Tiger Tales

Flat-out Warfare

ACER ICONIA A500 TABLET

This metal-encased, Android- powered tablet is set up to integrate both wirelessly and physically with the rest of your digital world.

Its controls are highly intuitive and old-school types who simply can’t get used to touch screens can connect a keyboard using the USB port. On the other hand, those who consider keyboards to be so last century are sure to love the massive screen. What’s more, the unit has enough ports that you needn’t depend on a wireless network to upload and download data.

The screen size, Dolby- boosted audio performance and fast processor team up to make this a great unit for watching films on the go.

Frequent flyers might find the unit a bit heavy and unwieldy, but its frame does feel solid enough that those who fancy a tech-free flight could safely entrust it to baggage handlers.
S$699/A$560, www.acer.com.sg

BLACKBERRY PLAYBOOK

If the BlackBerry is to the iPhone as a business tool is to a toy, the differences between the PlayBook and the iPad aren’t nearly as obvious. In fact, BlackBerry’s tablet lacks business-friendly tools such as a calendar and e-mail application. And if you’re looking for games, they’re still to come. However, the number of apps is growing.

The unit is small, so it’s ideal for travelling. Users might find the screen a bit too small for sites with small buttons and links, though. Plus, the controls can be frustrating to use initially. It is Wi-fionly, so while there’s no need to pay for a phone plan, coverage is needed to use its browser.
From S$600/A$481, www.sg.blackberry.com

KOGAN AGORA TABLET PC

At about a third of the cost of its competitors, the Agora Tablet must be treated with suspicion. The unit we viewed, for example, had a crooked border around the seven-inch screen. And the interface is noticeably slower and the battery life shorter than those of pricier models. Still, as a commute-friendly browser and e-book reader or starter tablet for the kids, it’s hard to fault this Android-powered unit.
From S$180/A$144, www.kogan.com.au