Top 10 best tablet PC iPad alternatives

Asus Eee Pad Slider SL101 UK release date: Autumn/Winter 2011 Specs: Android 3.2, Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core CPU, 10.1-inch capacitive display at 1280x800, slide-out keyboard, micoSD, HDMI-out, rear-facing camera, front-facing camera What we think: While the form factor might not suit those going for an iPad-a-like Android option, the Slider is still a gorgeous tablet. With its slide-out QWERTY keyboard, it offers the perfect balance between portability and functionality. It's also got an absolutely gorgeous screen, and offers the best Android 3.2 touch experience of any tablet out there.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 UK release date: Autumn 2011 Specs: Android 3.1, 1GHz dual core Nvidia Tegra 2 CPU, 1GB RAM, 16GB storage, 8.9-inch capacitive screen at 1280x800 (WXGA), Wi-Fi only, 447g. What we think: The Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 is almost indistinguishable from its 10.1-inch big brother. To that end, it's a fantastic tablet which is both significantly lighter and thinner than the iPad 2. It's ideal for anyone who thinks 10.1 inches is just slightly too big for a tablet, but also finds 7-inch options a tad too small. A great screen, and premium features across the board make it a superb option.

Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101 UK release date: Out now Specs: Android 3.2, Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core CPU, 10.1-inch capacitive display at 1280x800, full-size keyboard dock, card reader, HDMI-out, rear-facing camera, front-facing camera What we think: Asus is keeping all its bases covered by offering a variety of different tablet options, and waiting to see what people buy. The Eee Pad Transformer comes with a keyboard dock and the whole package costs just £429 - a veritable bargain. Asus is certainly flying under the radar when it comes to marketing its new tablets, but you should associate the name with words like 'quality' and 'user experience'. This is a fantastic product.

Sony Tablet S UK release date: Out now Specs: Android 3.2, 1GHz dual core CPU, 1GB RAM, 16GB/32GB storage, 10.1-inch capacitive screen at 1280x800 (WXGA), 3MP rear-facing camera, 2MP front-facing camera, 598g. What we think: We love the Sony Tablet S and its wedge-shaped design. It really makes it stand out from the crowd. The responsive touchscreen and unique shape combine to make this tablet extremely usable, and a joy to type on. If you're choosing an Android tablet you won't be disappointed, but if it's a shoot out between the Sony Tablet S and the iPad 2, unless you're a hardened Sony fan, then your money is still better spent with Apple.

Motorola Xoom UK release date: Out now Specs: Android 3.0, Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core CPU, 1GB RAM, 32GB Flash storage, 10.1-inch capacitive LCD at 1280x800, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, barometer, gyroscope, 5MP rear-facing camera, 2MP front-facing camera, 3G, 730g. What we think: The Motorola Xoom is one of the second-generation Android tablets that the tech world got very excited about when it came out. Packing Nvidia's super-powerful Tegra 2 chip and running the tablet-friendly Android 3.0 OS, the Xoom was the first genuine iPad challenger. Ultimately though, it failed to attract buyers, which is why you've probably never seen one. These days, while the Xoom is still a decent, premium and well-built tablet, there are simply better options available. Stay tuned for the Xoom 2, coming very soon!

BlackBerry Playbook UK release date: Out now Specs: BlackBerry Tablet OS (QNX), 1GHz Cortex A9 dual core CPU, 1GB RAM, 7-inch capacitive LCD at 1024x600, 3MP front-facing camera, 5MP rear-facing camera, 400g. What we think: The BlackBerry PlayBook is designed to be mobile and business-friendly. That means, at 130x194mm, the device is small enough to hold with one hand, slip in a laptop bag side pouch, and even carry around all day to meetings. The problem's start, though, with the lack of an email app, the dependence on owning a BlackBerry smartphone and a terminal lack of apps. The Playbook is powerful and has brilliant multitasking capabilities, but for now it's one to watch rather than one to buy.

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Toshiba AT100 (aka Toshiba Thrive) UK release date: Out now Specs: Android 3.2, 1GHz dual core CPU, 1GB RAM, 8GB/16GB/32GB storage, 10.1-inch capacitive screen at 1280x800 (WXGA), 5MP rear-facing camera, 2MP front-facing camera, 725g. What we think: The Toshiba AT100 (known as Toshiba Thrive outside Europe) is a good choice for those who like the idea of full-size HDMI and USB ports. For a specific use, including customisations and future upgrades, the Toshiba AT100 offers some extra flexibility.Yet, the hefty size and weight (plus the passable screen quality) is the main reason we prefer other recent tablets.

HTC Flyer UK release date: Out now Specs: Android 2.3, 1.5GHz single-core Snapdragon, 1GB RAM, 32GB memory, 7-inch capacitive LCD at 1024x600, 5MP camera, 3MP front-facing camera, phone-call-friendly 3G, 415g. What we think: HTC has decided to release its first tablet running on Android Gingerbread (2.3), which will upset some purists that only believe these tablets should run on Honeycomb. However, it does come with a new version of HTC Sense with dual-pane windows which works well with videos and email. As a single-core device in a dual-core world, though, the Flyer just isn't good enough. And the chunky form factor and lack of sparkling features are a real let-down.

Archos 101 G9 UK release date: Out now Specs: Android 3.2, Dual-core CPU, 10.1-inch capacitive display at 1280x800, HDMI-out, rear-facing camera, front-facing camera, multiple storage options including 250GB HDD. What we think:If you're in the market for a capable tablet, but have a limited budget, then this is one of the best options outside of price cuts that you can get.The potential problem is we're about to be bombarded by cut-price tablets, and much better units can be had for this kind of cash - tablets with more memory, built from better materials and generally put together with more love.