real place in providing affordable devices that students can engage learning with.  Time will tell...