After the massive success of the iPad, fears that the laptop could soon be phased out by handheld devices are intensifying. There will soon be a selection of tablet computers to choose from and a range of iPad-style machines are being released by electronics manufacturers, which are tipped to even outsell the original trendsetter.

The laptop/notebook versions of computers, which have been gradually replacing regular desktop computers for the past few years are predicted by some to be consigned to the outdated list itself. And that it will be an army of pads and tablet pc’s that will now proceed to dominate the market. It is also a warning to the iPad, produced by Apple, which has had the market to itself, making over two million sales in the first two months of release.

This week, though, Apple will have its first challenger, as

Samsung became the first firm to unveil their own handheld tablet pc / mini computer / media player.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab has superb graphics and a touchscreen much like the iPad’s, but has the advantages of being smaller, lighter and having a built-in phone too. On top of all that, it is expected to be cheaper as well. This is just the tip of the iceberg for Apple’s worries, as the Galaxy Tab is set to be the first of many immenent releases of new versions of the ‘tablet’ computer.

The new products also confirm that the use of Internet TV could also be moving to a dominant new hardware.

Although some of the models are yet to be confirmed, below are some of the other names that Apple will need to watch out for.

	The HP Slate is set to be the device which will pose the biggest threat to the iPad and will be in a secondary competition with Apple due to the implementation of a Windows 7 system. Meaning the Slate can run flash which Apples device sorely lacks. This feature in itself will attract the more traditional PC users. In size terms, the Slate is bigger than the Galaxy Tab but slightly smaller than the iPad, and will also boast a three-megapixel camera which again, the iPad lacks.
	Like its brand namesake, the ExoPC Slate will also be running with Windows 7, and at a likey 32GB or 64GB – could one of the few to have a storage size to match Apple’s product. The key drawback, though, might be its estimated 5 hour battery life, compared to the iPad’s maximum of 10.
	The LG tablet PC is rumored to use the android operating system designed by Google. So it remains to be seen if the Android-based new tablet will replace or compete with UX10, the Windows 7-based tablet LG previewed at Computex 2010.
	The JooJoo may have a joke of a name, but do not let that throw you from the quality of the product. The biggest draw of Garage Fusion’s 4GB device is that it supports Adobe Flash Player, which you need to watch most online videos. The iPad doesn’t, which is a key drawback in their attempts to dominate the market.
	As the name suggests, the Binatone Homesurf is ideal for browsing the web at home, and is supplemented by a storage capacity of 2GB, which is minescule in comparision to the iPhone, but at a cheaper cost. The Homesurf also posesses a 7in LCD screen, built-in microphone and wi-fi. It is not yet confirmed, but Blackberry are said to be developing a tablet computer. Not much is known about their plans yet other than a 7-inch screen with a 1-GHz processor and flash support. Blackberry have proved a stiff rival for Apple in the mobile phone stakes, so a competitive product will be expected.
	At the cheaper endd of the scale, the Archos Android will look to use starting prices as low as £99 to edge into the tablet computer market, and its features will not dissapoint either, with Google Android being run as the operating system system, built in Wi-Fi, a media player for photos, videos, and music, a Flash Player, and a built-in webcam. This collection of features could lead to it being considered serious value for money.

Overall, the products are all set to challenge Apple’s unrivalled domination in the tablet computer market, so Steve Jobs may need another brainwave in order to stay on top amid the coming tablet invasion.

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