So for the past week I have been watching the iPad adverts on TV and thinking "I need one right now" well not need, more WANT. The short comings of the iPad have been discussed to death but just to recap it has no flash support, lack of multitasking and lack of support for a variety of video formats.
I want a device that will let me read .pdfs for work, RSS feeds, watch video (any format), listen to music and browse the Web. So what are the alternatives? 
Pegatron 'Slate PC' | Windows 7 | Price: TBA | Launch: TBA
The Pegatron is manufactured by a Taiwanese company and looks similar in specs to the WePad. The Pegatron device boats Windows 7 Home Premium on an 1.6 GHz Intel Atom CPU, 1GB of RAM, 32GB SSD, webcam and HDMI connectivity.
So what can the Pegatron device offer that the iPad doesn't? Windows 7 gives users flash support, flexibility and infinite applications with the freedom to do with it as they please however, the iPads touch friendly interface definitely has an one over Windows 7.
Notion Ink Adam | Android | Price : $400 - $800 | Launch : 3rd Quarter 2010
The Notion Ink Adam has a Tegra powered display with the ability to deliver 1080p Video. The device sports a HDMI connector, Android, Wifi, Rotating Camera for Photography or use as a Webcam and 3G connectivity. This unit will be thinner than the iPad. The Notion will amazingly deliver 16 hours of full HD video and 160 hours of e-ink thanks to its Tegra 2 chipset.
You will also be able to buy a 12.6 mm Pixel Qi version, which basically lets you switch between e-ink (e-reader type) display and the standard version which will be thinner. The ability to toggle the display between Pixel QI and normal does offer a huge advantage for people who get tired of reading text on normal screens.
There are rumours of a 12 mp camera, which may support HD video recording (Source: Slashgear)
HP Slate | Windows 7 | Price: £350 - £400 | Launch: June
The HP Slate has been rumoured to offer the following specs : an Atom CPU, USB connectivity, a memory card reader, and a back-mounted webcam. It is HP's offering partnering with Microsoft to deliver a tablet, which offers a touch friendly version of Windows 7.
The HP slate UI is customised for the smaller screen size using Adobe AIR and Flash. From the video below it seems it will use a slightly customized version of the Windows 7 on screen keyboard. The HP Slate's screen is smaller than the other two devices.
Conclusion
On paper the Notion Ink Adam seems to be leading the pack in terms of specs and features. Who could say no to a device that has so much to offer? All three devices offer something different (price point, 3g or HD video) and in the end only you can decide what is best for you. I prefer the Notion Ink Adam on paper (even if the android UI isn't as nice as the iphones) it sports some amazing specs and features such as the battery life, 3g, wifi, HD Camera (potentially) and Android marketplace. The question is, can I wait until September 2010 to buy one?
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