Hi all. I'm thinking of buying a cheapish tablet. I was looking around at the £100-120 no name (or lesser name) Chinese tabs, but I'm coming round to the idea that they excel in some areas but not others. So I'm willing to pay a few quid more for something that has gone through more testing/r&d and is a known brand.

I like the idea of the 7" galaxy tabs as they are a good size, have god features and connectivity, and are from a reputable company.

The problem I'm having though is which one to get. As far as I can tell samsung have following tablets on the market:

- Galaxy Tab 7 (the original a couple of years back?)
- Galaxy Tab 7 Plus (better spec, higher quality screen and android 3.2. Released late 2011 or early 2012 depending what review you read)
- Galaxy Tab 2 7" (recently released, but from reading reviews it has a poorer technical spec than the 7 Plus - like screen and processor. It does have Android 4 though)

Which one shall I get? I want to spend about £200, but want to have something up to date and as future proofed as is possible with this kind of technology. I'm not fussed by 3G models (they tend to bump up the price by £100 anyway).

I'm having trouble researching them, as google likes to guess what I want to search and ends up with results from the wrong model!

Hi,

If you want ICS (Android version 4) go for either the Tab2 or 7 Plus as these are the most recent versions. As far as the reviews go, I would take them with a pinch of salt as they are based on having an IPAD3 and use the US model

I have the Tab2 which I keep at work to watch the football and other upcoming sporting events. I cant fault it, the size if exactly right for my needs. Obviously if I had access to iPAD3 I might be disappointed, but I dont, so I'm not I think they have them in Carphone Warehouse so easy enough to try out.

Google IO is in 2 weeks, and the suggestion is Google/Asus will release a 7inch tablet, so if your not desparate I would at least wait to see what the opposition is doing.

I have the original Tab but it is a ridiculous notion to recommend it seeing as it is obsolete. I would go for the Tab 2 oput of the three you mentioned but I would concur with rosetech and wait to see what Google/Asus release.

Thanks guys. I might visit the local carphone whorehouse and have a play. It'll be good to see the screen quality and performance.

What is google io? Are they likely to be bringing out something budget or another £350+ device?

Google IO is Googles developer conference where they show off all the new stuff (and you get great freebies). So expect to see a glimpse of the next Android version aka Jellybean, Google TV which is coming to the UK in September, Chrome OS etc.

The new "Nexus" tablet is reputed to be a direct competitor for Amazons tablet so expect it to be cheap but with a really powerful processor and stock Android

If you do end up going down the chinese brand route I can highly recommend the Ainol Aurora. Has an LG screen, ICS and is priced about £105 on Amazon at the moment. I've had it about 2 months now and it's brilliant!

Hi craggers. I was actually looking at this one. They have a second generation Aurora coming out in the next couple of weeks for the same sort of price. I was really tempted, but there's a couple of features the Ainol lacks that the Samsung has - bluetooth, gps and a second camera (the Ainol has one, but I forget if it's back or front).

The question I ask myself is, are the above extra features and the Samsung name enough to warrant the extra £100 in price. I'm not sure!

- Galaxy Tab 2 7"

it might have poor technical spec but there is going to be upgrade and service to improve the smart phone

Yeah it would be nice if it had them features (it has a front camera btw) but nothing I miss.