Consumer Reports tested tablets and found the iPad 2 Wi-Fi and 3G to be the top rated choices. These ratings will probably not help the current shortage of iPad 2 tablets or the increased pricing for models on eBay.
The Apple iPad 2 with
Wi-Fi plus 3G (32G), for $730, topped the ratings, scoring excellent in
nearly every category. The first-generation iPad, for $580, also outscored
many of the other models tested but tied with the Motorola Xoom, for $800.
Consumer Reports evaluated the tablets on many features, including touchscreen, responsiveness,
versatility, portability, screen glare, and ease of use.
The iPad 2 had the best battery life and lasted 12.2 hours, while the
lowest-rated tablet, the Archos 70 Internet Tablet, for $270, lasted only
3.8 hours.
Consumer Reports noted that buying a tablet with a
data plan may lower the initial cost of the tablet, but cancelling early
may result in a stiff penalty. Therefore,
it might be cheaper to buy a 3G-capable model without a contract.
With faster 4G data available, 4G
capability (or 4G upgradeability) is also a plus according to Consumer Reports.
Consumer reports tested Archos, Dell, Motorola, Samsung, ViewSonic and Apple tablets.
The iPad 2 has consistently gotten great reviews. The Motorola Xoom also had good reviews and had the fastest processor until the iPad 2 was launched.