Consumer Reports Rates iPad's Competition
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The iPad made quite a splash when it came out earlier this year, and it has dominated the market ever since, but competition is heating up.
Consumer Reports just tested several new computer tablets to see if any of them can give the iPad a run for the money.
Liz Fogarty-Foote bought an iPad as soon as it came out.
"I have the iPhone. I have a MacBook Pro. I love it," she says. "So, as soon as I heard they were making this, I wanted it."
For a while, the iPad stood alone in the tablet-computer arena. However, other companies are starting to offer tablets, too.
Consumer Reports tested several, including the Samsung Galaxy Tab as well as less-expensive tablets including one sold at Walgreens.
The iPad is the most expensive tablet computer, ranging in price from $500 to more than $800. But, when it comes to the iPad, you get a lot of bang for your buck. You can create documents, browse the web and play plenty of games.
The less-expensive tablets cost about $100. Consumer Reports testers found that you get what you pay for.
"One of the drawbacks we've noticed with some of the less-expensive tablets is you don't get access to Android market, which is where you get your third-party apps from," said Donna Tapellini, of Consumer Reports. "That's a pretty big problem."
According to Consumer Reports, another drawback is that the touch screens on some are less sensitive, so it's hard to get where you want.
However, the Samsung Galaxy Tab has a lot to offer. It costs less than the iPad - anywhere from $400 to $650. It's smaller and lighter, too. It's easier to hold while reading books.
Consumer Reports' tests show that the Galaxy's screen quality is comparable to the iPad. While the Galaxy's small screen might make it less appealing than the iPad for watching movies and television, it definitely gives the iPad some competition.
"If you're in the market for a tablet computer, right now your only choices really are the Galaxy Tab and the Apple iPad," said Tapellini. "The one you choose really depends on what's most important to you."
Consumer Reports' battery-life tests show the iPad has more staying power. Its battery charge lasts a full 10 hours, while the Galaxy Tab battery runs only for seven hours.
Consumer Reports tested several other tablet computers, but say the Galaxy is the only one that really gives the iPad competition.
MORE INFORMATION: Consumer Reports | Buyer's Guide To Tablet Computers
