Consumers looking for cheaper tablets

Since it first launched in April 2010, Apple's iPad® has maintained a healthy lead in the tablet market. Even as tablet computers from other companies continue to emerge, they have done little to pull consumers away from Apple's device.

According to a report from market strategy consultancy iGR, one area where other manufacturers need to capitalize is price.

With a $499 base price tag, Apple® has made it difficult for those looking to compete without making significant compromises to the products themselves. But as more tablet's based on Google's Android™ and other operating systems reach the market, the trend toward more affordable devices is definitely becoming more prevalent.

One such tablet that hits the mark is the IdeaPad® Tablet K1 from Lenovo®. Starting at $399, the Android-based tablet achieves a price level that consumers can get behind, and with full Flash® support, front and rear cameras and a handful of pre-loaded apps and capabilities, the tablet doesn't sacrifice in terms of functionality.

Research firm Gartner estimates that nearly 70 million tablets will ship in 2011. That figure is expected to skyrocket in the following years, and those that are able to produce affordable devices that don't undercut capabilities are more likely to find themselves in the thick of the competition.