NEW DELHI, INDIA: The year 2011 can be well remembered as an year of gadgets. Though the year is ending with pitched battle between mobile vendors over patent issues, how can one forget the launch of iconic gadgets that were launched during the same year?

The year will be well remembered for the the rise of the iPad, the spread of pay-as-you-go cloud services and the turmoil in the smartphone market with iPhone and Android knocking out RIM BlackBerry and Nokia.

Here are some of the iconic launches in 2011

Apple iPad 2

Within a day of announcing the availability in India the new version of Apple's tablet device, the iPad 2 was said to have gone out of stock! Though stocks are back ever since, that's how the Apples iconic iPad2 continues to sell.

The iPad 2 comes in both black and white versions is  thinner than an iPhone 4 and boasts faster processing speeds, and sports two cameras for Apple's FaceTime feature. Apple has also taken strides in making the iPad 2 more than just a device for consuming media, as its predecessor was. With the announcement of tablet versions of its garageband. The device, priced between Rs... 29,500 and Rs... 46,900

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, the Tab 750 is seen by Apple as a real threat to the iPad. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 inch is an upgraded version of the 7-inch introduced in October. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 runs on Google's newest Android version and Nvidia's dual core processor Tegra 2. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 has a bigger and brighter screen and weighs less than the iPad 2. However, it has access to only about half the applications Apple users do at more than 200,000 applications compared with over 425,000 applications from the Apple App store.

Aakash tablet

Dubbed the world's cheapest tablet computer, Aakash is powered by Android 2.3 and has a resistive touchscreen, Cortex A8-700 MHz processor and graphics accelerator HD video processor, 256 MB of RAM and 2 GB of internal memory. Other specifications are a one standard USB port, 3.5 mm audio jack, a 7 inch display with 800 x 480 pixel resolution, resistive touchscreen, GPRS and WiFi support.

But it has inadequate content, poor battery life, limited software and apps (its Froyo 2.2 phone operating system supports the GetJar store and not Android Marketplace), cheap construction, and a 7-inch screen not best suited for classroom use.

Bottom line: No threat to other tablets, and questionable impact on the classroom.

APPLE'S iPHONE 4

Apple iPhone 4 is available in market for Rs..34,500 (16 GB), and Rs..40,900 (32GB). If you are looking for even cheaper options you may consider Apple's refurbished iPhone 4 online.
Though not sold in India, refurbished iPhone 4 can be procured through Apple online stores in other countries. So, iPhone 4 (16 GB) can be yours at almost Rs..22,000.

SAMSUNG GALAXY S II

Samsung Electronics recently introduced its Samsung GALAXY S II (Model: GT-I9100), a thin (8.49mm) and lightweight (116g), dual-core smartphone.
It uses Android 2.3 Gingerbread, the latest version of the world’s fastest-growing mobile operating system. The next generation smartphone includes access to Samsung’s three new content and entertainment hubs, seamlessly integrated to provide instant access to games, e-reading and social networking services.

Price: Rs. 28,500 approx

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HTC EVO 3D

HTC, the Taiwanese mobile handset manufacturer, recently unveiled the HTC EVO 3D, the first ever 3D mobile handset. This gadget promises mobile multimedia experience with ultimate glasses-free 3D experience.
Apart from viewing 3D images, one can also capture 3D images. The device is built with Gingerbread (2.3) version of Android and features HTC’s first qHD 3D 4.3-inch display and a powerful 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon dual-core processor. The phone was recently launched in Signapore. However, Indians will have to wait a bit to get their hands on it.

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MOTOROLA RAZR

The struggling handset maker, Motorola, has launched new version of its best-selling smartphone 'Razr' which runs on the latest version of Android 2.3 (Gingerbread). The new Razr is sleeker and more powerful than the earlier models and comes with a 4.3-inch super AMOLED display, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass screen, 1 GB RAM and a dual-core 1.2GHz processor. It also has a front-facing 720p HD video camera and 8-megapixel rear-facing camera.
Price: Rs. 33,990 approx

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Nokia Lumia smartphones

Finnish mobile handset manufacturer Nokia recently announced the launch of Nokia Lumia smartphones based on Windows Phone in India. The Nokia Lumia 800 and Nokia Lumia 710 will be available in select retail stores across key cities and towns in mid-December. Both devices will be available for pre-order starting early December.
Price: Nokia Lumia 800 (approx Rs..29,000) and Nokia Lumia (approx Rs..19,000)

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Sony Xperia

Sony Ericsson in October announced its 'FingerTalk' campaign,  by introducing two versions of of its popular Xperia smart phone -  Xperia neo V and Xperia pro. The new phones come with in-built tabs of popular social networking sites that provide an easy way to communicate.

Sony Ericsson has tied-up with Bharti Airtel, to offer customers with 500 MB/month of free 3G/2G data usage for the first three months since the time of purchase of any of these Xperia phones. In addition to this, Airtel mobile customers buying these new Xperia devices will also be able to enjoy free Mobile TV experience for 200 minutes or 2 months, whichever earlier.

Price: Xperia neo V Rs.. 18,000 & Xperia pro Rs.. 22,000 (approx)

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What would be your choice ? Do write leave your comments in the box below