iPad, Android, BlackBerry and Windows

After years of limited success with tablets from a variety of vendors, in 2010, Apple's iPad created a tablet revolution as dramatic as it did with the iPhone. Android came close on its heels with models from several vendors. BlackBerry maker Research In Motion (RIM) introduced the PlayBook to entice existing BlackBerry users. See iPad, Android and BlackBerry Playbook.

Windows tablets have had an erratic history, appearing from time to time and disappearing, although Windows 8 is expected to change the game in that arena (see Windows 8 and Tablet PC). Each platform runs apps written only for its operating system; however, all have browsers for the Web.

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Early Tablet Computer

The Qbe ("Cube") was an example of an earlier tablet computer with built-in voice recognition, camera, modem and networking. Introduced in 1999, it included a stand and keyboard for desktop use. (Image courtesy of Aqcess Technologies Inc