The news has been awash with Apple for the last few months, be it good or bad coverage. Despite the scrutiny that both Apple and Steve Jobs have faced as of late, there is no denying the popularity that the iPad and the iPhone 4 have experienced. However, the consumer take-up of these two products should not overshadow the alternatives that are available.

The Apple iPad has opened the door for tablet devices and there are now several due to arrive in the coming months, starting with the Huawei S7. This 7-inch, Android powered device offers portable internet and entertainment at a price that is half that of the iPad. The S7 includes a built-in SIM slot for 3G connectivity, WiFi, Bluetooth and a 2MP Camera. From one charge, the battery lasts long enough to playback an entire movie, or gives 100 hours standby time.

Huawei are not the only company looking to release an iPad rival and it is likely that there will be a range of tablets with different operating systems available by Christmas. Dell has already released the Streak, although with a 5-inch screen it is not much larger than some smartphones. ASUS has announced plans for both Android and Windows-based tablets, due in early 2011. Several other companies are also rumoured to have tablets in the making, including the likes of Samsung, HP, Blackberry and LG. 

The interest shown in the market from both manufacturers and consumers since the release of the iPad is a good indicator of the growth it is likely to experience. This growth is likely to result in a great range of innovative tablets to choose from at prices very competitive to the iPad.

To pre-order the Huawei S7 Android Tablet and for friendly advice on tablets, smartphones and netbooks, head over to http://www.clove.co.uk .