There are many devices that paved the way for the ultra-slick devices that tablets are nowaday. They all contributed ideas like using a mobile OS (The N770 ran Maemo), going with a bigger screen (CrunchPad, MS TabletPC) and using touch input (iPod Touch?). The result is that tablets are starting to become more uniform products. Pretty much all the devices released in the last year have screens ranging from 7″ to 10″, are light and thin, run a "phone OS" and have a camera on both their front and back.

The first device to really tie all of these "optimum specs" together was Apple's iPad. They've pretty much created and subsequently dominated the tablet market, but viable alternatives are starting to emerge. Like the Asus Transformer and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. I've been using the latter for little over a week now, and I love it.

There are two versions of the Galaxy Tab 10.1. There's an older, thicker model that you can with a Vodafone plan (10.1v), and there's the newer, thinner 10.1. Mine is the 8.6mm "non-v", and in terms of hardware, it's excellent. It has the same Tegra2 CPU that all the other Android tablets have, and its screen is wonderful. Excellent image quality and snappy touch response.

The Tab doesn't have a USB port or and SD card slot. There's an Apple-style all-in-one connector on the bottom. You can get an adapter from Samsung that plugs in there if you really need to plug in your USB stick. Instead, I use an app called "AndSMB" to simply copy files onto the tablet from Samba shares. Besides, "uPnPlay" lets me watch movies without copying them at all. Right from my server.

Weight is an important factor in how you use your tablet. You can hold the Samsung with one hand. You wouldn't want to watch an entire movie like that, but it works for things like text input. The back is glossy plastic, and it does get a little slippery sometimes. The plastic back allows the Galaxy Tab 10.1 to be one of the lightest tablets out there, notably lighter and thinner than the Acer Iconia for instance.

But no matter how small, light and sexy a device is, it's useless without good software. And after playing with my Tab for a week it's very clear that Honeycomb (Android 3.x) is still in its infancy. It works, but it doesn't always make good use of the large screen. The browser crashed on me a couple of times, but admittedly with very complex websites.

The real downside to getting an Android tablet right now is that there aren't many true "tablet apps". Besides the excellent Gmail app that comes with Android, I found a good Twitter client (TweetComb), a nifty Facebook app (Friend Me), a remarkable feed reader (Feedly) and a couple of games. Most other apps run fine, but they simply stretch to fit the screen, resulting in unnaturally long lines of text and other awkward usability issues.

This situation is almost certain to resolve itself over the coming months. Given Android's quick rise to dominance in the mobile OS market, developers are very likely to get on board. Existing apps will be updated, or get special "HD" versions, and new developers will try to get part of the Honeycomb app market. And meanwhile, I'm pretty sure Google's hard at work on the next version of Android too.

The Galaxy Tab 10.1 (non-v) is the current champion of Android tablets. It's thinner and lighter than the iPad 2 and its screen is excellent. For the moment, it's held back by its software platform. But that doesn't mean that it's a bad device. If you're into Android, I'd recommend the Samsung over the iPad. If you're not, I'd encourage you to tryi both before making up your mind.

Savour the latest spring and summer fashion trends. Natural fabrics, inspiring textures, earthy colors and rosette adornments are the latest in chic style

Winter is wrapping up nicely and the weather is getting a little warmer. Gone are the dark and dreary mornings filled with crisp cool air and layers of comfy cozy clothing. Embrace the spring fashion season by shedding those layers and investing in some of the latest fashion trends and styles the season has to offer!

Natural Fabrics, Subtle Sheen and Lots of Texture

Natural fabrics are a great way to celebrate the spring season. Organic cotton, bamboo and silk are two of the most comfortable fabrics worn against bare skin. With an endless choice of colors and styles organic cotton and pure silk make for beautiful clothing.

Silk works best for camisoles and blouses whereas silk pants require too much maintenance and wrinkle very easily. Look for silk blouses and camisoles that fall past the waistline and over the hips. Pair them with long cardigans, blazers or jackets and a pair of simple pair of leggings. Slip on a pair of beautiful yet classic ballet flats to complete the look.

Organic cotton and bamboo are incredibly luxurious and comfortable clothing. The best part about these all natural fabrics is that they wash and wear very well and will last for seasons to come. Look for naturally organic scoop neck or capped sleeved t-shirts. Capri pants, cropped army inspired jackets and above the knee flared skirts are this season's hottest looks.

Texture is very a very important element of style because it will make an outfit pop. Try fabrics that have plenty of texture including lightweight knits, cashmere wraps, contemporary styled jackets and funky silk or chiffon scarves.

Make a Fashion Statement this Spring with Ruffles and Rosettes

There is no doubt about it; the feminine look with lots of ruffles and rosettes is in style. Rather than going overboard with the frilly girlie look make it a point to wear only one fashion item with ruffles or rosettes.

A pair of peep toe shoes, a t-shirt or cardigan embellished with pretty rosettes or ruffles can take an outfit from average to outstanding. Look for t-shirts funky feminine sleeves, a decorated neckline or a pretty embellished design and pair it with a sleek pair of trousers or; for a more casual look wear it with a flared or button up jean skirt.

Ruffles and rosettes can be found on almost any fashionable clothing item including earrings, shoes, handbags and belts. They key is to invest in organic fabrics and wear the ruffles or rosette embellished pieces with simple and classic items that won't take away from the feminine yet fashionable appeal of the outfit.

Be Bold with Colorful and Graphic Leggings

Leggings were the fashion statement of the winter season and are still incredibly popular as the weather warms up. This time the focus won't necessarily be on black but on leggings with color and prints.

Graphic and bold leggings are not for the faint at heart. This is for the fashionista who wants to stand out from the crowd and be noticed. However, it is important to be noticed for the right reasons. Make sure that if colorful leggings are worn they are worn in such a way that they do not clash with the rest of an outfit.

Wear a pair of colorful or print leggings with a long figure hugging cashmere cardigan wrap or simple fitted bamboo jacket with clean contemporary lines.

This spring and summer fashion season is filled with beautiful lines, comfortable styles, earthy colors and lots of feminine and chic designs.