Top 6 Android tablets with 4G network connectivity to compete with the new 4G iPad

On the March 7^th event, Apple announced the new iPad and promised that the new iPad could work on 4G LTE network connectivity either on AT&T or Verizon. This would be quite amazing for the 4G network connectivity would bring totally different experience to users. But the new iPad is only applicable to 4G network connectivity in North America. If you are looking for a 4G capable tablet to use in a place other than North America, you could turn to some wonderful Android tablets with 4G network connectivity. Android has started a long journey with 4G network connectivity on tablets, not only on smartphones, for a long time ahead of Apple iPad with various excellent options for you to choose from. 

With the new iPad accessible with 4G network connectivity, the 4G future we've been promised for years has arrived. And it's not just for smartphones. We've been playing around with 4G Android tablets ever since the T-Mobile G-Slate back in early 2011. Today, I would like to share some best Android tablets with 4G network connectivity which may compete with the new 4G iPad to a certain degree. 

Sony Tablet P

The Sony Tablet P comes with a dual-screen, hinge-based designed 5.5 inch 1024 x 480 pixels screen display that allows the tablet to be closed up, just like a clam shell. The foldable design of this tablet makes it fit into most large pockets. The dual-screen design has made it a quite unique tablet option in the market for users to choose from. Click to check the full specs of Sony Tablet P.

Motorola Droid XyBoard 8.2

The Xyboard 8.2 is a powerful tablet, running on Verizon's robust 4G LTE network. Its 8.2-inch screen strikes a nice compromise between the more common 7-inch and 10.1-inch competitors, making it better for thumb-typing when held in portrait and on-the-go entertainment to watch DVD movies on Droid XyBoard. It doesn't come cheap, though, and the only affordable way to acquire one comes with a two-year contract. For detailed information, check Motorola Droid XyBoard 8.2 specs.

Motorola Droid XyBoard 10.1

To watch HD movies on Motoroal Xoom has been a great enjoyment. Now, as the successor, the Motorola Droid ZyBoard 10.1 would also be a good choice, besides its capability of 4G network connectivity. The excellent video experience also adds extra credit to this tablet. Check Motorola Droid XyBoard 10.1 specs for more.

T-Mobile SpringBoard

The Huawei-designed T-Mobile Springboard harkens back to another early adopter of 4G, the HTC EVO View 4G. This 7-inch tablet offers a beautiful screen, stylish design, and doesn't skimp on the specs, either. Unfortunately, like many tablets on this list, the Springboard comes at a relatively high price, not to mention a two-year contract.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

The Motorola Xoom may have been the first Honeycomb tablet, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 was the first to make us swoon. Its iPad 2-matching thickness and lightweight construction make it a great travel companion. Unfortunately, its iPad idolization carried through to its one-port design and an absence of memory expansion.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 packs the full Android Honeycomb tablet experience, along with Samsung's useful customizations, into a compact body. The 8.9 hits a sweet spot of portability, design, and pixel density.

A FAQ list on iPad 3 – What you need to know about iPad 3: release date, specs and more

The Apple iPad 3 has been a long anticipated hot spot worldwide recently. People have spent much energy and time on discussing what Apple iPad 3 would bring out and when. After much rumors and speculation, Apple has sent out invites to US press sites, confirming 7 March as the iPad 3 launch date, explaining in the invite that it has "something you really have to see. And touch." Today, I have made a collection on Apple iPad 3 in a FAQ list to show you what you need to know about iPad 3, including the iPad 3 release date, specs and more.

When will Apple iPad 3 be released?

The iPad 3 release date will be March or April 2012. We now know there will definitely be an iPad 3 launch event on 7 March and we'll probably also see the release of iOS 5.1 at the same time. The iPad 3 US release is probably set to early March while the European iPad 3 release might be in late March.

Will Apple iPad 3 adopt quad-core processor?

According to the rumors, it's probable that the iPad 3 will have a brand spanking new processor, Apple's A6 - which will surely be a quad-core ARM-based processor. Quad-core designs are coming from various ARM partners and the Tegra 3 has already been launched by Nvidia, as well as the Snapdragon S4 from Qualcomm.

What about the Apple iPad 3 display?

Or the question might be will a Retina display on the way on iPad 3? This is the one of the most anticipated features on our wish list. The exciting news is that it looks as though it is happening, with Apple reportedly testing suppliers' current shipments of 2048 x 1536 resolution 9.7-inch displays, which would make iPad 3 a full HD player to even play HD Blu-ray movies on iPad 3.

Will iPad 3 be named iPad 2S?

It is possible that the next iPad to be released soon might be named as iPad 2S, according to the report that an iPad case maker in China has started to sell a cover for a device it's calling 'iPad 2S'. And from the iPhone 4S, we might also see that possibility.

Will there be a LTE iPad 3?

According to the Wall Street Journal report on February 14^th that: "Verizon Communications Inc. and AT&T Inc. will sell a version of the coming iPad that runs on their newest fourth-generation wireless networks, according to people familiar with the matter", there might be an LTE iPad 3 version.

Update: The latest news from AppleInsider suggests that the next Apple iPad might be named as iPad HD with a Retina display, sourcing from case makers. 

What about the OS of iPad 3?

The iPad 3 is most probably going to adopt iOS 5.0, but there is possibility that we'll see iOS 5.1 come out of beta in March for iPad 3.

What about iPad 3 battery?

A back housing image of iPad 3 leaked has suggested that the Apple iPad 3 will include more battery power, which is quite reasonable, for the large screen and upgraded hardware configurations.

Will iPad 3 support NFC?

NFC is also long anticipated in Apple devices, like iPhone 5 and iPad 3. Rumors go that iPhone 5 will use NFC to take over nearby Macs, enabling you to use your data and settings with a flick of the wrist. Many devices of other manufacturers have included NFC support. The iPad 3 is also most probably to add this.

Will iPad 3 include more storage?

With the full upgrade of HD movies and video playback, 300dpi PDF eBook, improved camera resolution, etc. the memory capacity is for sure to be extended at least double, in 32G to 128G.

Will a Thunderbolt port be included in iPad 3?

The first two generations of iPads are all USB-free which may suggest Apple might not add Thunderbolt port to iPad. But the new Thunderbolt port in the 2011 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air could be another story. From my personal point of view, there might not include a Thunderbolt port.

Would iPad 3 be thicker?

The iPad 3 might be bulking out, reportedly so it can house a higher-resolution display than the iPad 2, and the extra girth is all down to pixel density.

Will SD card slot be included?

This was widely predicted for the iPad 2 and, like the Retina Display, didn't materialise. One for version 3, perhaps? Using a separate adapter to read camera cards is rather inelegant and clunky.

Will a better camera be included in iPad 3?

Camera resolution of iPad and iPhone has also been a disadvantage for Apple. The rear-facing camera on the iPad 2 isn't brilliant, while an iPhone 4S-style camera and flash would make iPad 3 more perfectly. Several reports are suggesting the new device will have an 8MP camera.

Will iPad 3 use gesture controls?

Could the iPad 3 have Kinect-style gesture controls? We're not so sure, but rumours suggested so in late October 2011.

The iPad 3 could feature a carbon fibre case

Apple has hired a carbon fibre expert, senior composites engineer Kevin Kenney, fuelling speculation that the next iPad could be encased in the lightweight material.

What is the price of iPad 3?

Speculation suggests that the iPad 3 price will be $579, rather than the $499 users are currently paying for a Wi-Fi-only 16GB iPad 2. In fact, the prices of iPad 3 would be varied due to different variants, like 3G version and Wi-Fi+3G version. Check the price of iPad 3 for detailed information. 

iPad trademark lawsuit between Apple and Proview begins in China

Mentioning Apple, people would always think about its amazing products and service like iPhone, iPad, iPod, etc. Recently, the upcoming iPad 3 has become a hot topic for its excellent hardware improvement, like the amazing full HD 2048 by 1536 Retina screen display, which produces better visual effect for you to watch full HD movies on iPad 3. But iPad 3 is not the only thing that has got many eyes currently. The iPad trademark lawsuit between Apple and Proview also becomes a hot focus around the world. On Thursday, the iPad trademark lawsuit between Apple and Proview started to trial in Shanghai.

Shenzhen Proview Technology claims ownership over the iPad name but Apple says it bought the rights to the name in China and other countries in 2009. Apple says Proview failed to transfer the rights in mainland China as agreed.

The Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Court rejected a request by Shenzhen Proview Technology to stop Apple from selling iPads in the city. The court said it could not support Proview's application because no ruling has been made on whether Apple has violated Proview's exclusive right to use the iPad trademark. A lawsuit over the right to use the trademark in China is still under the second instance trial at Guangzhou people's higher court, which is scheduled to hold a hearing on Wednesday.

In Shanghai's Apple flagship store, shop assistants said some customers have come to ask about the lawsuits, but they have not seen any changes on the sales of the iPad products these days。

"We sell as many iPads as usual and I don't think the lawsuits have impacted the sales of the products," said a shop assistant who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Apple to release iOS 5.1 on March 9th

We have heard that Apple might be releasing iOS 5.1 alongside the upcoming iPad 3 or iPad 2S or iPad 2 HD or whatever the company is going to be calling the new iPad, and now we have a specific evidence which may set the release date of iOS 5.1 on March 9th, and even the next iPad. Apple just published eleven new profiles for various iPhone-operators on Wednesday, February 8th. These files are compatible with iOS 5.1 and are set for release on March 9. This might have just given the game away that iOS 5.1 will be rolled out then.

These profiles are apparently intended for operators in Japan, France, Greece, Finland, and Sweden to make sure network connectivity is active once the update is downloaded. Generally speaking, such product release is simultaneously worldwide promoted. So you may wait for a March 9^th update on your iPhone. This new iOS will apply to the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod Touch 3G/4G, iPad, and iPad 2.

The iPhone 4S, the latest Apple iPhone, which configures the iOS 5 and was released simultaneously with iOS 5 last October, proves to be not only a wonderful communication product, but also an excellent multimedia player for users to watch HD videos on iPhone 4S. And along with the update of iOS 5.1, the first semi-major update since iOS 5, it would be for certain that iPhone 4S would produce even better digital experience for users.

Rumored and speculated features included in iOS 5.1:

* Siri

* Interact with Apps

* Turn Bluetooth and WiFi on and off

* Capture a video or photo

* 3G toggle in order to turn off faster data speeds to conserve battery life

* Said to include new Photostream options and the ability to use iTunes Match over 3G.

From the profiles for the iOS update, we may guess that the next iPad might also be on the way to out. There have been too many guess work on the March iPad 3 release, and these profiles seem to support that.