A tablet computer OTHER than an iPad, HP, Moto
 

Particularly the ASUS and the Viewsonic, and other off brands I see when I do a search.

Best to stick with the big three or is there a budget tablet that doesn't suck for under $500?

Lots of buzz around the upcoming Motorola Xoom which will have Android 3.0. There's also the Samsung Galaxy Tab, which is an Android 2.2 device.

Like any tool, the answer all depends on what you want it for.

.. .and where your 'balance' is.

That is, every device has trade-offs. Bigger generally gives more display pixels (or at least bigger pixels, if eye strain is an issue) But bigger is less portable.

Do you want a device that is completely dependent on connectivity? Or do you want something that will, say, give you GPS and maps w/o an internet connection?

Do you want something that can take an SD card to transfer/off-load photo's?

Do you want something that can double as a DVR?

I will stay out of this one, I promise! ;)

Got one for $150 at K Mart for my daughter. Brand is Coby, does everything I want her to be able to do on it.

If you are willing to deal with shipping agents in China, check the APad/EPad E11 - generic link from google search - Shop The Cheapest Price E11 Android 2.2 Wi-Fi Cam DualCore 800MHz Tablet PC 7" at MY Digital Live

Here's one to avoid:

Maylong Universe M-150 Review - Tablets - CNET Reviews

No need for video... I got a big screen for that.

Only want wifi... don't want to pay for G connection.

When I'm within a wifi do a little web browsing and check email.

When I'm not connected play simple games, store data, if it had some sort of kindle type app that would be cool, and a MP3 player.

I think the best of the current crop other than the apple would be the samsung galaxy.

I'm also starting to hear more about the Nook color.

Can I start a wish list in this thread, or should I start a third tablet thread?

AH HA! Was surfing on the Internet on my lunch break and found the Nook color mentioned on the other tablet thread... does all I am looking for... seems you can root it and run android apps? Wonder if I can download the free public domain books to read?

I would get an Android 3.0 or an iOS device. Android 2.2 will be obsolete for tablets in months if not already - risk is that future apps are optimized for larger screen and 3.0, not smaller screen and 2.2. Blackberry is not cheap and very limited app store. Windows 7 is possible, I find it a good O/S but maybe more horsepower and less battery life than you need.

Or, get a $250 netbook and swap in a SSD and more RAM.

The free public domain books usually come in several different formats. There are ePub readers available for android including kindle for android.

Yes. You can download virtually any type of ebook to a Nooted device. On this page is a list of working apps, NookColor working apps - nookDevs

I feel like a broken record but...

Go to your local B&N.

Buy a nook Color. It's $250.

It will do everything you want.

If you want to tweak things a bit, when you get home install Auto-Nooter and you'll have full access to all of the standard Android features without the B&N interface getting in the way.

Following this install Opera Mobile or Dolphin HD (depending on your browsing tastes) for the web. Install K9Mail for managing all of your email. You'll be able to install nook, Kindle, and other type apps for reading stuff. The best is CoolReader because it opens multiple formats, is free, and its what I use to read the various forms of free books online (such as at Baen Free Library). Install Meridian for multimedia (my nook Color handles 640x480 video--standard DVD resolution--with aplomb). I use Zeam as my default application launcher.

Article on slashdot.org yesterday about installing Android 3.0 on a color nook...

All the latest info is on XDA-Developers Nook Color Development Forum

Mkay... think a nook color is the way for me.

Thanks everyone.

Now the hard part... convincing the boss (wife) that I need one. ;)

Birthday is next week

+1 on the Nook color, for your needs. --great price, great size, great styling/packaging....

If you want/need bluetooth or GPS, the Galaxy Tab seems the way to go. (tho 2x the cost)

Wow! That is exactly what I'm looking for! I guess I can live without the bluetooth since it has USB and WIFI. And the Price is where it needs to be!

I may just pick one of these up and "Noot" it.

Android 3.0 on a Color Nook sounds like the best of both worlds...