Mobile Network Comparison

The latest figures seem to suggest that Android tablets will soon start outselling their iOS competitors. A report from IDC claimed that 2013 will see mobile tablets running Google’s operating system shift more units than Apple’s dominant iPad range for the first time ever. It’s thought that people are starting to realise that the tablet market isn’t just limited to Apple’s devices and that Android versions can offer great value for money.

A huge driver of the surge in tablet sales is the much lower-priced models available outside of the Apple walled garden. You can quite often get a much more powerful and feature-laden device for less money than even older versions of the iPad.

Customers are also making it clear that they like smaller form-factor tablets as larger versions rapidly fell behind in sales. In fact, recent results indicate that over half the tablets sold so far this year are smaller than eight inches on the diagonal. These sales figures suggest that Apple made a mistake with the original iPad models and probably should have released the iPad mini or something similar sooner than it did.

There is much more choice from Android if you want to buy a smaller tablet. For example, one of the most popular tablets currently available is the Nexus 7. It is a Google-branded device designed and developed with Taiwanese hardware company Asus. The Nexus 7 has already won several awards and accolades including T3’s Gadget of the Year and Tablet of the Year ahead of the new iPad.

Overall though, tablet sales show no sign of slowing down. They are still one of the most popular categories of consumer electronics item. In fact it is predicted that over 300 million tablets will be sold over the next 4 years. That’s including 200 million units that are expected to fly off the shelves this year alone.

As for market share between Apple and Android, IDC’s research suggested that Google’s OS would have a dominant 48.8% market share by 2014 compared to iOS’s waning 46%. At the same time, Microsoft’s range of tablets is predicted to fight its way to a foothold in the market too. However, it doesn’t seem like it will ever have time to catch up – in four years Microsoft is only predicted to get a 7% share of tablet sales.

One trend that looks sure to continue is the growth of the smaller tablet market. IDC expects that over the next couple of years tablets that are 7″ in size or even smaller will become increasingly popular and manufacturers will release new products to fill this niche.

What’s the ideal size of tablet for you? Do you think the original iPad is too big? And which do you prefer and why – Microsoft, Apple or Android?

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Earlier this year Google and Asus released the revolutionary Nexus 7. With a small price range and powerful capabilities, purchasing the tablet was a no brainer for Android users, and a big incentive for iPad users to switch over to Android. With the release of the well-priced device, we’ve seen many third party accessories to accompany it, but what stands out from the crowd, and why?

Navitech Brown Leather Case

£9.99

The Navitech case looks like an old fashioned notebook, with a brown leather design consistent all across the case. Although it’s not genuine leather, the case looks smart, and feels comfortable to hold. Surprisingly the elastic strips do a good job at keeping the Nexus firmly in place, and because the product is made entirely of fabric, it adds little weight to the device, and keeps the width down. However, the fabric strips are somewhat invading of space, especially the top right one, which gets in the way of both the power and volume buttons.

The Navitech case feels durable and, for its price, you’ll get a satisfactory life out of the product. The case also has pockets on the side, which can be accessed when opened up, but it’s up to you if you feel comfortable putting any objects in here that could potentially damage the screen. Another thing to note is that this case cannot be transformed into a stand, so it’s a little lacking in functionality.

 

MOFRED Luxury Multi-Function Case

Was £24.99 Now £7.79

Although MOFRED’s case does not include a keyboard, the case is of a decent quality and is on sale at an affordable price. The Nexus 7 fits perfectly in the MOFRED case, and the snug fit, along with the strong build does make it feel luxury as the name aims to suggests.

The case has been cut and fit perfectly to line up with all the buttons and slots on the Nexus 7, and it’s not difficult to use the tablet whilst in the case. The case can be flipped over and used as a stand, and can be positioned at two different angles.

The MOFRED case comes with a stylus and a screen protector as well, which makes the product as a very worthy bargain. You can also choose the colour if you’re interested in matching the style of your tablet.

 

IVSO Slim

Was £24.99 Now £9.99

The IVSO Slim is one of the best keyboard cases available, the overall case design has been well implemented, using faux leather as the main material, held together with a neat line of stitching. The keyboard connects to the Nexus via an included micro USB connector. This removes the potential connectivity problems and battery drain from using Bluetooth and makes it a handy option for prolonged periods of use. The clips and elastic straps provided cling tightly to the Nexus tablet and hold it in place. The case then stands firmly at a comfortable height and angle, and can be closed tightly with a magnetic clasp.

Having said that, calling the case “slim” is perhaps a little misleading, as although the keyboard feels small and manageable, the case as a whole adds a lot of bulk to the tablet. The keyboard is attached firmly to the case and, without a Bluetooth option, portability options are a little low. It must be said that the keyboard itself is excellent quality and works really well.

 

Zagg Keys Flex

£54.99

The Zagg Keys Flex is something a little more pricy. Like the IVSO Slim, it comes with a keyboard which is probably the best one we’ve seen. For the price it’s unusual to find that it does not include a separate protective case for the Tablet, but it does fold up on itself with the tablet to provide a comfortable and sturdy carry case. The keyboard itself is surprisingly light for its size and connects via Bluetooth to the Nexus in seconds without any latency issues. As well as the full QWERTY keys available, there are also Android specific keys to mimic on screen controls, and they work just as expected. If you’re looking for a quick and high functional typing experience over portability, the Zagg is definitely to be considered. The keys work extremely well and mimic many high build keyboards available for PC and Mac, whilst maintaining a light, manageable weight. The battery life is superb and can charge through a USB connection keeping it available for use whilst charging.

Although the price is a little on the high side, Zagg Keys shines with a premium finish, ready to be used comfortably at home.

 

Poetic Keybook

Was £69.95 Now £19.95

This is a super-cool looking case. The Nexus 7 slips into the Poetic Keybook without any hassle and can be placed safely in the pocket of the case holder. The flap that keeps the case shut can then be flipped out and used as a stand to keep the Nexus tablet from falling over, which seems to hold up well whilst using the Nexus’ touch screen.

Aa for the keyboard, the tablet’s screen is easy to view when in the case and with the keyboard, the case feels very much like using a laptop. The keyboard itself is attached to the case using four magnets and can be removed, making the case and keyboard both easily portable. However, the keys are not of the best quality; they will sometimes stick, making unwanted keys print more times than needed, but other than that occasional occurrence, the keyboard works tremendously well alongside both the Nexus and the case, using a strong Bluetooth connection to work with the tablet.

The case is made from faux leather, and the stitching on the case has been neatly done,and it feels like a lot of care has gone into the design. Although the case may not hold as long as more durable equipment, the Poetic Keyboard does its job sparingly in its life time, which is at least three years according to Poetic, and just to prove it, the case comes with a free 3-year warranty. This product is also at a huge 70% off right now, so if you’re planning to get the Poetic Keyboard, now would be a good time.

 

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