The Apple Beat: Let's talk Tablets

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

As we await the announcement of the fifth version of Apple's iPad and the next iPad mini, things continue to get interesting in the tablet space. Apple still dominates the larger 10-inch tablet space with Android and Windows 8 RT powered competitors still scrambling for the right mix of features, innovation and pricing to be truly competitive.

The next two weeks, we will see a sudden buzz in the tablet space with the new iPads expected to be announced next week. Microsoft is also launching the second iterations of their Surface and Surface Pro tablets, which the Redmond giant is also positioning aggressively against the iPad. 

Newly-acquired Nokia, now part of Microsoft,  also has a tablet event slated for October 22, the day the new iPad's are expected to be launched by Apple in San Francisco (stay tuned for my live coverage of that event on this space).

The Lumia 2520, already leaked in various photos, is Espoo, Finland's take on what a Surface RT device is supposed to be. It carries over the design language we've see on Lumia smartphones to a larger form-factor. Being a Nokia, we expect some specialized software as well as likely 4G-LTE data capability. Aside from being the first large Windows tablet developed by Nokia, it actually could be the best competitor to Microsoft's own Surface 2.

As for Android, there are quite a number of Android powered tablets from various manufacturers, but not a single model has really shined. The specs and hardware are there, as proven by some of Samsung's flagship devices or by the Nexus 10, but the software, and specially the tablet-specific apps on Android, leave much to be desired. That, and the insanely fragmented state of Android tablets in terms of software, make it a less appealing option to the iPad.

The 7-inch tablet space is even more interesting. Apple's iPad mini seems to be quite popular but it is facing more compelling competition from cheaper products that bring new features and capabilities to the market. The ASUS-made Nexus 7, is currently one of the more powerful 7-inch tablets and it runs the latest version of Google's Android OS. Similarly, the new Amazon Kindle Fire HD tablets are priced to compete, yet offer a compelling array of features for users focused on content consumption.

Unlike larger Android tablets, 7-inch devices can run the smartphone versions of apps just fine, and are actually better mobile devices since they are compact, powerful and yet deliver pretty solid day-long battery life. A lot of people prefer this size, and I know of various users who may have had reservations about getting an full-sized iPad but were easily convinced to get an iPad mini.

Speaking of the iPad mini, while many are clamouring for a Retina Display (the iPad mini is effectively the only iOS 7 product that doesn't feature the super dense display), it's hard to imagine what else Apple could add to that device. The size, shape and weight is pretty spot on, a faster processor is likely specially considering that the iPad mini is a shrunken iPad 2 ( a product that's effectively three generations old). 

We will certainly have a better idea of where all of this is going after October 22, when Apple  reveals what's new and coming to the tablet space in time for the holidays.