Top Tablets of 2011

The top tablets of 2011 allowed us to stay connected on the go, access email, watch Netflix and of course, play Angry Birds when we should be working. 2011 welcomed numerous additions to the tablet computer world such as the iPad 2, the HP TouchPad and the Asus Eee Pad Transformer. Clearly it was a good year to be the word "pad."

Each of the tablet models offered something bigger, better or lighter than its predecessors with new options like webcams and advanced operating systems but many critics will agree that the first notable tablet manufacturer still remains the best, Apple. The company may have lost its founder in Steve Jobs during the year but the Apple iPad 2 remains the go-to choice for most tablet owners.

The success of the iPad has not scared off competitors, in fact it only attracted other companies like HP, Sony, Toshiba and even Amazon to get in on the action. Even companies that primarily produce cell phones, like Motorola and BlackBerry released tablets in 2011 with the Motorola Xoom and BlackBerry PlayBook hitting shelves.

Of course non-Apple devices won't come with the Apple iOS interface but thanks to competitors like the Google Android operating system, competitors can enjoy all the bells and whistles of their favorite tablet without that cute fruit on the back.

As technology continues to evolve and the popularity of tablet computers continue to rise, these top models from 2011 will be remembered as the best of the year, but undoubtably will only serve as stepping stones on which to grow for new tablets for release in 2012 and beyond.