Google is exerting some control, for example for a device to use Gingerbread (3.0) they have to meet the minimum specs. So there should be some standardization in the hardware out there after 3.0 hits. Also I think most Android apps are resolution independent already.

Actually, android have 3 general resolution groups defined. And programs are expected to maintain any non-scaleable graphics usable for them. Question is 3.0 will intro a new group.

So WSJ says a subsidized Tab will be between $200-$400 in the US.

No more subsidized for me, it's a ripoff. Borrow the money, buy it without subsidy, and make payments on the money you borrowed -- that's the way to save, and it's more honest.

But I have to say, this thread gets more and more interesting. The Archos stuff looks like a real possibility for me.

This is an interesting point, that I've thought of as well. The advantage to a console-like hardware arrangement is undoubtedly, lower development times (singular target, less testing), and increased opportunity for low-level optimization (ie. assembly inner-loops).

The downside is generally applications that are obsoleted with device iteration. Traditionally, backward compatibility on consoles has been through official emulators; which is vaguely reminiscent of the iPads app 'scaling'; which is not an emulator though a specialized case to handle older apps.

This just a continuation of the conversation as I agree with your post!

It will be interesting to see which strategy proves more successful. I'm inclined to think that the Android strategy is more suited to an ever evolving eco-system (think debian-esque repository) as apps are not limited to one-device and will live on after the device becomes old. In other words, I forsee the market continue to grow, rather than being divided into multiple concerns.

As an aside....

It's interesting to note that one of Google's technologies NaCl (or PNaCl specifically) can handle native code across multiple architectures at native speed. This is a planned component for Chrome OS, and will likely find its way into Android at some point (if not only in the browser). This technology give its implementers (Google, Nokia, Intel, etc) the benefit of to-the-metal optimization without sacrificing binary portability across disparate architectures! So far PNaCl is targeting ARM and IA-32 (or 64, I'm not sure).

As Android is open source, this may be hard to do . Of course, Google can certainly restrict its apps and marketplace to those devices that it deems has met this minima.

I think 3.0 includes a 'large' category for displays, which will likely have different UI consequences than the 'small' and 'regular' categories that exist now. This is not to say that Android currently will not work on a larger display, but that the native UI may be tailored to automatically use larger displays better than a simple resize.

All speculation, though. Only time will tell.

I would suggest: Save up for the device, then buy it. This way you can avoid debt!

But I agree, subsidy sucks. It implies far higher spending in the long run.

Out of curiosity: is there prepaid data in the US? I know that many countries, including Canada, have this service, which I think is a wonderful compliment to a device like the Tab (use data only when you need it, WiFi when you don't).

Having a plan specifically for this device would be too expensive (for me) to consider rationally.

Yes, there's prepaid in the US. I have TMobile prepaid, which currently costs me $15 a month, but I can move down to plans that cost even less. That's what I use for my N900.

The only problem is.. unless you are using T-Mobile most places won't give you a better plan because you have an unlocked or prepaid device.

Even I use T-Mobile.

But recently Virgin (I believe) bought out a Mifi device with unlimited 3G data (true unlimited - no 5GB limited crap like Verizon) a month for $40 flat. And it runs on top of the Sprint network - so OK coverage at that. Sprint it seems is pushing their 4G and hence is willing to see their 3G to Virgin.

So if someone is alone you could possible use this as a home and on the move intenet plan (albeit not as fast as wifi) and then use this to tether as many devices (or maybe a limit to 5 devices at a time) over wifi.

I like this solution - and hence my wish for a Wifi only Tablet - which I could tether to my existing N900 or a Mifi device maybe in the future.

Edit : Forgot to add the big point - Virgin Mifi plan is a no-contract plan - so you could use as needed and cancel and get back on again on a month-to month type of plan.