April 6th 2012 While Google and its hardware partners have been incredibly successful with their range of Android-based smartphones, the same cannot be said for 10 inch android tablet. Apple's iPad remains the dominant force in a sector it did much to popularise and despite some high-profile challengers - including the Motorola Xoom and Asus Transformer - that situation shows little signs of changing.
However, one Android-based tablet has done better than most. Online retailer Amazon launched its 7-inch Kindle Fire back in September 2011 and it has since gone on to sell around 6 million units, making it the best-selling Android slate yet. Astonishingly, it remains a US-exclusive at the time of writing, with no solid confirmation of a UK release as yet.
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Naturally, in the wild and wonderful world of Android, there are always alternatives. The Huawei MediaPad boasts the same general dimensions as the super-portable Kindle Fire, but is running Android 3.2 (the Fire is packing 2.3) and - most importantly - is available in Great Britain. With the 7 inch android tablet sector set to expand over the next twelve months amid rumours that Apple is prepping a smaller iPad, does this attractive device from the Far East warrant investigation? We're going to find out.
Even if Apple sticks to Steve Jobs' famous prediction that 7-inch tablets are 'DOA', the Huawei MediaPad presents a surprising option for those who crave a super-portable slate but still value gorgeous product design. Fashioned from a single piece of aluminium, it looks every inch a Cupertino product. The top edge of the MediaPad calls to mind the Apple iPhone 4S, and the rounded corners practically scream 'iPad'. It's a slavish retread of existing products, but that matters little - the MediaPad is hands-down one of the best looking Android tablet pc available.
Around the back, you'll discover two triangular plastic sections, one of which can be removed to reveal the microSD card and SIM card slots. The MediaPad is capable of 3G wireless connectivity, making it a truly mobile device - something that many Android-packing rivals cannot boast. With a SIM installed, you can even make voice calls (using an applicable headset) and send text messages.
However, one Android-based tablet has done better than most. Online retailer Amazon launched its 7-inch Kindle Fire back in September 2011 and it has since gone on to sell around 6 million units, making it the best-selling Android slate yet. Astonishingly, it remains a US-exclusive at the time of writing, with no solid confirmation of a UK release as yet.
Naturally, in the wild and wonderful world of Android, there are always alternatives. The Huawei MediaPad boasts the same general dimensions as the super-portable Kindle Fire, but is running Android 3.2 (the Fire is packing 2.3) and - most importantly - is available in Great Britain. With the 7 inch android tablet sector set to expand over the next twelve months amid rumours that Apple is prepping a smaller iPad, does this attractive device from the Far East warrant investigation? We're going to find out.
Even if Apple sticks to Steve Jobs' famous prediction that 7-inch tablets are 'DOA', the Huawei MediaPad presents a surprising option for those who crave a super-portable slate but still value gorgeous product design. Fashioned from a single piece of aluminium, it looks every inch a Cupertino product. The top edge of the MediaPad calls to mind the Apple iPhone 4S, and the rounded corners practically scream 'iPad'. It's a slavish retread of existing products, but that matters little - the MediaPad is hands-down one of the best looking Android tablet pc available.
Around the back, you'll discover two triangular plastic sections, one of which can be removed to reveal the microSD card and SIM card slots. The MediaPad is capable of 3G wireless connectivity, making it a truly mobile device - something that many Android-packing rivals cannot boast. With a SIM installed, you can even make voice calls (using an applicable headset) and send text messages.