Using the latest Android operating system 2.2, the Samsung Galaxy Tab is packed full of great entertainment and communication features and is probably the closest rival to the iPad.

With its 7” touch screen powered by a 1.0 GHz processor this sexy looking tablet is small enough to fit in your hand yet big enough not to compromise on functionality. It offers voice and video calling as well as a Reader Hub full of the latest news, magazines and ebooks and web browsing with Flash.

The device’s front facing camera allows for video chat with friends and business partners around the world and the rear-facing 3 megapixel camera with flash captures still images and video that that can be edited, uploaded and shared directly from the Tab.

Samsung Movies allows you to access old and new movies alike and with its large battery it provides more than 7 hours of viewing time. Google Maps Navigation is available on the Tab for free and it also has a variety games and a handy integrated phonebook that combines all your social network contacts.

With 3G connectivity, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth® 3.0, the Samsung Galaxy Tab takes mobile communication to a whole new level. Could this be a real rival to the iPad?

 Price to be confirmed.

RIM Blackpad

Due to be available as of November, this 7″ high end tablet is designed more as en enterprise tool so predominantly aimed at business users. It will include a new graphical menu system, secure email and of course wi-fi. We love Blackberry so will be interesting to see how it compares to the iPad…

HP Slate

Due to arrive early 2011, this will be a Windows 7 computer that has great touch screen capability and fast web browsing. Keep a look out for the so-called PalmPad, HP’s rumoured webOS tablet, which is said to be landing later this year, complete with stylus.
 

Samsung Galaxy Tab

This arrives in September and is a 7″ tablet  with a good quality OLED display, powered by a 1.2GHz processor. It is probably the closest rival to the iPad and runs Android 2.2. It also has wi-fi and 3G.