How the top iPad Air alternatives compare with Apple's latest tablet

The iPad Air enters the market facing more-viable competition than any of its predecessors. We go down the list of its top competitors and detail the advantages and disadvantages of each.

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Eric Franklin

Oct. 29, 2013 6:00 p.m. PT

2 min read

Tim Stevens' iPad Air review is up and -- big surprise! -- it's more iPad. An evolution as opposed to a true revolution in tablets. As such, it's entering a much more competitive market than any iPad before it. There are quite a few viable -- and most times cheaper -- alternatives to the iPad Air. And more are still coming.

That said, Apple still kills it when it comes to app availability and quality, and the iPad Air epitomizes high-end tech. Also, the iOS interface -- although not nearly as customizable as some of its competitors -- is fast, simple, and often problem-free.

Still, if you aren't dead set on an iPad purchase, here are a few large-size alternatives, with their advantages and disadvantages compared with the iPad Air in tow.

The Surface 2 may win the value argument against the iPad Air. Josh Miller/CNET

Microsoft Surface 2 (starts at $449 for 32GB)
Advantages versus iPad Air: Price starts at $50 less for twice the storage space; comfortable keyboard accessory with an included touch pad; free full Office 2013 included; deep photo-editing options.

Disadvantages versus iPad Air: App support is dismal compared with iOS; gaming performance not quite as impressive.

Gaming performance, customer service, and a robust media ecosystem are the Fire HDX 8.9's strong suits. Pictured above is the Kindle Fire HDX 7. Josh Miller/CNET

Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 (starts at $379 for 16GB)
Advantages versus iPad Air: Available with 64GB for $20 less than the iPad Air, which has 16GB; unbeatable synergy with your books, movies, TV shows, and music; unparalleled personal customer service with video-chat-enabled Mayday feature; display runs at a higher resolution with more pixels per inch.

Disadvantages versus iPad Air: The heavily curated app store results in plenty of missing apps; costs an extra $15 to remove ads; design doesn't hold a candle to the Air's high-end look and feel.

Asus Transformer Pad TF701 (price is unannounced)
Advantages versus iPad Air: Higher resolution and brighter screen; Android 4.3 is a much more open and customizable OS than iOS.

Disadvantages versus iPad Air: Some top apps not available on Android; despite the TF701's power, iOS versions of games tend to look better

The Galaxy Note 10.1 displaying its biggest advantage over the iPad Air. Josh Miller/CNET

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition (starts at $549 for 16GB)
Advantages versus iPad Air: The S Pen stylus is a more natural way to interface with a touch screen; its 2,560x1,600 resolution is higher; plenty of fun and useful camera options; the TouchWiz UI is extremely customizable.

Disadvantages versus iPad Air: Starts at $549 with only 16GB of storage; a high learning curve to using the stylus.

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