10 Mobile Devices to Buy Before Apple’s 13-Inch iPad

by Don Reisinger

This is an obvious one, isn’t it? Customers waiting on a 13-inch iPad can buy the Apple’s 9.7-inch slate right now. The device runs the same operating system that the 13-inch model would, and it comes with a great feature set and nice design. What’s not to like?

Despite its much smaller screen, the iPad Mini might also be a desirable alternative to the full-size iPad. Not only does the device run the full version of iOS, but it has a stellar design. For those who want greater mobility, the iPad Mini is a nice tablet choice.

Apple’s intent with the 13-inch iPad is to take control of the big-screen game. However, there are already devices available, including those from Samsung, that have nice, big displays. Chief among those devices is the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1, boasting Android and—you guessed it—a 10.1-inch screen.

Apple’s MacBook Air comes in two sizes—11 inches and 13 inches. While the 11-inch model might be a good choice for those who want some extra mobility, the 13-inch option has the same screen size that the larger iPad would have and runs a full desktop operating system. That seems like a better option.

If the 13-inch MacBook Air is a worthy purchase, then the MacBook Pro must be as well. That device comes with screen sizes of 13 and 15 inches and once runs Apple’s OS X desktop operating system. Perhaps most importantly, it comes with the extra power that customers will never find in an iPad.

Similar to the MacBook Air, Ultrabooks are designed for customers who want to be mobile and productive at the same time. In other words, they compete directly with tablets. To their advantage, Ultrabooks run full Windows versions and come with more power than what folks would find in the iPad. Ultrabooks offer a great value for those seeking a large-screen alternative to the iPad.

Lightweight notebooks are admittedly on the way out as both tablets and Ultrabooks cannibalize their sales, but they can be purchased right now for a great price. In fact, buying a lightweight notebook is oftentimes much cheaper than investing in a full-size iPad. When it comes to value, it’s hard to argue against a nice, lightweight notebook.

The Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga is a great device for enterprise customers. Not only does it support standard tablet functionality, but with a quick twist of its attached keyboard, it turns into a full-size notebook. Plus, it’s running Windows. The IdeaPad Yoga should not be overlooked in this roundup.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 line is a great alternative to Apple’s iPads. The devices lack the stylus found in the Galaxy Note, but come with gorgeous screens, outstanding software and a design to drool over. They’re definitely worth considering for those who want a nice, capable tablet right now.

The Surface’s disappointing sales have caused some to wonder whether Microsoft will get out of the tablet market. However, the company’s Surface Pro might have some more legs than those folks think. After all, the Surface Pro is well-built with its magnesium finish and, thanks to Windows 8 Pro, it’s a nice option for quite a few corporate customers. Consider the Surface Pro as a potentially appealing option for would-be 13-inch iPad buyers.