Can Google Overtake Apple?

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hen you think of tablets, you probably most often think of Apple's insanely successful iPad. But longtime Apple contender Google recently introduced its Nexus 7 tablet, which shipped last week, and it seems Apple might have something to worry about. The Nexus 7 has sold out, thanks to Google's underestimation of initial demand, and we have to ask: is it really better than the iPad?

First things first—Google's tablet is far less expensive than Apple's, with the 8GB version selling for just $199, and the 16GB selling for a slightly higher $249. That's less than half of some iPads, and we can see that being a draw in and of itself. But as far as everything else, why are people flocking to the Nexus 7?

Interestingly, rumors suggest that Apple is working on creating a lower-cost iPad, one that would retail for under $300.

The size of the tablet (seven inches) makes the device easier to hold in one's hands, unlike the iPad. Its smaller size also makes it (obviously) lighter.  As far as apps, while it doesn't have the magnitude that the Apple store does, it still has some customer faves, including this app we've talked about, The Night Sky.

In terms of internet connectivity, it's wi-fi only, which may be a drawback for some people, but enough places these days offer free wi-fi that this isn't much of an issue.

There are other features that the iPad has that the Nexus 7 lacks, though, like a rear facing camera and HDMI output, and the most obvious difference is that the Nexus 7 runs on an Android platform while the iPad runs iOS, something that has always kept the crowd divided.

Interestingly enough, we've read rumors that Apple is working on a lower-cost iPad, too, though—one that would market for under $300, and surely sway people who are on the fence as far as which brand to buy.

Still, considering current demand, Google's got a winner on its hands—at least for now.