The tablet computer market has continued to expand in 2012, from the dominance of Apple through to the launch of new competitors by Google, Sony, Samsung and Asus. Amazon’s Kindle Fire, released in the US last year, is also set to receive a UK launch sometime later this year. Tablet computers’ touchscreen interface, entertainment streaming, apps and web browsing have made them a strong alternative to laptops for many consumers. Prices have also begun to vary, from the iPad down to more affordable $200 dollars and less equipment. Some of the best tablet computers currently available include the following items.

1. iPad 3

It’s hard to get away from the Apple iPad as the market leader for tablet computers. The iPad 3 has built on the success of previous iPads, and maintains their exceptional screen quality, 3G and 4G connectivity, and connection to Apple’s App Store. The iPad 3 is a slightly larger and heavier version of the product, and has a 9.7 inch screen with a 1536×2048 resolution. The iPad 3 runs Apple’s iOS 5.1, and further improves the tablet’s look and power with a Retina Display and an A5X quad core processor, as well as HD video recording. Siri is expected to be added to iPad upgrades later this year. The device is still costing about $500 as stated on Apple website shopping page.

Tip: don’t forget to install a free video player for iPad.

2. Google Nexus 7

Google’s competition with Apple and Amazon has seen the Internet giant develop their own mid range tablet in the Nexus 7, which comes in at around $200. Google have been working on their own tablet for several years, and use an Asus quad core Tegra 3 processor alongside an LED screen, 1GB Ram, and multiple WiFi and Bluetooth connections. The Nexus 7 also has its own camera, and runs on the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean OS, with content downloaded via Google Play.

Tip: learn how to convert YouTube videos to Android tablets with Freemake Video Converter.

3. Sony Tablet S

 Launched in September 2011, the Sony Tablet S costs around $350, or £300. Android enabled, this tablet is distinguished by its paperback book style folded cover, as well as by its 16GB memory and 3G and WiFi features. The tablet also has a camera, a TruBlack LCD display, and an Nvidia Tegra T20 chipset that can handle serious graphic processing. Sony’s ownership means that the tablet can connect up to the Sony Entertainment and PS3 network for content. The Sony Tablet S is available with Android 4.0 at the official online store.

4. Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9

At £330, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 is an excellent midrange tablet, and like the Sony Tablet S uses Android Honeycomb. The Samsung tablet is designed to complement its smartphone range, and is smaller than other tablets. It has an LCD screen, a 1 GHz ARM processor and a Swype input, as well as cameras, a speaker phone, and app licenses for e-books through Kobo, and Zinio for magazines. Find more tech specs here.

Tip: find out how to convert video for Samsung Galaxy Tab.

5. Asus Transformer Prime

At the premium end of the tablet market in terms of cost at approximately £500, the Asus Transformer Prime boasts significant power and graphics. The Asus uses Android Honeycomb, with options for upgrades to 4.0, and uses a 1.3 GHz processor for speed. The IPS display is 1280×800, and the tablet contains an 8MP camera, a 32 GB memory, and an Nvidia chip. The tablet also comes with WiFi and microSD, and is particularly strong in terms of its graphics and gaming performance.

This post is written by Habs Rehman who currently blogs for Rapid Electronics, offering high quality electronic components and education supplies.

* Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.