Five tablets we’re excited about in the second half of 2014
2014 has had some great tablets so far (we're big fans of the new Asus MeMO Pad, and Toshiba's latest hybrid), but there's still some great devices yet to come! Here are five tablets coming out in the second half of this year that we're excited about. Technically, three of them are new iPads, but we've listed those as one to keep it fair 🙂
By Alex Choros
2014 has had some great tablets so far (we're big fans of the new Asus MeMO Pad, and Toshiba's latest hybrid), but there's still some great devices yet to come! Here are five tablets coming out in the second half of this year that we're excited about. Technically, three of them are new iPads, but we've listed those as one to keep it fair 🙂
New iPads
It is likely that the iPad Air and iPad Mini will both receive the addition of a Touch ID sensor, as well as an incremental specs bump at the end of year. While rumours suggest these devices will only be getting a minor upgrade, there is talk of a new 12.9" model known as the iPad Pro. Based on display panels under development, the iPad Pro could potentially ship with a resolution of 2732 x 2048. And at 12.9", the rumoured device would be going toe-to-toe with the 12" Microsoft's Surface Pro 3. If the iPad Pro is real, get the popcorn ready because it’s going to be a good fight!
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
Billed as both a replacement for both your laptop and your tablet, the Surface Pro 3 is a pretty fascinating device. Microsoft claim to have addressed a number of criticisms from the previous models, such as the fact you can't use the device on your lap, the poor trackpad on the keyboard cover, and the kickstand's limited number of angles. It will be great to see how these changes have been implemented, and we're excited to get our hands on one as soon as they're available!
Toshiba Encore 2
The Toshiba Encore 2 is another Windows tablet, but this one's off the budget variety. The 8" model will start the amazing price of USD$199, while the 10" will attract a $70 premium, bringing the price to USD$269. Toshiba will include a one-year subscription to Office 365 with the tablets, making them an even more attractive prospect for the penny-conscious. The Encore 2 will be available this month in the USA, and hopefully soon after in Australia.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S is another tablet you should get the popcorn out for, but this time it's for movies. The Galaxy Tab S's battery will apparently give you 10 hours of high definition movie playback! Pretty impressive! Both the 8.4" and 10.5" models are available in WiFi and 4G variants, which is great for those who want don't want to tether to their tablet to their phone. This seems like the perfect tablet for those long flights or road-trips. The 10.5" model is literally days away, releasing on this coming Monday.
Google Nexus 10 (2014)
While the Nexus 7 got a refresh last year, the Nexus 10 is long overdue for an upgrade. Fortunately, it might just one in Spring, alongside the rumoured release of a Nexus 6 flagship phone and Android L. The device is rumoured to retain the same massive 2560 x 1600 10.1" screen, and is thought to be powered by a nVidia Tegra 4 chipset. I guess we'll just have to wait and see!
Want to read about what else is coming out in 2014?
Five phones we're excited about in the second half of 2014
Five video games we're excited about in the second half of 2014
Sources: MacRumours, PC Advisor
