Camerafoto.com

ViewSonic has formally announced the ViewPad 100, a 10 inch tablet that dual boots Android and Windows 7 Home Premium.

The ViewSonic range has already been boosted by the arrival of the ViewPad 7, and that has now been joined by the 10 inch dual-booter that the company teased in its pre-IFA release.

The ViewPad 100's biggest selling point is, of course, the fact that it comes with both Android and Windows.

Combination

"The combination of operating systems means that users have the speed and portability of an Android-based OS without sacrificing the power and compatibility of a Windows powered system," explains ViewSonic.

"Users can quickly check their emails or browse the internet with Android while still being able to rely on the traditional PC experience that a full Windows environment provides, such as USB connectivity, video output via mini VGA, Adobe Flash support and the ability to create presentations and word documents from scratch.

Other details on the tablet include a 16GB solid state drive, aGPS chip and 1GB DDR3 memory with the beating heart of the ViePad 100 a 1.66Ghz Atom N455 processor.

"We want to supply users with a tablet computer that incorporates both Android and Windows as we believe in providing an open approach to mobile technology to users who may not wish to be tied to a specific operating system," says Derek Wright, European Product Marketing Manager.

"The ViewPad 100 is aimed at those who want the speed and portability of Android without losing the advantages of having a Windows-based system.

"We recognise many users may be transitioning from a netbook but will possibly struggle with the learning curve of a new OS, even for simple tasks as uploading photos or using a VPN. Eventually they may choose to favour one over the other, but they will always have the choice."

More specs

The screen resolution is 1024x600 and there are built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections as well as a 'G' Sensor that reorients the screen.

The tablet's storage is boosted by the inclusion of a Micro SD slot, offering up to 32GB extra, and there is two USB connections along with a 1.3MP webcam.

We dont yet have UK release date details or pricing, but rest assured we are chasing.

Toshiba has announced the Folio 100 Tablet, a 10.1-inch Android tablet, with a 3G version due later in the year.

Toshiba announced the tablet at IFA, stating that the computer would use Android 2.2 as its operating system.

The Folio 100 will offer full Flash support, a multi-touch screen, HDMI port and built in Wi-Fi.

The tablet will run on Nvidia's Tegra chip, and boasts a full day's battery life (according to Tosh) and a built in webcam.

Enjoyable to use

"Fast, easy and enjoyable to use, the Toshiba Folio 100 offers a rich multimedia experience, with a highly intuitive touchscreen interface designed to run on top of the Android 2.2 (Froyo) platform," said Toshiba.

"Toshiba FOLIO 100 features a wide range of connectivity options to offer outstanding flexibility, with an SD card slot, HDMI connector, USB 2.0, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth all included as standard, while the integrated 1.3MP front-facing webcam also makes video-chat simple.

"A mobile broadband model with 3G support will also be launched later in the year, providing on-demand access to the web, regardless of location."

There is an optional dock, and the Folio 100 boast a weight of 750g - with a thickness of 14mm.

Samsung has released final details of its iPad-rivalling Android tablet - the Galaxy Tab (GT-P1000).

It looks like a fascinating device, a natural extension of the excellent Samsung Galaxy S smartphone that's currently giving Apple's iPhone 4 a run for its money.

The Galaxy Tab heads a battalion of imminent tablet PCs and slate computers from the likes of LG, HP, MSI, Archos, Toshiba, Blackberry and ViewSonic.

Here are the 10 things you need to know about Samsung's lovely 7-inch plaything.

1.The Galaxy Tab is also a phone

Rather than aping the 'data-only' 3G connectivity of the Apple iPad, the Samsung Galaxy Tab has more in common with the Dell Streak. With built-in GSM (850/900/1800/1900MHz) and 3G/HSDPA (7.2Mbps) connectivity, the Tab also acts as a mobile phone, supporting voice calling and SMS/MMS messaging. Throw in 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 3.0 and the overall Samsung Galaxy Tab specification looks good.

2.It has a 7-inch LCD display

The new Galaxy Tab aims to be more portable than the Apple iPad and features a 7-inch WSVGA LCD display with a resolution of 600 x 1024 pixels. It's noticeably smaller than the iPad's roomy 9.7-inch IPS screen and it also doesn't best its 768 x 1024 pixel resolution. Good enough for HD video? You bet. Samsung lists 'full HD video playback' as one of its multimedia highlights.

3.The Galaxy Tab is way lighter than an iPad

Because Samsung has opted for a smaller screen, the Galaxy Tab is a smaller, thinner and lighter device than the iPad. According to the spec sheet, it measures 190.09 x 120.45 x 11.98mm and weighs a mere 380g.

4.The Galaxy Tab runs version 2.2 of the Android OS (Froyo)

As expected, Samsung has chosen Android 2.2 as the OS of choice on the Galaxy Tab, giving it access to over 70,000 apps in the Android Market. Alongside support for Google Maps Navigation and Google Goggles, Froyo also supports Flash 10.1 giving it a significant web browsing edge over Safari on the iPad. Samsung has also revealed that the Galaxy Tab will feature Thinkfree Office, Swype text entry and Hybrid Widgets.

5.It's fast. Really fast.

Like the Samsung Galaxy S, the Galaxy Tab is powered by a 1GHz ARM Cortex A8 processor (probably Samsung's Hummingbird core, although it's not directly mentioned), which gives it a decent turn of speed. The specification also includes some extra graphics muscle in the shape of a PowerVR SGX540 chip to further boost application performance.

6.The Galaxy Tab only has 32GB of internal memory, but…

According to Samsung, the Galaxy Tab will be available in two versions – a 16GB model and a 32GB variant, both featuring 512MB of RAM. Usefully, Samsung has also built-in a memory slot, which will enable the overall memory to be boosted to 64GB with the addition of a suitable memory card.

7.There's a built-in camera

Has your iPad got a built-in camera? No. It hasn't. That said, the lowly 3 Megapixel lens fitted into the Galaxy Tab isn't worth making a song and dance about. To put things into perspective, it's on a par with the camera in the iPhone 3GS; disappointing considering that 5MP cameras are starting to become the norm. Samsung has also added a front-facing 1.3 Megapixel camera for video telephony.

8.The Galaxy Tab has 'hubs'

Four of them to be exact. The 'Readers Hub' provides access to a digital library of ebooks and is powered by technology from Kobo, PressDisplay and Zinio. This gives Tab owners access to more than 2 million books, over 2,500 magazines and more than 1,600 newspapers. The 'Media Hub' acts as a gateway to an equally in-depth e-library of films and videos, while the 'Music Hub' does the same for music. Lastly, the 'Social Hub' streamlines access to your favourite social networks.

9.You can have a Galaxy Tab by Christmas

Want a specific Samsung Galaxy Tab release date? Well we can't give you one. "The Samsung Galaxy Tab will be launched in the UK in the coming months," says Samsung.

10.The Samsung Galaxy Tab price is…?

Not mentioned. Why? Because the Galaxy Tab is a 3G-enabled device, it will be sold via various mobile carriers who will be free to subsidize it as they wish. This means that we could potentially see the device available for free, albeit with a hefty monthly subscription. Considering the specifications of the Galaxy Tab, it should easily undercut Apple's iPad current pricing structure. We'll have to wait and see.

CoolerMaster has announced a neat new laptop power adaptor the USNA95r, offering a slim and light alternative to the bulky standard adaptor and the added bonus of an extra USB charging port.

Having a slimmer and lighter power adaptor is a bit of a no-brainer, with the USNA95 offering nine different charger tips for the various major laptop manufacturers.

But the addition of an extra US charger - which can operate concurrently with the laptop charger, looks to be a nice addition.

Tired, stressed..?

"Tired of carrying that bulky notebook power adapter?" asks CoolerMaster's release. "What if you also have to bring along multiple chargers for other devices?

"Cooler Master is here to help with the new USNA95 notebook power adapter that is not only slim and light, but it also charges all USB devices (even at the same time as you're charging your notebook)."

We're still waiting on a UK release date and price - but we're hoping to hear soon.

With the imminent release of the Samsung Galaxy Tab tablet computing is about to get a whole lot more interesting: the Android-powered device is a real rival to Apple's iPad, promising multi-touch goodies without the expense of Apple kit.

At least, that's what we hope is happening, because the Samsung Galaxy Tab price is still secret.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab Android tablet isn't the only Google-powered device heading our way: in addition to the iPod-rivalling Samsung Galaxy Player Toshiba's working on an Android tablet, too, and the same reports suggest HP is doing the same.

HTC's forthcoming tablet drinks Google juice, too - although confusingly it appears to be running Chrome OS rather than Android.

It looks like the Samsung Galaxy Tab tablet will be the first Android tablet to actually ship, so the stakes are high: if it's a dog it could seriously damage Android tablets' reputation - and if it's great, it could tempt prospective iPad purchasers away from the Apple Store.

Here's what we know.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab looks awfully like an iPad

As with mobile phones, there's not much you can do to differentiate your tablet from Apple's one: the screen has to dominate, which leaves precious little room for design flourishes.

It looks like it'll be a little bit smaller than the current iPad, with a 7-inch screen although the rumour mill says Apple's about to show off a cheaper 7-inch iPad itself.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab specs have probably been leaked

Samsung Firmware has got its hands on what appears to be genuine firmware for the Galaxy Tab, and it seems that the Samsung Galaxy Tab specs are as follows: a 3.1 megapixel camera, a QVGA forward-facing camera for video calling, am ARM11 1GHz processor and the usual Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth.

Vietnamese tech site Tinh Te reports a 4000mAh battery, 16GB of internal memory upgradeable to 48GB, and a MicroSD slot with support for cards up to 32GB.

The firmware suggests that the Samsung Galaxy Tab will be running Android 2.2, aka Froyo, and the excellent Swype gesture recognition software will be in there too. Samsung's own TouchWiz interface takes care of the touchy-feely stuff.

There's a bit of debate over the screen resolution, because everyone expected a high resolution Super AMOLED screen; early analysis of the firmware suggested a frankly crappy 800 x 480 resolution, but Gizmodo reports that it may be a more pleasant 1024 x 600.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab will run Flash

Is there an app for that, Apple? Eh? Eh? EH?

The Samsung Galaxy Tab release date looks like September

It looks like the Samsung Galaxy Tab release date is imminent: the official announcement is due in September, and we'd expect sales to start pretty much immediately so Samsung doesn't miss the crucial Christmas sales period.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab pricing is still secret

While Vodafone has leaked the news that it'll be flogging Samsung's tablet in the UK, the Samsung Galaxy Tab price remains a secret - although if it isn't significantly cheaper than the iPad we'll eat something Android-powered.

Given India's chequered history of non-deliverable low-cost devices, it's easy to believe the sceptics of India's $35 tablet.

But this device might just turn the tables.

While the media disses and dismisses the ultra low-cost tablet, Microsoft and Google are apparently fighting a pitched battle to place their operating systems on the device aimed at school children of the world. Microsoft has come forth and offered its Windows CE OS to run on the device which currently runs Google's open source Android OS.

Striking a confident pose during a TV interview on Wednesday, India's incumbent Human Resource Development minister, Mr Kapil Sibal, said that he was all set to deliver 1 million tablets to students in India's colleges and universities in 2011 at the promised $35. He also reiterated his aim to bring down the price of the tablet to $10 a piece, riding on falling hardware prices.

Interestingly, the minister claimed that education content for the device had already been developed in India's premier technology institute, the IIT, and was open source just like the Android OS the device runs on.

Both the presenters, who have reviewed tablets of all shapes and sizes (and cost) before, and were aware of India's earlier failed attempts to make handheld computers, like the Sakshat and the Simputer, were impressed by the device's built quality, and acknowledged that their efforts to "crash" the device were unsuccessful.

Tablet features

As has been reported earlier, the device has Wi-Fi, and 3G connectivity, and a slew of add-ons as well. You can slot in a miniSD card to complement the 2GB memory, add in a SIM card, and plug in USB devices via the mini and full USB ports, with a video-out, and headphone jack for multimedia.

Ignoring the rock-bottom costs, compared with other tablets, the only negative the reviewers could find with the device was its resistive touchscreen, as opposed to the capacitative touchscreen which would surely add to its price. But then just to get a touchscreen at this price point is a major achievement in itself.

Although we still await a point-by-point reaction to the OLPC project's open letter, Mr Sibal reflected Nicolas Negroponte's belief that the device is a vehicle for knowledge and that it can't be limited to a particular region.

But get this before you reach for your wallet. Of the $35, which equates to INR 1500, INR 750 is government subsidy. Without going into details, the minister said that if the tablet was in the retail market, something for which he has no plans for at the moment, there'll be added cost to the device which will jack up the price.

The minister, a decorated lawyer, also offered advice to the world media: "Never be sceptical of the government. There are times when the government really delivers."

2011 isn't all that far away, and although it may be a while before we get this device in the open market, its mere existence has the potential to lower the prices of tablets globally.

HP is having something of an up-and-down week, with news that the company is set to launch a webOS tablet in the first quarter of 2011 following the shock departure of the company's CEO earlier this month.

According to a number of sources at a recent company meeting, HP's webOS is set to be made available on a tablet PC next year.

The news hardly comes as a shock, as developing and monetising webOS was clearly one of the major reasons why HP acquired Palm earlier in July this year

Project Hurricane

Engadget cites "trusted sources" that were in attendance at a recent employee meeting where HP Senior Vice President Todd Bradley mentioned a planned first quarter of 2011 launch for a webOS tablet.

The sources added that the internal code name for the project is Hurricane.

HP plans to develop and use Palm's webOS in various ways across a number of consumer product lines, from tablet PCs through to web-connected printers and smartphones.

So in addition to the new webOS tablet, HP is currently working on a Windows 7-based slate PC for the enterprise sector and an Android-based Zeen e-reader for consumers.

And who was it that said tablet PCs were a flash in the pan?

Research in Motion is rumoured to finally be launching a tablet to rival the Apple iPad this coming November.

Bloomberg News reported the launch date, citing two people close to RIM's plans. There have been rumours of a BlackBerry tablet PC doing the rounds for some time.

The Ontario-based RIM has also recently registered Blackpad.com as a domain name, sparking rumours that this is also going to be the name of the tablet device.

BlackPad vs iPad?

According to a WHOIS lookup on a domain, RIM purchased BlackPad.com only a few days ago.

This is of course no actual confirmation that 'BlackPad' is going to be the final name for RIM's tablet device, though it is certainly evidence that the company wants to protect the name.

TechRadar has contacted RIM's UK office for further comment and clarification on this latest news.

So far, we've been served with the requisite 'no comment' but stay tuned for updates, because it's clear that something is bubbling just under the surface on this one.

The much-rumoured BlackBerry tablet device looks to be real and packing Flash, according to those close to RIM.

Just this week, we told you that Ashok Kumar, MD at analyst firm Rodman & Renshaw, had 'outed' the new tablet in a research note and it seems that what he revealed is the truth.

This is according to Beta News, who has spoken to a RIM source who wishes to remain anonymous.

Flash support

Not only will the BlackBerry tablet have a seven-inch screen, dual cameras and 1080p functionality, according to the source, it will also have Flash support.

As Flash seems to be Steve Jobs' Kryptonite at the moment, this is definitely something which BlackBerry will have over the iPad.

BlackBerry showed off its new OS this week (BlackBerry 6 OS) which may also hint at what is to come with its tablet device. The main upgrades seem to be better web surfing and integration of social-networking features.

If other rumours are correct, the BlackBerry tablet will have a UK release date of December.

LG has revealed it is working on an Android-based tablet and hopes to release it in the fourth quarter of the year.

This little snippet of news was announced alongside two new phones – the LG Optimus Chic and LG Optimus One.

Both these handsets share the same name as the UK released LG Optimus, which also has the not-very sexy moniker of the LG GT540.

Tablet time

Since the launch of the Apple iPad, there have been a number of manufacturers who have announced that tablet PCs are in the offing.

Dell was quick to market with its Slate and there's also the Samsung Tab Android tablet, which has been spotted in the wild a few times.

LG is hoping that the tablet will be in the shops before Christmas, while both the LG Optimus Chic and LG Optimus One will both supporting Android 2.2.

Speaking about the new handsets, Skott Ahn, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Compan, said: "The LG Optimus Series is aimed at challenging the notion that one device can meet the needs of many.

"At LG, we believe in providing people with many different choices because our customers are not all alike. We want to provide devices that suit all needs and simplify people's lives."

As for the LG Android tablet, LG is boasting that it "will deliver vastly superior performance than other similar devices currently on the market while still managing to be thinner and lighter than competing devices."

'Thinner and lighter' than the iPad, eh? Sounds good to us.

Our continually updated list of all the best netbooks available today

Netbooks are affordable. It's the reason we love them, and the reason that they took off in the first place.

The cheap netbook isn't for everyone, but choose carefully and you'll get the very best netbook for your needs.

The big idea when getting your head around netbook computers is managing your expectations. If you're looking to write a novel, play games, or do a series stint of work, then you may be better off going for a full notebook or a desktop PC.

While all these things are possible on a netbook, they're ideal for taking notes, editing work, watching movies, browsing the web and simply lasting a lengthy journey away from a plug socket. The battery life offered up by netbooks can be amazing, with the latest mini netbooks representing the perfect companion for a modern on-the-move lifestyle.

It seems like an age since Asus stirred up the ultra-portable market with the release of its first Eee PC, so where does the market stand now? Has the introduction of the Windows 7 netbook changed which you should buy?

Which is the top netbook available right now? Are tiny 7-inch screens still the best choice, or is a larger netbook screen a better bet? We dissect the latest netbooks reviews, to see where the best netbook deals are to be had.

So here they are, in price order from cheapest to most expensive...

1. Dell Inspiron Mini 10 - £249

Dell was one of the most eagerly-awaited manufacturers to enter the netbook market. Years after it's first release; it's still easy to see why, as it continues to refine it's main netbook to produce a must-considers for any prospective shortlist.

At this stage it has retired many of the chassis that it has launched with, leaving the Dell Inspiron Mini 10 as it's sole offering to the market. What Dell lacks in diversity, it more than makes up for in refinement.

The latest rendition of its 10-inch ultra-portable boasts a high-quality screen with a native resolution of 1366 x 768.

This is great for watching movies, and despite the glossy screen finish you're not limited to using the machine in darken rooms, as even on bright days the screen is vibrant and vivid. Dell has made good use of the amount of space on offer as well, to produce a well-proportioned keyboard that is comfortable to use and accurate.

The core specification is solid - boasting an Intel Atom Z520 processor running at 1.33GHz and 1GB of RAM, along with a 160GB hard drive. The Dell Mini 10 is available with a 3G option as well, for that that need internet access when out of range of Wi-Fi, adding to its versatility and scope.

Read our Dell Inspiron Mini 10 review

2. Toshiba NB305-105 - £269

Netbook manufacturers appear to have eased back on the original 7-inch ultra-portables that defined the netbook market, instead preferring to focus on the larger 10.1-inch models.

Whether that is down to slightly better margins, or the usability of the machines themselves is difficult to tell, but if the NB305-105 is anything to go by, this is a sensible choice.

The 10.1-inch screen boasts a native resolution of 1024 x 600-pixels, and is capable of producing bright and sharp images. The Atom N450 processor is a somewhat uninspiring processor, but it does provide enough raw grunt for normal day-to-day work.

1GB of RAM comes as standard, which is just about the minimum for running Windows 7 starter, edition with the 250GB hard drive providing plenty of storage space for work and movies alike.

The build quality is generally strong, although there is a little flexing in the screen. Typing on the spaced keyboard is responsive and positive too, although the touchpad is easy to accidentally stroke when in use.

Probably the biggest sell of the Toshiba NB305-10 is the battery life, managing close to eight hours in testing; making this an easy machine to recommend for those looking for an affordable travelling companion.

Read our Toshiba NB305 review

3. Acer Aspire One - £277

The original Acer Aspire One was one of the original darlings of the netbook market, scooping various awards thanks to its keen pricing, decent core specification and comfortable keyboard.

This rendition of the netbook, the Aspire One 532, is the latest refinement to that original machine, updating it with a newer processor, the Intel Atom N450.

The key selling point of this relatively new Atom is that it boasts the processor and graphics core in a single package, which means it is both faster and more energy efficient than its predecessors. With a battery life of five and a half hours, it's just about got the goods to keep up with you on the move, and weighing in at 1.2kg, it's an easy addition to your luggage.

The 1024 x 600 screen has a high-reflective coating, which can make it tricky to use in brighter conditions, but on the whole it makes for a positive experience.

The gesture-based touchpad is a lot more frustrating though, and accidentally tapping it while typing can be infuritaing. Overall, this is a neat machine, but it does feel a little uninspired against the competition now.

Read our Acer Aspire One review

4. Asus Eee PC 1005PE - £279

Asus started the netbook revolution, with it's tiny 7-inch ultra-portable. This was before the Atom processor and most of the tweaks, nips and tucks that have since defined the platform. In the meantime it has produced this biggest array of netbooks of any manufacturer, with price points and sizes for every pocket.

The Asus Eee PC 1005PE is the latest netbook to roll off the production lines, and if nothing else it shows that Asus knows more than any other manufacturer what works and what needs tuning. The chassis have proved to be durable, so no change there, and it's the same for the textured touchpad and the spaced keyboard, both of which are great for normal use.

Asus has eschewed the temptation to use a glossy coating on the 10.1-inch screen, which means that this is a netbook that you can use outdoors without searching out a tree for shade. This is another outing for Intel's Atom N450 processor, and once again you'll find it operating alongside 1GB of RAM and a healthy 250GB hard drive.

Battery life, at just under seven hours is commendable, and weighing in at just 1.27kg this is a netbook that is designed to travel.

Read our Asus Eee PC 1005PE review

5. Sony Vaio VPCM11ME/W - £299

That Sony has a budget netbook at all is surprising. Having built a name for itself in the ultra-portable arena with an array of expensive to ultra-expensive machines, it can't have been easy to see its market smashed by these budget upstarts. But as the saying goes, if you can't beat them, join them.

There's something of the you-get-what-you-pay-for ethos still visible in the VPCM11M1E/W, and it falls a little short of hitting the high-standards expected from the electronics giant. The styling won't please everyone, although it is different enough to stand out from the crowds.

We did find the machine a little heavy at 1.4kg given its proportions. The battery life meanwhile, at just five hours wouldn't be awful for most machines, but with its peers rolling in at anything up to double that, it does lag the competition somewhat.

The screen is excellent though, as can be expected from Sony, and the keyboard makes for a delightful experience, possibly the best of any machine here. The core specification is fairly fine too, with no obvious howlers beyond being limited to just 1GB of RAM with no obvious upgrade path.

Again you'll find an Intel Atom N450 at work, with a 250GB providing plenty of storage space.

Read our Sony VAIO VPCM11ME/W review

6. HP Mini 210-1002SA - £299

HP has made various attempts at capturing the netbook market, although none have quite given it the dominance that it enjoys in the affordable notebook space. Even so, there's plenty to like in this, the latest addition to its netbook range, the Mini 210-1002SA.

HP's distinctive rounded-corner design is in play here once again, and this lends the machine something of a playful look, but there are plenty of features to make working with the machine that much easier. There's a touchpad diasble button conveniently placed to minimise the frustrations of brushing the touchpad while typing for long periods, for instance.

There are a few downsides to this machine though, most notably the screen can't be orientated much beyond the vertical, which can make working with the machine uncomfortable in tight spaces (we're thinking train and plain journey's in particular here).

The HP Mini 210-1002SA does have one big plus point in its favour though, and that is thanks to the inclusion of a 7,200rpm hard drive (where you'll usually find a much slower 5,400rpm drive).

This improves general responsiveness throughout, although on a downside does add to the heat generated, which can make for an uncomfortable experience after long periods of typing. Still, it's an impressive machine.

Read our HP Mini 210-1002SA review

7. Packard Bell Dot S2 - £300

While most netbooks are available in any colour as long as it's white (or black depending on the manufacturer), Packard Bell is a little more style conscious, and provides the Dot S2 is available in bright red as well. Inside you're looking at one of the most stylish gunmetal interiors around, which belies the machines tiny 10.1-inch proportions.

This is a portable machine with a mind to keeping you up and running on the road, boasting nearly eight hours of use and weighing in at just 1.2kg, it's a svelte system in general too, although the large battery pack does protrude below the base by a few millimetres.

The core specification, as to be expected from any modern netbook, boasts the ubiquitous Intel Atom N450 running at 1.6GHz along with 1GB of DDR2 ram backed up by a 5,400rpm 250GB hard drive. This is a capable core that powers the vast majority of 10.1-inch netbooks.

Packard Bell has packaged a copy of Photoshop Elements 7 on the machine, which it can run, although it is a little slow in practical terms. Even so, given the price, it's a nice inclusion.

Read our Packard Bell Dot S2 review

8. Samsung N220 - £303

Samsung has tinkered with its various netbook designs over the years, and the changes it has made haven't always been for the better.

Battery life for instance took something of a dice a few models ago, while the styling has been a little questionable at times. With the N220 it has resolved both issues to produce a workhorse of a machine with some neat touches.

The 1024 x 600 screen for instance is particularly bright and usable in a range of lighting conditions thanks to the use of LED back-lighting. This produces vivid colours with strong contrasts and brightness. Meanwhile, the battery life at nine and a half hours puts this at the top of the class in terms of stamina.

If you're in a hurry to check something on the net, pressing F6 as it boots up will take you into a cut-down linux distro called HyperSpace instead of the standard Windows 7. You are limited to what you can do in this OS, and Windows 7 doesn't take that much longer to load, but it's still an option if you need to check something quickly.

We did find the keyboard and touchpad a little soft under touch, but overall, there are enough interesting features and touches on show here to make it worth adding to any netbook shortlist.

Read our Samsung N220 review

9. MSI Wind U160 - £329

MSI released its first Wind netbook not long after Asus had defined the market with the Eee PC, and it has produced a constant trickle of updates to the brand ever since.

This latest rendition, the U160, boasts a solid core specification boosted by a strong battery life to make for a machine that you'll be happy to take on the road with you. Once you've managed to scrape off the plethora of stickers that MSI has glued onto the palm wrest at least.

Weighing in at 1.3kg, this isn't the lightest machine you'll find, but it does boast a battery life of eight and a half hours. This is thanks to a battery that is slightly larger than the chassis, although this simply provides a useful angle to the keyboard, making typing a responsive and comfortable experience.

The 1024 x 600-pixel 10-inch screen is functional, if not particularly exciting compared to much of the competition. The core specification is as expected too, with Intel providing the honours once again in the form of the Atom N450, with 1GB of DDR2 RAM (upgradeable to 2GB) and a 250GB hard drive providing plenty of space for work too.

Read our MSI Wind U160 review

10. Acer Ferrari One - £379

If there's one thing you'll notice in the netbook space, it's that there isn't a lot of room for personalisation or anything beyond the norm. You're generally looking at the same chassis, powered by identical core specifications with the odd screen, keyboard or touchpad differentiating one machine from the next.

The Acer Ferrari One is the exception that proves the rule. This bright red machine looks far more expensive than it actually is, and while it is on the pricier side of the netbook scale, style does always cost that little bit more, and if you feel the need to stand out from the crowd, then this will serve you well.

It's bigger than most netbooks, offering a 1366 x 768-pixel resolution from its 11.6-inch screen. This extra chassis space has been put to good use, with a good sized keyboard, and there's room inside for Acer to break out of the standard Intel Atom-shaped box too.

Inside this machine you'll find an AMD Athlon 64 X2 processor backed up by 2GB of RAM as standard (expandable up to 4GB). A 250GB hard drive provides plenty of space, while the ATI Radeon 3200 graphics core provides a little more power for gaming than is standard.

Read our Acer Ferrari One review

11. Asus Eee PC 1201N - £399

As inferred from the name, the 1201N is pushing the limits of netbooks, boasting a 12.1-inch screen and weighing in slightly heavier than the swathe of 10-inchers at 1.4kg. It also boasts a dual-core processor, which is still something of a rarity for netbooks, despite the fact that the chip has been available for a little while now.

The processor in question is actually the Intel Atom N330 running at 1.6GH, which is essentially a dual-core spin of the Atom N450. This means that if you're running processor-heavy applications that are coded for multi-threading, you should see a doubling of the performance. Even so, it's still not enough to elevate the performance to true laptop levels of performance.

The 12.1-inch screen offers a resolution of 1366 x 768-pixels, and this is ably helped by Nvidia's ION which may fall short of true gaming, but it does boost video playback well. It's a shame that the actual screen feels a little lacking in the brightness department. Battery life is also a little underwhelming at just under five hours. Usable, but the cost of that extra processor and graphics core clearly comes at a cost, and not just to the price.

Read our Asus Eee PC 1201N review

12. Samsung NC20 - £400

Samsung set something of a trend when it released the NC20. Here was a machine that boasted resolutely netbook components, but one that blurred the already hazy lines between netbooks and notebooks thank to its larger 12-inch chassis. It's a distinction that has been blurred even further by more recent releases, but at the time of its launch, many wondered where the NC20 was taking the industry has a whole.

The main spin for the NC20 is that it has a 12.1-inch display boasting a resolution of 1280 x 800-pixels, a display that is still unusual today. This gives plenty of room for work and play, although as screens have progressed, this is looking a little course compared to the likes of the new Dell Mini 10.

It is a clear screen though, which is both bright and vibrant. This increased chassis size allows for a larger than normal keyboard too, which is usable for longer periods than a netbook traditionally is.

The NC20 isn't powered by an Intel or AMD processor, instead favouring VIA's Nano. This compared well against the first generation Atoms, but does struggle a little against other 12-inchers packing the dual-core rendition.

Read our Samsung NC20 review

13. Apple iPad 16GB - £429

Is the iPad a netbook? Not quite, but as Steve Jobs pitched it's super-sized iPhone against the existing netbook fraternity, it only seems fair to include it here. There are certain tasks that the iPad can't compete directly with netbooks, but there are enough positives in its favour to see it roll out the other side all smiles.

If, for instance, you're looking for a machine to leave in the living room, in easy grasp for solving those simple arguments, then having easy and intuitive access to the mine of easily-searched information on the internet makes this a sure fire hit. The smattering of cool apps and a penchant for looking stylish doesn't hurt either.

There a few problems with the iPad though, with flash support being a particular thorn in the side for now, and long typing marathons out of the question unless you grab a proper keyboard. The machine's other failings, such that they are, can be largely ignored in light of the user experience, strong battery life and a sharp screen.

The iPad may not entirely replace the netbook, but it stands a good chance of unsettling it enough while we search for that important device that sits somewhere between a computer and a phone.

Read our Apple iPad review

14. Lenovo IdeaPad S10-3T - £429

When you're the wrong side of the £400 mark any netbook needs to offer something really quite remarkable to have a chance of standing out from the crowd, especially when it's only offering 10.1-inch screen. There is a twist when it comes to the S10-3t though, a literal one, the screen can be unclipped and swung around on top of the keyboard to turn it into a tablet PC.

Apple may be singing the delights of the iPad with its own particularly brand of sexy design, but on the PC tablets have always been something of a niche market.

This is undoubtedly down to the operating system, and Windows 7 still doesn't do enough to make for a compelling reason to use this hybrid machine in tablet mode for long periods, especially as doing so obscures the keyboard.

The IdeaPad S10-3T is a little on the heavy side too, weighing in at 1.6kg, it's a dead weight to hold in one hand while jabbing it with the other. On the upside the battery life of over ten hours is incredible, but less would have been acceptable for a lighter device.

Lenovo IdeaPad S10-3T review

15. Alienware M11x - £748

If netbooks are defined by price, and that price is £400. In which case, the M11x isn't a netbook. However, seeing as the M11x measure a mere 11-inches, we can pretend for a second that it doesn't cost nigh-on £800, and is indeed a gaming netbook. That would mean a whole new genre occupied by this single machine.

Using the same styling as the M15x, this is a system that packs serious power into it's tiny shell, and ticks enough boxes to make it an interesting option for any gamers looking for an extremely portable, if not quite affordable machine.

The key component here is the GeForce GT 335M graphics core, which boasts 1GB of its own video memory to power the 1366 x 768-pixel 11.6-inch screen. This does have enough raw grunt to play the latest games, although somewhat frustratingly given the amount of money involved, not at the highest settings. Games still look great though, if a little small.

The biggest problem with the initial release of the M11x was the low-powered CPU, but since this has been pointed out as a failing, Alienware is now offering Core i5 and Core i7 renditions for a small premium, which makes for money well spent.

Read our Alienware M11x review

Intel has confirmed that it will create a native version of Android 2.2 that will run on devices sporting the Atom chipsets.

Intel's Renee James told APCmag.com that an X86 version of Android 2.2 – codenamed FroYo – would be available for developers this summer.

"Our expectation is that (native x86 Android) will be based on the Froyo release and will be available this summer to developers," said James.

Mobile OS

The adapted mobile OS would be fully open sourced in time, with James adding that the development to date "wasn't tremendously difficult, as we have a lot experience in Linux".

Of course, Intel's project will be seen as a competitor to Windows 7 on netbooks and portable devices, but people will also be looking at the forthcoming Chrome OS.

Chrome OS – a real attempt at an OS for mobile computers that is optimised for the cloud – should be on devices by the end of 2010 or beginning of 2011.

With Android and Chrome OS devices arriving to compete with the deservedly popular Windows 7 – the real winner is set to be the consumer.

APCMag via Eurodroid.com

Alienware has updated its M11x gaming laptop with the latest Core i7 processors from Intel and Nvidia Optimus technology.

The Dell-owned gaming computing specialist has enhanced its popular portable gaming rig, with Core i5 and Core i7 processor combinations and the latest tech from Nvidia.

That means the arrival of the discrete Nvidia GeForce GT 335M, overclockable processors and Optimus – which allows the user to switch seamlessly between discrete and on-board graphics to save on power use.

Go-anywhere

"The Alienware M11x is the perfect go-anywhere laptop for people who want to play today's most popular and demanding games in high definition," said Arthur Lewis, general manager, Dell gaming products.

"With the new Core i7 processor and high-performance discrete graphics that can kick in when needed, gamers can get a stunning visual experience and fast-action play wherever they are without sacrificing long battery life for less intensive activities.

"It's a challenge to make the world's most powerful 11-inch gaming laptop even better, but we've done it."

And, frankly, we'd quite like one.

Toshiba has announced the Toshiba Satellite A665 - a 3D ready, high-definition laptop which 'takes PC-based gaming and HD movie playback to the next level'.

With a UK release date of July 2010, Toshiba's Satellite A665 boasts Nvidia 3D technology and bundled active shutter glasses, plus some 3D content on the laptop to be shown off.

Screen and sound

The A665 also offers a 15.6-inch screen, Harman Kardon stereo speakers, Dolby Advanced Audio and feather-touch multimedia controls.

Specs-wise, the A665 comes with up to 4 GB DDR3 (1066 MHz) RAM, up to 500GB of storage, Nvidia GeForce GTS 350M graphics.

There is also Blur-ray Disc rewritable drive, 1.3 MP webcam and Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit.

MSI has announced its entry into the burgeoning tablet PC market at this week's Computex event in Taipei, with the launch of the new MSI WindPad.

MSI's first device in the tablet category is the WindPad 100, which is a low-cost Intel Atom Z530-powered slate PC running Window 7.

The WindPad 100, aside from sounding like something developed and designed by Nick Parkes' Wallace and Gromit, also features a 10-inch capacitive display touchscreen with 1024x600-resolution

MSI has also created its own Wind Touch UI layer for the device, although we expect most users will quickly revert to the familiarity of Windows 7.

Android WindPad also at Computex

The WindPad will also have two USB ports, a very hand HDMI output for hooking it up and outputting 720p video to your HD TV and an integrated webcam.

An MSI product manager informed Engadget that the Wind Pad 100 will arrive later in 2010 priced at around $499 in the US

Also on show at Computex was MSI's WindPad 110, a 10-inch Tegra 2-powered Android tablet

MSI didn't say anything much about the Android-powered WindPad 110 in its Computex press conference, but the NVidia Tegra 2-powered 10-inch tablet running Android 2.1 is on show on the company's booth at the event. Engadget managed to get the first hands on with the new MSI Android WindPad 110

Asus has finally unveiled its Windows 7 Eee Pad tablet PC, featuring an Intel CULV processor and a 10-hour battery life.

It's the first big news to come out of this year's Computex show taking place in Taipei, Taiwan this week.

Asus' 12-inch Eee Pad EP121 packs in Intel's Core 2 Duo CULV processors, Windows 7, and the claimed 10-hour battery life.

Keyboard and dock add-on

Asus is also offering a dock and keyboard for Eee Pad consumers that might want to use the machine as a media tablet and a regular laptop for home and work use.

Asus' Eee Pad will no doubt appeal to PC fans familiar with Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system. The machine will also be capable of Skype-ing with its integrated webcam and will feature at least USB port. Two connectivity features notably absent on Apple's recently-launched iPad.

Asus' 10-inch EP101TC will run Windows Embedded Compact 7. The range of Eee Pads will cost US consumers anything from $399 to $499 and they should be available early 2011. No word from Asus UK on UK launch plans as yet.

OLPC is set to launch its new tablet PC product at CES in Las Vegas this coming January, according to the latest reports from the educational technology foundation.

The One Laptop Per Child foundation has announced a new partership with chip maker Marvell to collaborate on its new innovatively-designed touch-screen tablet for primary school kids in developing countries.

Moved by the project

"When we first met Nicholas, we were very moved by his leadership," says Dai Weili, Marvell's chief operating office. "We've got the cost structure, feature capability and scalability to support his vision for many years to come."

OLPC's new slate device will now be officially launched at the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2011, priced at under than $100, almost two years ahead of the original release date plans.

The tablet will be called the XO-3, the latest iteration of the original XO-1 launched back in 2007.

The XO-3 will again be designed by Yves Behar. Some of the features that OLPC founder Nicolas Negroponte envisioned for the new OLPC XO-3 won't be ready for the model launched in January 2011 – such as all-plastic components for durability and waterproofing.

The first XO-3 will also have a 1GHz processor, not an 8GHz processor as Negroponte originally wanted for the tablet.

A stepping stone

Pixel Qi's low-power sunlight-friendly displays may also not be included in the 2011 version of the tablet. TechRadar has contacted both OLPC and Pixel Qi for further clarity on this.

"This is a stepping stone," Negroponte told Forbes. "We haven't changed our mission ... It's all still on the road map."

But Negroponte says that the intermediate tablet aimed at next year's CES should silence naysayers. "I hadn't intended this acceleration as an antidote to the criticisms, but I think it will surprise people," he says.

As for the iPad, Negroponte still thinks OLPC and Marvell can create a better machin.

"[The iPad] is lovely, but it's not a constructionist device," he says. "Ours will have cameras and a haptic screen [vibrating in response to touch]. It will be more open, run flash and be more of a computer instead of a peripheral device."

Intel's Paul Otellini says the chip giant has powered more than 85 million netbooks that have been sold since the first Eee PC in 2007.

"PCs in general have become more affordable and more accessible," said Otellini. "The critical element of a netbook is that they're accessible and around half the cost."

Otellini was very keen to talk up Intel's involvement in bringing affordable computing to the developing world during his keynote speech at WCIT 2010 in Amsterdam, attended by TechRadar. WCIT is a conference designed to demonstrate how technology can help overcome key global issues in terms of the environment, finance, education and healthcare.

Power consumption was also high on the agenda. "Compared to the first billion PCs, the next two billion will use half the energy and have 17 times the compute performance," stated Otellini.

Displaying a slide showing that two per cent of global CO2 emissions are down to technology, Otellini talked about Intel's work on making processors more efficient, but then stated: "What's more important is what can technology do for the other 98 per cent? If we work together and use the microprocessor technology that's available, I think we can reduce emissions by 15 per cent by 2020 just by using the technologies we have in place."

In the next five years, 2.5bn users will connect to the internet using 10bn devices, according to Intel. "Data centres, the backbone of the internet, need to improve [in terms of consumption]," said Otellini, saying that by 2016 Intel will offer data centre solutions with 9x the compute ability but using the same energy. "This has the potential to transform industries," he added.

The Classmate PC and universal access

Otellini spoke about Intel's World Ahead Programme, launched at the same conference four years previously, where the Classmate PC was announced – so far two million of those machines have been shipped. 40 million PCs have shipped through government-sponsored programs in emerging markets in the same four years.

We were also shown the latest tablet version of the Classmate, a waterproof convertible notebook that features the latest generation Atom chip as well as an accelerometer. It was demonstrated how a child could draw an object on the screen and then animate it using the accelerometer.

Otellini also announced a new education programme, 100 x 100, designed to reach 100 million students and teachers per year over the next four years (the other 100 is the number of countries).

Universal connectivity

Part of this vision involves connectivity and again Otellini trotted out the same Intel lines about Wimax being the 4G solution of choice. New stats: Intel has so far invested $2.5bn in the technology, which so far has a reach of 630 million people worldwide. This will rise to a quarter of the world's population in two years' time. We remain completely sceptical, however.

"Innovation results when you combine people with investment. Good investments and ideas lead to good ideas and ultimately lead to wealth creation and good ideas throughout the world," continued Otellini. He cited Australia's $43bn dollar investment in a national broadband network, where everybody will be connected (90 per cent fibre, with the remainder using other technologies such as satellite), calling it a "safe bet".

Elsewhere, Otellini announced the 2010 Intel Challenge, a competition that will provide prize money for the best business plans submitted by university students to help turn their ideas into entrepreneurial ventures. It's already been running in the US, but will now take place in the UK, too. "In the next decade, another half billion people will enter the workforce, and we will need to create the conditions to generate meaningful jobs for them and for the existing workforce," said Otellini.

Intel also demonstrated a prototype smart home dashboard device that looked like an iPad, but with software from CapGemini. The device shows you what energy you've used (and where) and also has a master switch so you can 'power-down' your home.

The desktop computer may not be dead, but it's certainly suffering from life threatening wounds.

If the desktop crawled into its nearest field hospital, the triage nurse would have to think very carefully about whether to rush it into surgery, or to lay it down gently in a corner and wait for the inevitable.

It's impossible to ignore the rise of mobile computing over the past few years. Gone are the days where a notebook computer meant questionable performance and an astronomically high price.

Notebooks are only the tip of the mobile computing iceberg, and the market is quite confusing for anyone who's looking for a portable PC. Besides all the different notebook form factors – desktop replacement, ultraportable and so on – there's the increasingly popular netbook category to consider. And as if that isn't enough, you also have to consider tablets and the new smartbook category.

So which platform is right for you? We've put together a breakdown of each mobile computing platform, highlighting the benefits and deficits of each, so you can decide which platform is best for you.

The best notebook or best laptop for you

The notebook, or laptop, is the most widely recognised and understood mobile computing device available. Although there are several categories of notebook, they all share distinct similarities, often pertaining to the hardware platform that drives them.

The vast majority of notebooks are based on Intel technology, but systems based on AMD hardware are also available at the lower end of the market. Intel has pretty much dominated the notebook market since it launched the Centrino platform back in 2003.

Not only did Centrino provide notebook manufacturers with a great mobile computing platform to build on, it also made Wi-Fi the de facto feature that it is today.

There are basically three categories of notebook – desktop replacement, ultraportable and, well, general use notebook. The desktop replacement is, as the name suggests, an alternative to a desktop computer.

As such it will come equipped with a large screen, a full size keyboard, perhaps with a full numeric keypad, a powerful CPU and a generous complement of memory.

A desktop replacement notebook will be able to do pretty much anything that a full size PC can, with the exception of playing high-end 3D games (unless it's a specific gaming notebook).

The downside is that battery life is generally bad, probably bordering on nonexistent. Even if battery life wasn't bad, the system is likely to be so bulky and heavy that you wouldn't want to carry it anywhere anyway.

• Desktop replacement: Sony VAIO VPC-F11M1E/H review

The ultraportable category includes all those slim and sexy models that people like to show off in executive departure lounges, or in Starbucks while they're sipping a decaf latte. An ultraportable notebook is generally well under 2kg in weight, with many dipping below 1.5kg. They tend to sport screens that are 13.3-inch or smaller, often with LED backlighting to ensure a thin casing.

They often sport low or ultra-low voltage CPUs to ensure that the most time can be squeezed out of the thin and light battery. And they tend to be the design highlight of any notebook manufacturer's range.

• Ultraportable: Apple MacBook Air review

The most obvious downside of the ultraportable notebook is that all that thinness, lightness and gorgeous design comes at a price, and usually a pretty high one.

Also, those low power chips aren't designed for heavy duty use, and can start to struggle under the weight of excessive multi-tasking. And let's not forget that the supermodel-thin chassis doesn't leave much room for features, with many ultraportables having no optical drive and very limited connectivity options.

Thankfully, there is a happy medium, in the shape of the general purpose notebook – the kind of workhorse machine that's bigger and heavier than an ultraportable, but far smaller and lighter than a desktop replacement. Also, while it's not as super-powerful as a desktop replacement, it can be far more well endowed in the processing department than an ultraportable.

General purpose notebooks tend to sport 14 or 15-inch screens, along with full sized keyboards, integrated optical drives and plenty of connectivity options around the chassis. They generally weigh around 2.5kg, which means they're noticeably heavier than an ultraportable, but still light enough to be carried around in a backpack.

• General purpse notebook: Samsung R580

It's always worth taking a close look at the specification of a general purpose notebook though, since some models that look like bargains are often equipped with ageing and underpowered hardware. As a general rule of thumb, anything with an Intel Core processor and upwards of 2GB of RAM should be able to cope with most things you're likely to throw at it.

• General purpse notebook: Satellite Pro L450

You should expect to see a DVD writer built in, at least three USB ports, integrated Wi-Fi and possibly Bluetooth. It's pretty common to see a webcam built into the lid to facilitate video conferencing too. There was a time when a well built notebook with those features would have set you back over £2,000, but these days you can pickup something from the likes of HP or Samsung for around £600.

The netbook

When Asus launched its Eee PC back in 2007, it created a whole new product category that took the tech world by storm. Within a matter of months, pretty much every technology company was rushing out a netbook product, to try and grab some of the new market share.

However, whereas the original Eee PC was designed to be a very basic mobile computer at an affordable price, the netbook has evolved into a larger, more feature rich and ultimately more expensive device.

• Netbook: Asus Eee PC 1005PE review

The important thing to remember about a netbook is that no matter what size it is, or how good the screen is, it's still limited by the hardware inside it. Most netbooks come equipped with Intel's Atom processor and are limited to 1GB of RAM – the reason for the meagre complement of RAM, is that in order to qualify for a cut price "netbook edition" of Windows, Microsoft insists that a netbook can not ship with more than 1GB! Of course that doesn't mean you can't upgrade the memory post purchase.

But even with more memory, a netbook is still suited to basic computing duties, such as email, web browsing and basic document creation. So, if you're looking to buy a computer that you can use to, say, edit your home movies and photos, a netbook simply won't be up to the job.

AMD is also hoping to gain ground in the netbook space with its Vision range.

• Netbook: MSI Wind U160 review

In many respects a netbook is best suited to those who have access to another, more powerful computer. That way the netbook can be used when you're out and about, or relaxing in the garden, but when you need to do something a bit more heavy duty, you can use something with a bit more juice.

The CULV notebook

If you're looking for a mobile platform that sits between an ultraportable notebook and a netbook, you're in luck, because that's exactly where the CULV notebook fits in. In case you were wondering, CULV stands for Consumer Ultra Low Voltage, which basically means that the platform uses a very low power chip, allowing for thin and light notebooks that retain good battery life.

Although CULV chips are more power hungry than the Atom chips seen in netbooks, they also offer much higher levels of performance, while newer generation processors sport multiple cores.

Another big advantage that CULV notebooks have over their netbook counterparts, is that they are powerful enough to run any version of Windows, and are therefore not subject to the hardware limitations that plague the netbook platform.

• CULV notebook: Acer Aspire 1810TZ review

The amazing thing about the CULV platform, is that you can buy a truly excellent notebook for roughly the same price as a netbook. Something like the Acer Aspire 1810TZ combines solid performance with a decent feature set, while providing phenomenal battery life that a netbook could only dream of.

The tablet

Not so long ago the tablet PC platform was pretty much dead in the water. Despite big companies like HP and Microsoft trying to convince us for years that the tablet was the future, no one really listened.

Today though, things couldn't be more different, with consumers clamouring to jump on the tablet bandwagon. Why? Simple – the Apple iPad.

Despite the fact that deep down, most of us know that we simply don't need an iPad, it hasn't stopped millions of consumers from buying into Apple's iPad hysteria.

To be fair, Apple has taken the tablet format to a new level by simplifying it. Whereas tablet PCs had always tried to shoe horn Windows into a form factor that it wasn't happy with, Apple has created what is, essentially, a really big iPhone, and as such the user interface is superb.

• Tablet: Apple iPad review

So, now you have a tablet computer that works without the need to use a stylus, or plug in a keyboard every time you want to type a message. And when you throw in Apple's App Store, the functionality of an iPad can be constantly expanded to suit the user's needs.

• Tablet: X2 iTablet review

In all honesty though, a tablet device does have obvious limitations. You're not going to want to write a long document on one, like you could on a notebook, or even a netbook, since it doesn't have a keyboard.

As always though, it comes down to what you're looking for from a mobile device. If you just want to use email, browse the web, watch some video and read the odd eBook, then a tablet makes a decent case for itself.

Oh and don't go thinking that the iPad is the only option if you think that a tablet device might be right for you. Check out our 10 best iPad alternatives rundown to find out what the competition has to offer.

The smartbook

The smartbook is a completely new mobile category, so new in fact that we're still waiting for the first products to ship. That said, we've seen several pre-production smartbooks, and retail units should start hitting the streets very soon. But what is a smartbook, and where does it fit into our list of mobile computer platforms?

In essence, a smartbook is what the netbook probably should have been. Unfortunately many manufacturers have been intent on turning netbooks into cheap notebooks, rather than lightweight, affordable mobile devices. So now we have the smartbook, which is lighter and smaller than a netbook, offers good battery life and is always connected to the Internet via built-in 3G.

• Hands on: Lenovo Skylight review

The most interesting looking smartbook is the Lenovo Skylight, which we saw at CES in January. The Skylight is very thin and light, but still has a keyboard that's good enough for extended periods of typing.

Driving the Skylight is the 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor that powers the latest generation of high-end smartphones, like the HTC Desire. Also, rather than opting for Windows or Linux, the Skylight uses a mobile phone like operating system, much like the Apple iPad.

There's no doubt that the smartbook looks as though it could be a very interesting platform, appealing to first time mobile device users as well as established notebook users who want something thin and light to complement their fully featured mobile computer.

And if the early version of the Skylight that we saw is anything to go by, we should be seeing some great smartbooks hitting the market in the coming months.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Apple hasn't just rekindled interest in tablet devices, it has created the kind of hysteria that only Apple can.

There's no denying that the iPad is a beautifully crafted device that's a joy to use, but not everyone wants to buy into Apple's design and marketing hype.

With that in mind, we've rounded up 10 alternatives to the iPad to prove that Apples are not the only fruit.

10. Archos 9 PC Tablet

Archos has been making touch-screen media players for a very long time, so it comes as no surprise that the French technology company has also turned its hand to tablet devices.

The Archos 9 PC Tablet has an 8.9-inch, LED backlit display with a resolution of 1,024 x 600. However, that touch-screen is of the resistive type, rather than the capacitive goodness seen on the iPad.

With an Intel Atom CPU, 1GB of memory, a 60GB hard drive, there's a solid hardware spec behind it. But since the Archos 9 PC Tablet has to drive Windows 7, that hardware will have its work cut out for it.

On the plus side, you can simply drag and drop your files to the Archos 9 either wirelessly, or via the USB port. Also, being Windows based, you'll be able to load pretty much any codec you want, so there will be no need to convert your media files.

9. Dell Mini 5

Originally dubbed the Dell Streak, the Mini 5 looks to be Dell's first attempt to grab some of the iPad's market share. As the name suggests, it's going to be a far smaller device than the iPad, with a 5-inch capacitive touch-screen.

Like the latest breed of high-end smartphones, the Dell Mini 5 will be driven by Qualcomm's excellent 1GHz Snapdragon processor, and should be running the latest version of Google Android.

If the HTC Desire is anything to go by, that should make for snappy performance.

The Dell Mini 5 will feature both rear and front facing cameras, ensuring that video calling is on the agenda. Connectivity is likely to come in the form of both 3G and Wi-Fi, but other hardware specs are a little sketchy.

The Mini 5 is due to hit the streets in the next couple of months, but as always in tech, don't hold your breath.

8. Panasonic ToughBook CF-U1

If you're worried that the sleek lines and beautiful design of an iPad won't last long in your butter fingers, you need something a little more, well, rugged.

Panasonic specialises in mobile computers that can survive almost anything, and the CF-U1 tablet is no exception. This is a fully rugged device that can survive drowning, mud, dirt, dust, drops and pretty much any other abuse, accidental or intentional.

Inside you get an Intel Atom processor, 1GB of RAM and a 16GB solid state hard drive. The 5.6-inch touch-screen is resistive, but then when you're using the device in the rain and the mud, a capacitive screen wouldn't be the best option.

A particularly nice touch is the hot swappable battery – the device houses two batteries, so when one dies it switches over to the second, allowing you to swap out the depleted cell. OK, so the CF-U1 isn't really an iPad rival, but it's so cool that it simply had to be included.

7. Archos 5 Internet Tablet

If it's a 5-inch tablet device that you want, but you can't wait for the Dell Mini 5, check out the Archos 5 Internet Tablet. Unlike that Archos 9, the Archos 5 Internet Tablet doesn't run Windows 7, instead sporting a mix of Archos' own OS and Google Android.

The result is a pretty decent user interface that's easy to navigate even for the non tech-head.

On the downside, the Archos 5 still uses a resistive screen, rather than a capacitive one, and although it's a good example of resistive technology, it simply can't compete with the slick function of the latest capacitive displays.

The screen is great for watching video though, and because it's an Archos, codec support is excellent, so you can watch XviD and even MKV content without conversion.

Although there's a decent browser built in and the facilities for email and document work, the Archos 5 Internet Tablet works better as a portable media player than a tablet computer.

6. X2 iTablet

Although many had assumed that Apple would name its tablet device the iTablet, Steve Jobs clearly had other ideas. Of course that left the door open for another manufacturer to produce an iTablet, and that's exactly what UK company, X2 did. The X2 iTablet sports either a 10.2-inch or 12.1-inch multi-touch screen, a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor and 2GB of memory.

Again, the hefty, netbook style hardware configuration is necessary to run the Windows 7 operating system, although X2 does offer a Linux based alternative.

The netbook/PC nature of the iTablet means that you can play almost any file type, while also potentially running any Windows software. You also get a webcam, built-in Wi-Fi, 3G, Bluetooth and, wait for it, Flash support. On the downside, the iTablet is very thick – 35mm – and also pretty heavy at 1.18Kg.

5. Asus Eee Pad

When Asus created the Eee PC it revolutionised the mobile computing landscape, and essentially created a new class of device in the netbook.

It's therefore no surprise to hear that Asus will be hot on the heels of Apple with a tablet PC product. The Asus Eee Pad is set to be based on the Nvidia Tegra 2 platform, which will put an ARM processor in the driving seat.

It looks like 3G will be an integral part of the device to ensure that the user is always connected, while a touch-screen is a given.

There's no word on whether the Eee Pad will have a capacitive or resistive screen, but Asus has stated that the device is being designed to be "affordable" – whether that means that the screen will suffer as a cost cutting measure remains to be seen.

4. Dell Looking Glass

The Mini 5 isn't the only new tablet device that Dell has up its sleeve according to a report on Engadget [http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/dell-looking-glass-tablet-leaks-tegra-2-coming-your-way-in-nove/]. Like the Asus Eee Pad, the Dell Looking Glass will be based on Nvidia's Tegra 2 platform and should be running the latest version of Google Android.

The Looking Glass is set to be larger than the Mini 5, with a 7-inch 800 x 400 resolution, capacitive screen being the focal point. Further speculation suggests 4GB of RAM and an SDHC card for expanding the storage capacity.

There's also a 1.3-megapixel front facing camera for video conferencing, which also pretty much confirms the built-in wireless capabilities of the device.

3. Archos 7 Home Tablet

Yes it's another Archos, but since the company has been producing touch-screen, tablet style devices for years, it comes as no surprise that it has the widest selection.

The Archos 7 Home Tablet is the latest device from Archos, and everything from its name to its design, to its feature set, shows that this device is being pitched as an iPad competitor.

The 7-inch 800 x 480 resolution screen is obviously smaller than the iPad, but then that makes the device itself less bulky. And unlike other Archos tablets, this one doesn't come with a hard disk option, so it's only 12mm thick.

Storage capacity ranges from 2GB to 8GB depending on which model you opt for, but there's a microSDHC card slot, so you can expand the storage by up to 32GB.

Getting files on and off the Archos 7 is a simple drag and drop affair, or you could just load up a microSDHC card and slap that into the device. You can even drag files across from any storage device on your network via a Wi-Fi link, which is a Godsend for anyone who's fed up of using iTunes.

In reality, the Archos 7 Home Tablet, with its Linux/Android OS and user interface is just a larger version of the Archos 5 Internet Tablet, but that extra screen size makes it one of the closest iPad rivals currently available.

2. Lenovo IdeaPad U1

For anyone who thinks that a tablet device, with no proper keyboard, is no more than a toy, Lenovo has the answer. The Lenovo IdeaPad U1 is dubbed a "Hybrid Notebook" because there's more to it than first meets the eye.

At first glance it looks like a pretty standard notebook, with an 11.6-inch display, full size keyboard and a touchpad – and in essence, that's exactly what it is.

However, that 11.6-inch screen can be detached from the rest of the machine, and can then be used as a self contained tablet device, powered by that old favourite, the 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU.

So if you need a proper notebook to work on, but fancy a tablet for lounging around on the sofa while you surf the web and check your email, the IdeaPad U1 could be your dream come true.

Oh and in case you were wondering, the notebook part can still be hooked up to an external monitor and used while the tablet screen is undocked – very cool!

1. HP Slate/Hurricane

The HP Slate has been the subject of a huge amount of hype and rumour, despite the fact that few people outside HP and Microsoft ever got their paws on one.

Despite the Slate looking like the strongest contender to the iPad, the latest rumour is that HP has now scrapped the whole project. Well, scrapped is probably a bit strong…

However, considering HP's recent acquisition of Palm, there could be an even stronger contender in the making, in the shape of the Hurricane. Although HP hasn't officially confirmed the existence of the Hurricane, the prospect of a slick, well designed tablet device running Palm's WebOS is quite compelling.

And that's the key really, what could make the Hurricane a proper iPad rival isn't the hardware specs, or the features, or even the price – it's the implementation of a streamlined, lightweight and ultimately simple user interface.