Tablet roundup: From iPad to Eee Pad, which is best?

Tablets are currently the must-have gadgets, letting you stay in touch, browse the web, read eBooks and play games on the move, with the comfort of a decent screen. There have been loads of new models out recently, however, making it a bit of a minefield if you don’t really know what you’re after. Read on for our tablet roundup.

Asus Eee Pad TransformerOut of all the tablets currently on sale, the Asus Eee PC Transformer is one of the most capable. It’s the perfect cross between a tablet and laptop, with a proper keypad when you need it – also offering protection for the screen – and the ability to just leave the keyboard at home when you just want to read an eBook or watch a movie.

Apple iPad 2Although we love the Transformer for it’s ability to turn into a proper little laptop, the Apple iPad 2 still has it licked when it comes to apps. iOS is perfect in tablet form, with lots of apps available that run full screen and at a decent resolution. The iPad 2 also offers excellent quality.

HTC FlyerFor lots of users, the HTC Flyer is the perfect size. It’s 7-inch screen makes it a lot smaller than the iPad 2, yet it’s still large enough to view websites or read eBooks without straining your eyes. It can’t quite match the Eee Pad Transformer or iPad 2 for quality, however.

Dell StreakThe only one of this group with a sub 7-inch form factor (the Streak actually features a 5-inch screen), Dell’s creation seems to blur the line between smartphone and tablet. It’s definitely small enough to take out on the road with you, but some people will find it too small to carry out the same tasks comfortably.

BlackBerry PlayBookDespite the PlayBook name, the latest BlackBerry tablet is actually aimed at business users. It looks good, it’s easy to use, but it falls down in one big area when compared to rivals – apps. Both Apple and Android devices offer loads of great software, where the PlayBook is limited at the moment.