The scoop: Galaxy Tab 10.1 with 4G LTE, by Samsung, starts at $530 (plus storage capacity options, network data plans).

What is it? If you're looking for a tablet that's NOT an 2, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 should definitely be on the list of other tablets to consider. From a technical standpoint, it's got many of the same (if not better) features and specifications as the competitor, and there should be enough apps within the Marketplace to satisfy your needs to customize the device to your particular needs.

BACKGROUND:

A quick look at specs: a 10.1-inch widescreen (1280-by-800 pixel LCD); 1GB of RAM (up to 32GB of storage capacity); Wi-Fi; 1GHz dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor; two cameras (2 megapixel front-facing, 3 megapixel rear camera for photos and video at 720p resolution); Android Honeycomb OS; and the ability to watch movies (built-in Flash lets you view videos on websites that may not play on the iPad), play music and access Google's services and other apps through the Android Market. It's about the same size and weight of the iPad 2, as well.

Why it's cool: The 4G LTE data access from Verizon gives this tablet a big jump over the iPad 2. While most people will likely be fine with Wi-Fi access only, connecting via 4G LTE offers faster data access and speeds for places beyond what Wi-Fi covers (most of the world beyond your office, home or coffee shop). This can be valuable for in-the-field workers, or for out-of-the-way spots that you may find yourself in. Having 4G access compared to 3G access is a big difference, too: In our tests, we received more than 20Mbps of download speeds on a regular basis within the 4G coverage area.