Should I just buy an iPad, or are there other real options?

Tablet computers have come a long way in the three years since the iPad blasted into the market. It is no longer a fringe, consumer-only device – it’s gaining wide adoption in corporate America, too.

The devices still pale in power and functionality when compared to laptop or desktop computers, but they’re extremely valuable for their mobility and ability to perform many functions – web browsing, e-mail, games and video streaming – that people need when they’re away from their computers. Even larger-format tablets, such as the 9.7”-screen iPad 2, are becoming a favorite note-taking device.

The tables show that Apple still commands the lion’s share of the market, and it’s clear that the iPad 2 is the gold standard for these devices.

One of the major deciding factors with phones and tablets has been the number of “apps” available.

That’s still somewhat true of the Windows Mobile and Blackberry devices, but is largely irrelevant now with Apple and Android devices. Apple has about 500,000 apps, more than 140,000 of those just for the iPad. Android has more than 315,000 apps in that market. With these huge numbers, I think it is safe to say that there really IS “an app for that,” especially since most top applications have been developed for both platforms.

The iPad and iPad 2 broke new ground, with marketing that illustrated their usefulness, and really connected with what consumers wanted. Steve Jobs had a clear voice at Apple – he knew that consumers wanted, even needed, these innovative products. This clear message will carry Apple forward for at least a while – and there is no reason to think its dominance in this sector will dip any time soon.

Apple has crafted a strong message around its stability and ease-of-use in computers that is carrying over to iPad devices. Much of Apple’s leading iPad market position stems from that, along with Apple’s ability to ensure security. Those two things are all most people need to hear before they plunk their money down for safe and easy iPads.

So, Apple will continue to grow, but the other players aren’t going away.

It may surprise you to learn that in Q2 2011, Android application downloads surpassed Apple Apps downloads. Android had approximately 44 percent of the market share in apps, versus 31 percent for Apple's iOS. Android devices have become very feature-rich, and are starting to show up with better hardware, at a lower price, than the iPad. It also seems that many geeks prefer the open-marketplace Android devices for their lower cost, and their as-good or better hardware.

Bottom line:
Apple, the defiant rabble-rouser in its famous 1984 “Think different” introductory commercial, is now the bigger, slower organization, while quick and defiant Android releases now nip at its heels.

The iPad is a proven, rock-solid choice for those who just “want it to work.”

But if you enjoy tweaking your tablet, and want more control over how it works, you should consider an Android.