HTC Flyer Vs. The iPad

As the tablet market grows increasingly crowded, new devices are greeted with an inevitable question: How do they compare to Apple's iPad? The most recent entry in the tablet market is HTC's Flyer, which has made waves after its Mobile World Congress announcement this morning. Here's what the Flyer is bringing to the tablet fight:

The basics: The Flyer touts a 1.5 gHz processor, 1GB RAM, and 32 GB of built-in storage. A set of cameras, one on the front, and one on the back.

The Operating System: The Flyer runs a modified version of Android 2.4 (Gingerbread), which is an older version of the operating system not optimized for tablets. HTC has also chosen to include its Sense user interface in the device. Sense is currently found in phones like the HTC Desire.

Why It Matters: The Flyer is the first tablet from HTC, and the most recent entry in an increasingly-competitive tablet market. With HTC's Scribe technology, the device also supports the use of a pressure-sensitive stylus add-on, a unique feature likely to be a major selling point for the device. Notes taken with Scribe can be synchronized with Evernote's notetaking software as well.

What Else?: The device is also the first mobile device to support LiveOn, the streaming game service.

Release: Second quarter 2011

Price: Not specified.

Will it Succeed?: As with many of the recently-announced tablets, the success of the Flyer will depend on more than its size and price point. While smaller than the Xoom and Tab, and iPad, the Flyer will draw its appeal largely from its software offerings, especially its HTC Watch service and LiveOn integration. It's stylus support will also be a major pull.

To contact the reporter responsible for this story call (646) 461 7294 or email r.bilton@ibtimes.com.