iPad vs. Android tablet what are you expected

Which do you prefer, the Android Tablet or the Apple iPad 2? It's a toss-up; both have their devotees and their detractors. Do you go for the geek factor, or are user-friendly gadgets more your style? Is it personal taste, or is one really better than the other? You decide!

Hybrid Tablet Segment

A hybrid tablet is essentially a high-end tablet, with the added functionality of an attachable keyboard dock & trackpad. The form factor is similar to an ultrabook and it is also mouse-compatible. This segment was created by Asus, with the original Asus Transformer and has grown in popularity with the launch of the Asus Transformer Prime. Today, the hybrid tablet segment accounts for anywhere between 10-15% of all Android-based Tablets and is one of the fastest growing segments (after the Kindle Fire). Now, other PC/Tablet manufacturers have taken notice of this segment and have begun launching similar products.

Typing long emails and editing documents has long been a nightmare on touchscreen-only devices and hybrid tablets have come to prominence as a solution. Additionally, they are far more comfortable to use and carry, as compared to a tablet with a third-party keyboard accessory/dock, and offer significantly longer battery life. In terms of usage patterns, hybrid tablets could be used for productivity or high end gaming, apart from media tablet uses. Based on these usage patterns, the target segment for hybrid tablets is primarily high-end home users/power users and, in the long run, enterprise users. For these consumers, the key factors affecting their purchasing decision are most likely processing power, a keyboard dock, long battery life & a large, high-end application base. Based on this target market, the screen size and the price of the majority of products would be at the higher end of the market (10+ inches & $400-$600).

How does this affect the iPad?

The new iPad and the iPad 2 are still essentially high-end, high priced ($400+) media tablets, without the added functionality of being hybrid tablets. As these segmentation trends start to make their mark over the next year or two, the iPad will be caught between these two worlds. Apple could tackle this problem by introducing a smaller, low priced iPad (much to the dismay of the late Steve Jobs) or by introducing an iPad with a dockable keyboard (with integrated controls). Introducing a smaller, cheaper iPad would make Apple compete on far lower margins, risking their industry-leading operating profit margin. Unfortunately for Apple, introducing an iPad with a tablet dock would undoubtedly cannibalize sales of the Macbook Air, which is a high value product for Apple. Both strategies have their pitfalls, but they will be necessary if Apple expects to continue to be a major player in this industry.

source: http://www.androidauthority.com/the-ipad-vs-android-tablet-battle-70477/