Tablets are proving to be the biggest trend in mobile technology in 2010, as more and more manufacturers step up to the plate.  While it all began with the iPad only a few months ago, the rush is now on for mobile tech companies to take advantage of the growing consumer excitement.  GWL takes a look at the iPad, and 6 of the most promising tablet alternatives.

Before we dive into individual tablet design and feature set comparison, it is necessary to get a rough idea of why tablets are such a big deal right now.  While many commentators view the tablet as a simple extension of the smartphone, there is also a legacy of tablet laptops, gaming devices, and drawing tablets that have also influenced modern tablet design and construction.

However, there is little point denying that the Apple iPad has a strong resemblance to an over sized iPhone, and that smartphones have had a very big influence on tablet design.  Other than Apple, some of the other big names getting involved in tablets include Samsung, Toshiba, and Dell.

Tablets are based on a very specific kind of user interface, that provides users with a new visual and tactile computing experience.  In many ways, tablets are the culmination of the move away from desktop computing towards cloud-based remote computing, which is basically a move away from personal processing towards more remote processing.   The tablet form offers a window into the Internet and a frame for personal media consumption – in a very literal sense.