With the Samsung Galaxy Tab confirmed as the first high-profile Android tablet, and its launch expected in Berlin on 2^nd September, Simbasics gives you the rundown of the alternative Android tablets which will be coming soon.

Archos Internet Tablets

Archos were sort of doing the whole tablet thing before anyone else was. Their blown-up mp3 players were the first to offer a genuine way to watch videos in a handheld device.

The French tech company are planning to release five tablets, all of which are expected to be joining the IFA in Berlin. Apparently these range in size from a 10 inch iPad rival down to a 2.8 inch tablet that probably barely qualifies as a tablet.

As Archos havne’t got a whole lot of experience in the smartphone/pc market, we expect these tablets to be relatively light on features, but heavy on media playback and support. If this is the case, then expect similarly light pricetags accompanying them.

MSI Windpad 110

MSI are said to be bringing two tablets along to the IFA, one running a Windows 7 OS, and the other Android. Both tablets are thought to run on 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processors and a stock UI known as WindTouch. Having their own unique UI could either make or break the Windpads, as it will definitely make them stand out. Whether that is a good thing or not will remain to be seen.

The Windpad is rumoured to be around $400 which doesn’t quite put it in the cheap and cheerful category, but expect the likes of the Galaxy Tab to come in at more than that.

ViewSonic ViewPad 7

The ViewPad 7 is said to be firmly in the cheap and cheerful range of tablet PCs. But with 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, SD card support, front and rear cameras and a 7 inch screen, you get plenty of value for your money. If the ViewSonic UI can deliver an enjoyable user experience, the ViewPad could be the frontrunner as a budget alternative to the more expenseive tablets out there.

…And now for something a little different…

HTC Google Chrome OS Tablet

Technically this isn’t an Android tablet but is definitely worth a mention since it’s coming from the Google camp. A tablet that renews the partnership between Google and HTC could be the formula required for toppling the iPad.

Many people thought the iPhone was untouchable, but HTC and Google have delivered a viable challenger in the shape of the HTC Desire.

The web-based Google Chrome OS has so far only been found on netbooks, but from what we’ve seen of it, it could be the perfect hybrid OS for the hybrid format of the tablet.

Having significantly chipped away at Apple in the smartphone market, HTC and Google will be looking forward to launching a new assault on the American tecchie giants and the iPad.