How and why I spent my birthday money

Because of my generous husband's birthday gift to me, and my lack of "neediness" for gadgets and toys, I had a hard time spending the huge gift certificate he gave me.  I waited for the "new" iPad to be released and started shopping for a tablet. The iPad had nothing compelling to me to justify the cost.

So I started my comparison between the Toshiba Thrive and the iPad2, especially since the price of those two units were comparable, since the new release of the iPad. Here were the pros and cons as they applied to me, and why I made the decision I did.

Pros

• SD card port (I take pictures and like this easy download option, not available on iPad2. I don’t have to plug in my camera and run that battery down too while downloading. I can pop out my SD card and plug it into the Thrive.)
• USB port (none available on iPad2)
• Bigger screen (10.1 vs 9.7)
• More RAM (1G vs 512MB)
• Flash (not available on iPad2)
• Google Navigation (not available on iPad2..free)
• My familiarity with Android OS (I've been using a Droid X phone for 2 years)
• Widgets, I love my widgets (no such thing on an iPad)
• My lack of convention (because everyone else has an iPad..sorry, not drinking to Kool Aid)
• HDMI and mini SD ports (not available on iPad2)

Cons

• Bulk (.62 pounds vs .34 pounds)

I played with one at Best Buy, and I like the feel of the back of the Thrive. It does not have a smooth back, and just feels like it would not slip out of your hands. The response time of the execution of the apps were virtually the same on both units.

So there ya have it....why I bought a Toshiba Thrive. Now I can't wait for it to get here....2 more days!!!

Thank you my most wonderful husband!