Best Android tablets

Want to get swipe-happy on a tablet but don't fancy the iPad? Fair enough. After all, Android is the fastest-growing operating system around and, thanks to a few years of rapid growth and development, it's now neck and neck with Apple's iOS mobile platform. Now may very well be a good time to embrace the 'droid.

With so many Android slates flying around, with each one promising different versions of the software, it can be extremely difficult to figure out just which tablet is for you. But don't worry -- CNET UK is on hand with some rules to follow when you're making that vital purchase.

Android operating system

Android is an ever-changing beast, with each update bringing a few new features or a slightly improved interface. It's important to download these updates where possible, because they'll keep your tablet on the cutting edge. Updates to the latest versions of Android can often be excruciatingly slow to arrive though, so don't expect even high-end tablets to receive an update to the latest version as soon as it's announced.

Sometimes, manufacturers might not send out the latest software updates to their products at all. Normally, this is because of hardware restrictions -- for example, a tablet might not have the raw computing power to run a more advanced version of Android, and so, rather than have the tablet run slowly, a manufacturer will stop updating it. This also potentially bags them more money -- if you want the latest software you'll be forced to go out and buy a new tablet with more advanced hardware.

It pays to be clued up about the current version of Android, and to try and pick a tablet that's not going to be abandoned by its manufacturer. Making sure your tablet packs the latest hardware is the best way to make sure your tablet has a long lifespan in terms of updates. Most manufacturers slap their own software 'skin' over Android though, so even if you're not on the latest version, you may not be missing out on much.

Hardware choices

Arguably the most important piece of hardware in a tablet is the processor. It will determine whether your tablet runs as smoothly as a seal coated in otter grease, or as slowly as a sloth dipped in treacle.

Check out whether the processor is dual-core -- this will give your tablet a speed boost -- and also the clock speed. A dual-core processor with each core running at 1.2GHz will perform far better than a single-core processor clocked at 800MHz, for example. The latest wave of slates we'll be seeing in 2012 are packing quad-core chips, which will appeal to those who crave elite kit.

Bear in mind, though, the super-charged tablets will come with a super-charged price, and most apps you'll be running won't take full advantage of the power held inside. You may find that a fast dual-core slate will do the job fine and you might save yourself a packet, too. There's a tonne of other factors that will affect performance, but looking at the processor speed is a good basic strategy.

Size is important too. The bigger the display and the higher its resolution, the better everything will look.

Bear in mind, though, that, as you go bigger, tablets get gradually less portable. Think about where you want to use your Android tablet. If you want to use it out and about, a 7-inch tablet might be best, as it'll fit in a coat pocket or handbag, and you'll be able to wrap your thumbs around it to type.

Going for a larger tablet may be wiser if you intend to use it mainly at home. If you want to collapse on the sofa and casually browse the web, a 10-inch tablet will probably fit the bill. The extra screen size will make watching videos a little more comfortable, too.

The quality of screen can vary wildly between different companies, with some offering a brilliantly clear view and others rather more muted. We thoroughly test the screens in our reviews, so if you watch a lot of video, stay clear of anything we've said is too dull. It's always best to get an eyes-on too, so head on over to your nearest gadget store if you can.

Also check out the storage capacity -- how much storage space does the tablet offer, and does it have expandable memory via a microSD card slot? That will let you add an extra 32GB (or potentially infinite if you carry around enough SD cards) of storage to your tablet, which is good news if you watch plenty of movies.

To aid in your quest, we've gathered up five of our current favourite Android tablets below.