I just don't think unsubsidized Android or other tablets can compete with iPads

[henry72]

I reckon Android will be another "PC". The user needs to install anti-visus etc...

 

[4DThinker]

I think Apple's tablet lead will diminish not because they don't make a great device or have a great ecosystem around it, but because Apple made a bet on what features the pure ipad would have and consumers have pointed out their bet was off. Remember that scream for cameras that the iPad1 didn't have? Apple fortunately was able to add them to the iPad2. Now we scream because the cameras are crappy. Rightly so. Apple should be embarassed. iPad3 will have better cameras.

Rim and Acer are cutting back, but in Acer's case it is because they made a tank instead of a supermodel. The Iconia tab is a fine piece of hardware that weighs 5 ounces more than the iPad2. Unforgivable in a world where even the iPad2 is accused of being too heavy by many. Rim runs yet another OS with an unclear access to apps.

Asus, on the other hand, is increasing production on its Transformer. Why? They noticed their netbooks had been big sellers, and figured if their android honeycomb tablet could also be netbook-like when the consumer wanted it would serve more than just the tablet seeking market. Then they priced the Transformer $100 less than the iPad. Then they were aggressive in getting the 3.1 update to it quickly. Then the engineered the tablet and keyboard dock to "magically" mate and compliment each other. Just for kicks, they put another battery in the dock to recharge the tablet when docked. The result? They are flying off retailer's shelves.

 

[Piggie]

I think Apple's tablet lead will diminish not because they don't make a great device or have a great ecosystem around it, but because Apple made a bet on what features the pure ipad would have and consumers have pointed out their bet was off. Remember that scream for cameras that the iPad1 didn't have? Apple fortunately was able to add them to the iPad2. Now we scream because the cameras are crappy. Rightly so. Apple should be embarassed. iPad3 will have better cameras.

Rim and Acer are cutting back, but in Acer's case it is because they made a tank instead of a supermodel. The Iconia tab is a fine piece of hardware that weighs 5 ounces more than the iPad2. Unforgivable in a world where even the iPad2 is accused of being too heavy by many. Rim runs yet another OS with an unclear access to apps.

Asus, on the other hand, is increasing production on its Transformer. Why? They noticed their netbooks had been big sellers, and figured if their android honeycomb tablet could also be netbook-like when the consumer wanted it would serve more than just the tablet seeking market. Then they priced the Transformer $100 less than the iPad. Then they were aggressive in getting the 3.1 update to it quickly. Then the engineered the tablet and keyboard dock to "magically" mate and compliment each other. Just for kicks, they put another battery in the dock to recharge the tablet when docked. The result? They are flying off retailer's shelves.

I agree with much of what you say.

It's a learning exercise and it's all very new to these companies.
Most of these "tanks" are their very 1st version one trys at the hardware.

Think about what they will be like when they are on the 4th, 6th or 10th version of their devices.
Mistakes will be made as they try new things. The very last thing anyone should want is just Apple making the iPad and that's it.

We all should want different makers to try different ideas. Many ideas will turn out to be poor, but they will learn what works and what the consumer likes.

In time, like with laptops and the trackpad they all have now, a design and an idea will come along that works, after they try different things.
Every year things should get better and better, and even if you love Apple you should be glad as this will force Apple to keep on it's toes.

Anyone who thinks Apple would push really hard every year to produce the very best they can if there was zero competition is fooling themselves.

Apple knows it make this market, and they know they want to capture as many customers as they can, as once they have them they have more chance to keep them, so they will have to try hard every year to stay at the front of this new race, and you can be sure, the other runners are going to do all they can to catch them up.

The iPad2 is a superb bit of kit, and leads the way in many areas, but it won't be long before Tegra3 comes out, later this year, and Apple will have to regain the lead early next year again.

Quad Core perhaps?

All very exciting