Toshiba Folio 100

“Ultimately, the Folio 100 doesn't feel like a finished product. There few installed apps and no option to use the Android Market. With its unresponsive buttons and screen with poor viewing angles, it's unpleasant to use.”

“Toshiba gets many things right with the Folio. The price is realistic, it uses the latest version of Android and it’s clearly put a lot of thought into its implementation. Other vendors should take note.Unfortunately, it also gets some fundamental things wrong. The shortcut buttons need to be much more responsive, the screen’s viewing angles are poor and the failure to include Flash from launch is a big blunder.Yet another problem is the omission of support for Android Market. Yes, you can install apps from other locations, but there’s no guarantee the best products will be available for independent download – for example, you can’t currently download Gameloft’s HD games.”

“While the Folio 100 is heavy on inputs, and the Advent Vega is super cheap, the fact that they are running Android 2.2 might cause problems. The Vega has a reasonably powerful processor to back up Froyo, and is running a stripped back version of Android 2.2, meaning it might get on better with the operating system than the Toshiba. Overall, despite the high cost, if you want to take full advantage of the 10″ tablet form factor, it’s worth shelling out for the iPad, for the apps content and operating system. If you’re looking for a cheap tablet for casual use: for browsing and watching YouTube at home without having to get the laptop out, then the Advent Vega is where you should be looking.”