Don't want an iPad? Check Android out

— -- Should you buy an iPad or an Android tablet?

Comparing the iPad with the Android tablets on the market is like comparing one (literal) apple with a whole basket full of oranges. The iPad may be the perfect tablet fit for a wide swath of consumers, but is it really the right choice for everyone? Probably not, but to make that call you'd be well served to sit down and do some technological soul searching.

Apple's newest iPad is as sleek and polished as they come, with a price that's more than fair for its extensive feature set. And now that it packs 4G LTE, mobile hotspot support, a much-improved camera, and a dazzling Retina ultra-HD display, it's a better value than ever — but that doesn't mean that there aren't more fish in the sea. If your interest is piqued about what lies beyond, read on.

Can Android stack up with the iPad's new features?

While Apple is making much ado about some of the new iPad's additions, some of them are just playing catchup with the best Android tablets out there. If you want a dazzling display, Samsung's Super AMOLED screens won't let you down. If you're gunning for as much power as you can get, the Asus Transformer Prime packs a true quad-core processor, while the new iPad only sports quad-core graphics processing. And store shelves are peppered with 4G Android tablets — just be sure to choose a network with good service in your area and you'll be all set.

That said, some things haven't changed. iOS is the most user-friendly, app-packed operating system out there. If you just want games, games, and more games, the App Store will keep you busy for a long time to come. Google's Android app store is still catching up when it comes to apps designed with tablets in mind.

Choice, choice, choice

The biggest difference between the iPad and Android tablets can be summed up succinctly: choice. I mean, really, a lot of choice. Which is both a good and bad thing, depending on how willing you are to do a little homework. While the iPad is one (or two, if you're interested in the now last-gen iPad 2, which is admittedly a steal at $399), Android tablets are many. Any tablet running any form of Google's mobile operating system falls into this massive bucket, which unfortunately can make separating the wheat from the chaff a bit of a chore. It also means that if something about the iPad is a mismatch for your needs, then you're guaranteed to find an Android tablet to fit the bill.

Size, budget, and your game plan

Tempted to just head to an Apple store and call it quits? Before you do, the iPad's price and screen size are worth of a long hard look. Is $499 pushing your billfold into uncomfortable territory? Does 9.7 inches seem a little oversized for reading in bed, or cruising the web while you commute to work? Trust your instincts. Any misgivings you have going into making a big buy like a tablet computer will likely only become exaggerated over the course of owning it. Go to the mall and get your hands on an iPad, and on a cross-section of Android tablets. See what feels right to you, and keep a sharp eye on how much you're willing to spend so you stick to the game plan.