The Best Tablets On The Market Before Christmas – Billy’s Top 5

The ASUS Eee Pad Transformer has one thing that other tablets don't. It has a folding keyboard that lets it operated and function just like a regular netbook, but this keyboard also doubles as an extended battery source giving this tablet up to 16 hours of battery life. The main thing that I do not like about this tablet is that it doesn't have a USB expansion port, unless you purchase the $150 keyboard which has two. Other than that you are stuck with direct downloading of any media you want to put on the tablet.

Of course many people won't agree with my putting Apple's iPad towards the bottom of the list of my top tablets. As an Apple owner (G4 Tower) and user for the past 15 years, I have had a bit of a Love/Hate relationship with Apple. When it comes to the iPad, I really love the iOS platform, but the iPad seems more of an entertainment device rather than a business device. Another thing that I don't like about the iPad is that EVERYTHING syncs with iTunes, I much rather be able to plug into ANY computer and load files/music/videos. Updates are offered through iTunes and normally cost $20 bucks or more, whereas Android updates are free and open source.

The Xoom was a tablet that caught my eye when first released (mostly due to some great marketing by Verizon and Motorola) and since has stayed high on my 'Liked' list. With the super functional Android Honeycomb Operating System and dual core processor (which most branded tablets are being released with), this tablet is super snappy and has a very fluid interface. The casing is really nice, but leaves a little to be desired for the aesthetics. Fairly light weight and a lot of fun to mess with.

I was really surprised by this tablet. It is actually a very nice looking tablet, yet weighs in higher than any other tablet out right now. This is a nice Honey Comb Android Tablet that offers a full size USB and Micro USB with HDMI output as well. This tablet has some great hardware for a great price. It may be a heavy device, but it is definitely a really good value.

The Toshiba Thrive lands in my number one spot as it is the closest tablet to replacing an actual computer. It is loaded with ports and even has a removable battery. It has mini USB, full sized USB, Full Size SD, Full Size HDMI along with wireless and blue tooth connectivity. While it is the Thickest tablet (due to it's removable battery) it is a super sleek device that has a great feel to it. This doesn't feel like most tablets on the market, that if you drop it you will surely be buying a new one. This tablet feels tough strong and functions great. This is not a device that you would think of as an entertainment device, in my eyes this is definitely a great business device (that can also entertain the kiddos, because you know they are going to want to play with it).