Best tablets of 2012
'What is the best tablet of 2012?' is a question that has got more and more interesting as the year has progressed. Back in the early months of the year it looked as if 2012 would be another year that promised so much, but ultimately failed to delvier. Then all of a sudden the tablet market exploded.
This is where we take a look back at all the tablets that have come through PC Advisor's door this year - and there has been a lot of them - determining what the best tablet of 2012 actually is became a very tricky task.
Best tablets of 2012
10) Microsoft Surface RT
The Surface RT is Microsoft's first own-brand tablet running on its Windows RT operating system. The real appeal of this tablet is it fully compatible USB slots and amazing clip-on keyboard that pretty much turns it into a laptop.
Our Verdict: The Surface RT is a very well built and cleverly designed tablet. There's decent hardware on offer and Windows RT runs smoothly but at present a lack of decent Modern UI apps is a big issue.
Our rating:
Read our full Microsoft Surface RT review.
9) Barnes & Noble Nook HD
The Nook HD is a cheap 7 inch tablet with a stunning HD screen, its only downside is the lack of UK-specific content.
Our Verdict: We can hardly find fault with the hardware, but UK-specific content - including magazines, newspapers, books and apps - is sorely lacking. Much is promised, but you're taking a risk if you jump in and buy a Nook HD right now. As with the Kindle Fire HD, the Nook HD will be good option for anyone wanting something that's easy to use, and there's the bonus of user profiles as well. However, if you don't want to be completely locked in to the Nook store, you're better off with a Nexus 7 at this price.
Our rating:
Read our full Barnes & Noble Nook HD review.
8) Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1
With pen input and a highly customized version of Android 4.0, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 distinguishes itself in a crowded market.
Our Verdict: Granted, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 lacks the one competitive spec that other top-tier tablets—specifically the Acer Iconia Tab A700, Apple iPad, and Asus Transformer Pad Infinity TF700—have at the same or lesser price. Samsung's rendering enhancements help lessen the sting of this omission somewhat, but the difference is clear, particularly with text-heavy content. But, when you factor in the handy stowaway S Pen and Samsung's pen-optimized software, and suddenly the Note 10.1 gets an edge all its own. Throw in the Galaxy Note 10.1 Wi-Fi tablet's solid performance, and the Note 10.1 is squarely back in the mix.
Our rating:
Read our full Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 review.
7) Leapfrog LeapPad 2
The Leapfrog LeapPad 2 is a great tablet for kids, stuffed with fun and educational games and apps for children.
Our Verdict: We loved the original Leapfrog LeapPad Explorer tablet for kids, and the LeapPad2 is a great update – with improved hardware and a bunch of new games and educational and creative apps. It's not a toy, it's a proper little tablet that boasts access to over 300 apps. Although a lot less sophisticated than an iPad children didn’t seem to compare it badly, seeing it as another type of gadget altogether. It’s a better size for children than the iPad, and while the games and apps aren’t as slick they capture the child’s imagination just as well. Cheaper and more robust than adult tablets the LeapPad 2 is a definite hit with younger kids (aged 3-7).
Our rating:
Read our full Leapfrog LeapPad 2 review.
6) Asus Transformer Pad Infinity TF700
The Asus Transformer Pad Infinity TF700 raises the bar for Android tablet performance and design.
Our Verdict: The Asus Transformer Pad Infinity TF700 takes over from its predecessor as the top Android tablet available. You get high performance mixed with high style, and you don't have to make a lot of sacrifices to get both. Other tablets - including the Prime, which is expected to drop in price once this model gets into the market - may provide better value, but no other Android tablet will give you the full package that the Infinity does.
Our rating:
Read our full Asus Transformer Pad Infinity TF700 review.
5) Amazon Kindle Fire HD
The Kindle Fire HD is the first Amazon tablet available in the UK. With its 7in LCD screen, dual-core processor and tempting price, it appears a bargain.
Our Verdict:
If you're after a 7in tablet that's very easy to use, you don't need GPS and don't want to stretch your budget to £200, the Kindle Fire HD is a good buy. However, although Google's Nexus 7 has half the storage for the same price, it's more versatile and has a better range of apps and games and is faster, too.
Our rating:
Read our full Kindle Fire HD review.
4) Google Nexus 10
The Google Nexus 10 is Google's larger flagship Android tablet. Like all recent Google Nexus devices, the real appeal of the tablet is its price. You won't find another tablet with the Nexus 10's specs for such a cheap price.
Our Verdict: The Nexus 10 is easily the best 10in Android tablet we've seen to date. It has a fantastic screen, decent cameras and software features all for a more than reasonable price. Those looking for an alternative to the full-sized iPad needn't look any further.
Our rating:
Read our full Google Nexus 10 review.
3) iPad mini
Apple has finally made its move into the smaller tablet market with the iPad mini. The iPad mini has a 7.9in screen and many, but not all, of the features that the 9.7in iPad has.
Our Verdict: The iPad mini is a premium small tablet, with a price to match. It's a shame Apple couldn't have included a Retina screen and newer processor - expect the next iPad mini to get those updates. This Wi-Fi only model also lacks GPS. It's not cheap by any stretch, especially if you want more storage spare or the 3G/4G cellular version, but it's great value compared to a full-size iPad. You can save £80 by buying a Nexus 7, which has double the storage, GPS and NFC, but if you must have an iDevice, it won't disappoint.
Our rating:
Read our full iPad mini review.
2) Google Nexus 7
The Nexus 7 is Google's first attempt at an own-brand tablet. It's price is so appealing that has become a bit of a game changer.
Our Verdict: Google has set a new standard for budget tablets with the Nexus 7. It's an unbelievably well equipped device for such an affordable price. The silky smooth performance and high resolution IPS screen are the highlights for us. If you're looking for a tablet under £200 then look no further than the Nexus 7.
Our rating:
Read our full Google Nexus 7 review.
1) iPad 4
The iPad is still the king of the tablets, both in terms of look and power. It's not as cheap as some of the Androids, but you really do get what you pay for here.
Our Verdict: Current iPad 3 owners needn't bother upgrading unless you desperately want 4G connectivity. For everyone else, the iPad 4 is the quickest iPad yet and a solid choice for a tablet in which we can barely find fault.
Our rating:
Comments
Jdawg Laurence said: Seriously the mini is not a top tablet These review sites need to stop being retarded And LeapPad whatever that is Seriosuly rated above samsung tablet or surface geez
Stupid idiots! said: So go write your own review after you have purchasedexperienced each individual tablet
Stupid idiots! said: In fairness I wasnt relating my previous comment to yours concerning storageprice comparisons between the nexus 7 and the fire HD Hence why I did not mention them in my post It was to be directed at the people whining that apple took the number one spot
Mike said: How classy My point concerned the statement that the N7had half the storage as the Kindle for the same priceThats just copying and pasting from out of date material Its sloppyFrom a stupid idiot
Stupid idiots! said: It appears most of these commenting readers cannot simply read an article without taking offence that CLEARLY wasnt there Reviews are always down to opinion of the writers accept it It just so happens that the author of this brief reviews opinion matches the current tablet sales market percentages If you dont like apple products for whatever reason DONT BUY ONE Simple People like the above just make themselves look foolish arguing over apple vs android etc as clearly millions of people buy apple for the simple fact IT SUITS THEM
Matt Egan said: So thats your opinion Unfortunately without any reasoning thats all it is Why should the order be different
Abdullah Qaraeen said: LMAO really iPad mini better than Nexus 10 or GNote 101 hilarious iPad 4 should be number 3 Nexus 10 number 1 and GNote 101 number 2 Nexus 7 number 4 and iPad mini number 5
Matt Egan said: Doesnt really make any sense though does it
Fenriswulfe said: I think he means the cold cash of sheep following a brand instead of performance quality thus leaving them left out in the cold
Matt Egan said: Good point Thats a typo It should be 45 stars httpwwwpcadvisorcoukrev
Xmascod said: Youve got to admit giving the 1 spot to a 35 star rated tablet when 6 others have more stars is at best illogical
Matt Egan said: There is neither bias nor contempt here Just opinions based on objective tests and subjective likes and dislikes You are perfectly entitled to disagree
holhan said: Look Matt Egan and his hilarious colleagues have given the ipad the number one spot to get a reaction out of the readers just the same as when they gave the iphone the number one spot They predict that any right minded person who can see that apple products are over hyped poorly made and inferior to other smartphones on the market in every way will question PC advisors judgement which is giving them a few cheap laughs Its very juvenile The cold cash comment is obviously hinting at PC advisor taking money to support all apple products to sway the public into choosing them Although I dont believe this to be the case it is probably a bias that the staff have towards the apple products along with their contempt for buyers of other brands of smartphones that encourages them to favour apple
Matt Egan said: Explain this bit cold cash talks again It sounds like juvenile nonsense so Im hoping you can explain
Matt Egan said: A very astute point
Mike said: However although Googles Nexus 7 has half the storage for the same price as the Fire HDSorryFire HD 32 Gb with adverts 199Nexus 7 32Gb no adverts 199
Simon Jary said: What cold cash are you referring to
Jeremy Mlazovsky said: If someone were to give me any tablet of my choice for free I would take the iPad 4 But I had to pay for one with my own money so I went Nexus 7
Cdtplug said: Hilarious apple scores less than the nexus 10 but is the number 1 cold cash talks again
Stvnkir said: weird the supposed best tablet only gets 35 stars less than several supposedly worse and how can it be a meaningful review if prices arent listed nor consistently given a top consideration