BlackBerry PlayBook, Android Tablet, or iPad 2?

Gadgets are being churned out by companies at an alarming rate. It was just a few months ago when Steve Jobs announced the iPad and we’re now being swarmed by different kinds of tablets, smart phones, and other mobile devices offered by great companies like Sony Ericsson, Samsung, Microsoft, Motorola, ASUS, HTC, and Research In Motion. I’ve been getting a lot of questions about which device I think is the best and my answer is usually the same: “it depends”. If there’s one key lesson that you can learn from all the new technology being released by different companies it’s that there’s something out there for you. Different flavors appeal to different taste buds and that holds true as well for consumer electronics.

Here are videos of the three major platforms currently in play in the tablet category: Android, Apple, and BlackBerry. Windows should be coming along soon as well.

ANDROID 3.0 HONEYCOMB VIDEO

BLACKBERRY PLAYBOOK VIDEO

IPAD – IPAD IS AMAZING TVC

The devices unveiled during CES 2011 showed that all other manufacturers can come up with amazing products with specs that can rival and even beat Apple. Last year people were mostly talking about the iPhone 4 and the iPad. This year will be different! This is a great thing since this gives the consumer (that’s you and me) more options.

So what’s the best product for you? My suggestion is to do this:

• Make a short list of gadgets that you want to buy. Get at least 2-3 brands per category.
• Check your gadget ecosystem. What’s your mobile phone? If it’s an iPhone 4 and you also have a MacBook then it might make more sense to get an iPad so that everything is a seamless experience. If you’re a BlackBerry-PC user, then the PlayBook might be for you. Sony Ericsson? Go for an Android tablet.
• Do research. Check out blogs and magazines. Get advice from friends.
• Make a short trip to stores that have sample products. Play around with them. Never buy a gadget without trying it first. Make sure it “connects” with you.
• Be aware of product refresh cycles. For example, rumors are going around that the iPad will be refreshed in a couple of weeks. It might not be a good decision to buy one tomorrow.

Last but not the least, before making product purchases make sure you can afford it. These gadgets are EXPENSIVE. Most people buy them end up in debt because of the 0% interest deals offered by retailers. Think long and hard if you need the devices or you might just be wasting money that can be put in investments to make your money grow more.