Toshiba Excite X10 vs. Toshiba Thrive

Attribute	Toshiba Excite X10	Toshiba Thrive
Display Size	10.1 inches	10.1 inches
Resolution	1280 x 800 pixels	1280 x 800 pixels
Processor	Dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9	Dual-core 1 GHz Cortex-A9
RAM	1 GB	1 GB
Internal Storage	16 GB	16/32/64 GB
Operating System	Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)	Android 3.1 (Honeycomb), upgradable to 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
Camera	5 MP (rear), 2 MP (front)	5 MP (rear), 2 MP (front)
Battery	Li-Po 7000 mAh	Li-Po 3260 mAh
Weight	535 g	725 g

Design and Build

The Toshiba Excite X10 and Toshiba Thrive are two tablets that offer distinct design and build qualities. The Excite X10 boasts an incredibly slim and lightweight profile, measuring just 7.7mm thick and weighing a mere 535 grams. Its sleek aluminum body gives it a premium look and feel, making it a stylish choice for users who prioritize aesthetics. On the other hand, the Toshiba Thrive has a more robust and rugged design, featuring a rubberized back panel that provides a secure grip and protection against accidental drops. It is slightly thicker and heavier than the Excite X10, but this trade-off offers enhanced durability and a more substantial feel in the hands.

Display

Both tablets offer impressive displays, but with some notable differences. The Excite X10 sports a 10.1-inch LED-backlit LCD display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels. This results in sharp and vibrant visuals, making it ideal for multimedia consumption and gaming. On the other hand, the Thrive features a slightly larger 10.1-inch display with the same resolution. However, it utilizes Toshiba's Adaptive Display technology, which dynamically adjusts the screen's brightness and contrast based on ambient lighting conditions. This ensures optimal visibility in various environments, making it a great choice for outdoor use.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Excite X10 and Thrive offer different hardware configurations. The Excite X10 is powered by a dual-core 1.2GHz TI OMAP 4430 processor, coupled with 1GB of RAM. This combination delivers smooth multitasking and efficient performance for most everyday tasks. The Thrive, on the other hand, packs a dual-core 1GHz NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor and 1GB of RAM. While slightly slower than the Excite X10, it still provides a snappy and responsive user experience. Both tablets offer ample storage options, with the Excite X10 offering 16GB or 32GB variants, and the Thrive providing 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB options. Additionally, both tablets feature expandable storage via microSD card slots.

Operating System and Software

When it comes to the operating system, both tablets run on Android, but with different versions. The Excite X10 ships with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, offering a smooth and intuitive user interface. It also provides access to the Google Play Store, allowing users to download a wide range of apps, games, and multimedia content. The Thrive, on the other hand, comes with Android 3.2 Honeycomb, which is slightly older but still functional. However, it is worth noting that the Thrive can be upgraded to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, providing a similar user experience to the Excite X10.

Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial aspect to consider when choosing a tablet, and both the Excite X10 and Thrive offer respectable performance in this regard. The Excite X10 is equipped with a 7000mAh battery, which provides up to 10 hours of continuous usage on a single charge. This makes it suitable for extended multimedia playback or web browsing sessions. The Thrive, on the other hand, features a slightly larger 23Wh battery, offering a similar battery life of around 10 hours. Both tablets also support fast charging, allowing users to quickly top up their devices when needed.

Connectivity and Ports

Connectivity options are essential for a versatile tablet experience, and both the Excite X10 and Thrive offer a range of options. Both tablets feature Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to connect to wireless networks for internet access. Additionally, they both offer Bluetooth 3.0 for seamless wireless file transfers and peripheral connections. However, the Thrive goes a step further by including a full-sized USB port and a full-sized HDMI port, enabling users to connect various peripherals and external displays directly to the tablet. This makes the Thrive a more suitable choice for users who require extensive connectivity options.

Camera

For those who enjoy capturing photos and videos on their tablets, both the Excite X10 and Thrive offer decent camera capabilities. The Excite X10 features a 5-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, allowing for high-quality photos even in low-light conditions. It also includes a 2-megapixel front-facing camera for video calls and selfies. The Thrive, on the other hand, comes with a 5-megapixel rear camera and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera, offering similar capabilities to the Excite X10. While neither tablet's camera performance is exceptional compared to dedicated digital cameras or smartphones, they are more than sufficient for casual photography needs.

Price

Price is often a significant factor when choosing a tablet, and the Excite X10 and Thrive offer different price points to cater to various budgets. The Excite X10, with its premium design and slim profile, tends to be priced slightly higher than the Thrive. However, the price difference may vary depending on the storage capacity chosen. The Thrive, with its more rugged build and additional connectivity options, offers a more budget-friendly option for users who prioritize functionality over aesthetics. Ultimately, the choice between the two tablets will depend on the user's specific needs and budget.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Toshiba Excite X10 and Toshiba Thrive are two tablets that cater to different user preferences. The Excite X10 offers a sleek and lightweight design, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize portability and style. It also provides a vibrant display, efficient performance, and a decent camera. On the other hand, the Thrive offers a more rugged build, enhanced connectivity options, and a similar user experience at a more affordable price point. Both tablets have their strengths and weaknesses, and the final decision should be based on individual needs and priorities. Whether you value design, functionality, or a balance of both, Toshiba has options to suit your tablet needs.