What are your recommendations?

Not in a hurry so if there is something on the horizon, I can wait.

Android Market has been hacked onto the new Archos tablets, so the $300 10" would be my choice. Ofcourse, I'm typing this on my iPad... though I was waiting for the Archos when I received this as a gift.

You said you were willing to wait, and I would. At this point there aren't really any compelling Android tablets.

Samsung Galaxy Tab availability just announced.

In November on Verizon, for $599 for the 7 inch.

No contract, you have to add data plans, optionally.

You get VCast shovelware preloaded.

Wifi-only model available later.

Why would anyone pay more for a 7-inch tablet, running a version of Android which isn't optimized for tablets, over an iPad?

I can name a lot of reasons

The hardware on the tab will be ready for Gingerbread, which comes out around the end of the year. So, it isn't unthinkable that a more optimized version will be out soon.

Also, how was iOS "optimized for tablets" ? Other than the app size change, not much happened in it. Android runs just fine on most other tablets (like the Dell Streak), and making the move from 4" to 7" doesn't mean you need to change that much.

Well I guess a 7-inch tablet would be like a Kindle, a bit more portable, but not pocketable.

But why pay more, for those cameras?

Some have speculated that while Samsung should get good prices on the SOC since they make them, they're probably not able to get the volume discounts that Apple is getting on other components.

The Galaxy phones got off to a good start but they're already being discounted so it'll be interesting to see how long Samsung/Verizon can maintain a price premium.

Because it isn't covered with Cupertino slime.....

Figured as much.

So you're going to buy one of these Android tablets then?

BTW, all these products are manufactured in the Far East. Most of the inventory never goes through Cupertino.

Or nearby Mountain View where Google is based.

I assume that these of Android tablets have been seriously tweaked for the tablet, e.g. As much as iOS has been for the iPad.

I heard that some upcoming version of Android would be better suited.

You can also head over to dealextreme from cheaper no name alternatives.. 100-150$ free shippping.

Galaxy Tab is going to be available on Sprint for $399 with a 2-year contract, at either $30 or $60 a month.

Wondering if there will be UMTS versions or the ones on Sprint are for both EVO and UMTS.

Mixed review (at best) of the Samsung Galaxy Tab, billed as the first serious Android tablet:

http://gizmodo.com/5686161/samsung-g...le-train-wreck

Archos 70 and Archos 101 are up for preorder from J&R now... the Archos 70 with 250gb HD is particularly interesting if you're a media junkie (movies, TV, etc) since it packs more serious storage for a larger video library, along with 720p MKV, MP4, and h.264 video support. These come with 2.2 out of the box and there's also a hack to get the official Android Market installed. The hardware of these newer models looks pretty competent as well. Archos 70 models start at $270 and Archos 101 models start at $294. Not sure how the full-screen app bug affects these, though if it does then I would assume the Galaxy Tab workaround would apply here as well.

I'm looking for a inexpensive Android tab for my living room primarily for use as a remote for my media center. Just finished remodeling a second home and I need to make the remote control wife friendly (she hates tech).

I have all my media center in a closet (Tivo Premier, SlingCatcher, Onkyo receiver (NR808), DVD player) and am putting a RedEye Wifi->IR controller in there. In the living room, I want an Android pad as a wifi remote as today the RedEye will provide web based control and they are starting dev on an Android app.

So - that's my profile/need for a low cost, wifi Android tablet. Remote control, web based TV guide, some mild browsing and e-mail access. Can't justify a $500 iPad for that. Could use our touch (and may) but a 7" pad screen would be nice.