Right now, the Apple iPad holds about 75% share of the tablet market. Will 2012 finally be the year it gets some competition? The companies behind six of the diverse tablets that debuted at the International CES in Las Vegas think so.

Viewsonic’s E70 And Viewpad 10

Viewsonic has jumped onto the tablet bandwagon with three new models—two for Android and one for Windows. The most enticing quality of the Android models is their price, which is much less expensive than the current most popular tablets. The two E70 7-in. Android tablets run on Android Ice Cream Sandwich (Fig. 1). Powered by a 1-GHz single-core processor with screen resolution of 800 by 480, it only costs $169!

The 10-in. Viewpad 10 tablet is a dual-boot machine—you can run either Windows or Android on it. The hardware includes an IPS display at 1280 by 800 resolution. It also uses the Intel Oak Trail processor, running at 1.6 GHz, and includes 2 Gbytes of memory and 64 Gbytes of SD storage. The cost: a whopping $849!

Sony Tablet P

The Sony Tablet P is a foldable device that features dual 5.5-in. touchscreens (Fig. 2). This tablet is very portable, as it weighs less than a pound and is just over an inch thick when closed. The dual screens function together to give users some unique features, like the ability to read an e-mail on the top screen while typing on a virtual keyboard on the bottom.

The 4G tablet runs on Google’s Android operating system and is PlayStation certified, so users will have access to a variety of games. As long as Sony can develop apps for the dual-screen experience, it should be an interesting device. The price has yet to be determined.

The Razer Project Fiona

Razer announced its newest gaming design—the Project Fiona PC Gaming Tablet, which isn’t designed for general use and casual gaming. Rather, it’s equipped with Intel’s powerful Core i7 processor so it’s analogous to a fully functioning PC (Fig. 3). Instead of relying on developers to work on new applications for the device, it will run many full-fledged PC games that have never run on a tablet before.

This device features an all-new hybrid interface scheme, with integrated dual game controllers with ultra-precise analog sticks. Project Fiona is also designed with ultra-precise accelerometers and a highly sensitive multi-touch screen. Razer’s integrated dual controllers deliver full force feedback, so every explosion or gun recoil can be felt in the gamer’s hands. 

Lenovo’s IdeaPad S2 7

Lenovo and Amimon have teamed up to integrate Wireless Home Digital Interface (WDHI) technology into Lenovo’s IdeaPad S2 7 to enable the wireless transmission of content to any TV with zero delay (Fig. 4). To work, a receiver must be attached to the TV. WHDI functionality doesn’t translate into a larger footprint. It’s also very efficient, using “a few hundred milliwatts” of power to mirror the tablet’s display to an HDTV, according to the company.

“The embedded WHDI solution not only eliminates the need for cables, but also any external adaptors as it’s all built in,” said Judy Liu, manager of MIDH PAD Accessories Product Planning and Development. “WHDI actually mirrors the tablet user interface to the big TV.”

The WikiPad

WikiPad Inc. introduced the world’s first glasses-free 3D Android 4.0 tablet at CES, the WikiPad (Fig. 5). It offers 1080p high-definition 2D and 3D playback of all formats including H.264, VC1, VOB, ISO, M2TS, and FLV. The tablet has 8 Gbytes of flash storage with expandable micro SD storage to 64 Gbytes.

Furthermore, the WikiPad includes a mini HDMI and USB 2.0 port. It also has front and rear facing cameras. It features an attachable full gamepad—including two analog control sticks, a directional pad, start and select buttons, and four game pad buttons—that snaps on for the user to stream and play video games as well. It is rumored that the cost will be around $300.

AT&T/Pantech Element

Finally, do you want to take your tablet swimming with you? The Element, an LTE-Android tablet from AT&T and Pantech, is waterproof with an IP-57 rating, meaning it can be submerged under one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. It runs on Android 3.2 Honeycomb and has an 8-in. display with 1024 by 768 pixels, as well as two cameras (Fig. 6). This tablet will sell for $299 with a new data contract.