well, the nexus doesn't replace the s2; the s3 comes out next year. That being said many manufacturers choose a larger spread of products and price points than apple.

On topic, I had a look at some tablets yesterday. (got my eye on the Transformer, which feels lovely).

Beware the clearance of numerous cheap Android 2.2 tablets; they're a long way off the smooth interface of Android 3 or 4; it's like buying a computer today with Windows XP, or buying an original Xbox or Playstation 2.

Being an iPhone user I've wanted an iPad for ages but didn't want to shell out £400.

So I've bought an Android device for £200 less and I couldn't be happier.

I was even surprised to get a feeling of freedom from Apple's stranglehold where everything is so carefully controlled and you can only do what they want you to do or get what they want you to get.

The only reason I would buy an iPad now is if I want to synch with my iPhone, which I don't.

Id throw the Asus Transformer (or the new Transformer Prime) into the mix ....

with the keyboard addon it pretty much cover the tablet AND the netbook needs.

Plus the keyboard adds another 7 hours of battery life and various extra input options.

if you are seriously shopping around for a tablet then Id say that the Transformer is a good one to compare alongside the iPad2 and the Galaxy tab range.

I'm seriously considering the Transformer, but after being pretty sold on its keyboard USP, it looks like most tablets have official/unofficial keyboard accessories/docks. Why is the Asus better? is the battery in keyboard a unique thing? Or the extra USB ports? It does feel very nice and I like the textured backing of it, less slippery than some of the others...

The whole unit is degined around the fact that it has a keyboard option. If its locked to the keyboard then
a) It has an extra battery (which i believe IS unique). If your battery on the tablet side runs low, plug it into the keyboard and it even crosscharges so you can undock again after a short while !
b) It folds like a netbook (providing screen protection whilst carrying around)
c) It provides a built in 'stand'
d) It has extra connectors
e) It even has a touchpad/mouse option complete with on-screen cursor ....

Many of the other tablets have keyboard 'docks' but i dont think many (if any) fold with the unit into a clamshell.

In my opinion its a great piece of kit .... and the Transformer 2 (Prime) has just come out too ... slimmer, lighter, Tegra 3 and ICS ....

very useful, thanks Stuart. Budget is a little tight so might wait to see if there's any clearance sales coming up when the Prime is in stock!

I think the Prime is similarly priced so if you keep an eye on ebay (etc) you might find the original transformer going cheaper