HTC Flyer review – Pen pal

Final words

That’s that then. One of the most unique Android tablets out there - the HTC Flyer. It does well - even without the all-important dual-core processor and cream-of-the-crop Honeycomb OS.

The thing that sets it apart from most tablets, is the HTC Sense topping and the HTC Scribe technology. This is as close to unique as it gets for the Flyer. In all other aspects a rival tablet can be found to top it - speed, display, imaging, body size and weight, and price. So this tablet is one that comes with a few compromises. You can do better – and it doesn’t even depend on the amount of cash you have at your disposal.

The Flyer will cost you about 650 euro (~$925) for the 3G-capable version and 500 euro (~$712) for the Wi-Fi only version. It's not cheap at all – but we’re used to seeing HTC charge a premium for build quality and customizations.

Apple are usually no different but even the iPad 2 costs less than that. The unique iOS experience will set you back about 490 euro or $690. It's the most popular tablet and the sequel to a trend-setter.

Apple iPad 2 • Apple iPad

Just as a reference, the original Galaxy Tab – may as well make you forgive the lower-clock CPU with a sweet price tag of 270 euro (~$380).

Samsung Galaxy Tab

The BlackBerry PlayBook is a major challenger in the same 7-inch league. It will run circles around the Flyer with its dual-core TI OMAP 4430 chipset. We wouldn’t say no to the fluid handling, great multi-tasking ability and FullHD video either. Then there's the price, 385 euro or about $550 doesn’t sound too bad. The PlayBook only loses to the Flyer in the connectivity: a European 3G enabled version is still to come.

BlackBerry PlayBook

The Galaxy Tab 8.9 3G certainly deserves a nod too. It's almost the same size and weight and offers a far superior 8.9" display. A dual-core tablet as well, it outperforms the Flyer by some distance. It will set you back about 440 euro (~$630), which is the price of the Wi-Fi only version.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9

As you can plainly see, the Flyer will have to battle enemies on all fronts. And it doesn't have the weapons to stop most of them. It's slightly subpar in today's power-crazed market of uber-slates edging into netbook territory. If you're in it for the best there is, the Flyer may not be what you're looking for.

But if you like something different, which easily stands out in the crowd, you might well want to give it a spin.