The showdown: Apple’s iPad 2 versus Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1

While Apple and Samsung are going head to head in the courts over various claims of patent infringement, we shouldn’t overlook the devices behind the headlines. The main contention of copying may be what they’re fighting over, but for consumers the more important question is, of course, which one is best?

Unfortunately it isn’t a question you can answer with a simple nod towards one of the machines: it’s not just a question of technology, but also of taste and of software and, of course, perception. Before you sign up for any tablet PC deals, take a quick read through our tablet comparison below.

The technology

In terms of pure numbers, it’s hard to look past the Samsung galaxy Tab 10.1. Both tablets have 1GHz dual-core processors and the choice of 16, 32 or 64GB of on-board storage for your files. They both also have very high quality capacitive touchscreens in the 10-inch size bracket, but elsewhere Samsung has the edge.

It has double the RAM, at 1GB compared to 512MB, making the Samsung galaxy Tab 10.1 a speedier device. While if you intend to take any pictures or use video conferencing, the Samsung again wins easily: it has a three-megapixel main snapper with autofocus and LED flash (compared to the iPad 2’s 0.7MP offering), plus a two-megapixel front facing secondary camera (the Apple device only has a VGA quality cam).

The software

But not everyone is so bothered about the hardware. Sure, the Samsung’s numbers may add up better, but what can you do with them? Here, the Apple iPad 2 has the edge, mainly due to the depth in the Apple App Store. Whether it’s business apps, games or anything else, Apple has the edge.

Apple has long since been the daddy when it comes to applications for touchscreen devices, thanks to a long history with the iPod Touch devices and then the iPhone range. Thanks to this head start, you’ll find Apple has about twice as many apps as you can get on Android devices such as the Galaxy Tab 10.1 – and more importantly, it has a lot more apps that are tablet specific (and so designed for that bigger screen).

The �?X’ factor

So when the two cancel each other out in hardware and software, which out of the Apple iPad 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 should you choose. For many, it simply comes down to perceptions, or other small details.

For example, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is a widescreen tablet, which may swing some people its way. But the iPad 2 definitely has the cooler (and more widespread) accessories, as well as a much cooler presence in the market.

And then there’s the software: some people loath iTunes, while others love it – or perhaps you’ll choose the Android device because it syncs up so easily with your PC and without the hassle of Apple’s own formats and checks.

In the end, these are the two premium devices on the market right now and you can’t go wring with either one. Take a good look at them, decide what’s most important to you and then make your decision accordingly. It’s hard to go wrong with two great pieces of kit to choose from.

Author bio: Chris Marling writes on behalf of Broadband Genie, the consumer help and information site for broadband and smartphones. They also offer advice on Tablet PC offers in the UK.