While smartphones, tablet computers and ultrabooks continue to be all the rage across the world, for the growing number of tech-savvy consumers, new devices are becoming less distinct in terms of design and specs.

And despite the array of gadgets flooding the market, tech geeks have become increasingly difficult to please. This is especially true in large cities, where young urbanites are constantly looking for the latest accessory to help them stand out from the crowd. Even the dazzling iPhone-iPad combo seems to have lost its luster despite the dearth of personalized ornaments and aftermarket accessories.

Manufacturers are aware of this trend. In the first quarter of the year, smartphone sales occupied over 70 percent of the entire mobile phone market, according to the latest figures from the US-based market research firm International Data Corporation.

Smartphones running on Google's Android operating system and Apple's iOS platform dominate more than 90 percent of the market share, according to the research agency, adding it is critical for handset makers to differentiate their products in hardware and pricing, as well as design, software and applications.

Taking heed of this advice is Jolla, a Finnish startup created by former Nokia employees, which plans to roll out its first smartphone later this year based on technology ditched by Nokia, according to Reuters. Powered by Linux-based MeeGo software, the new company hopes to tap into an already crowded yet increasingly homogeneous market with a niche OS. 

The need for differentiation is also a must in the tablet computer and traditional PC arena, which has also seen many companies fighting for increasingly smaller market shares.

Tablet PCs are expected to gain increased momentum over traditional PC sales, something that has many manufacturers scrambling to develop a competitive edge over rival models. Shipment of tablet computers will surpass that of traditional PCs in five years, another US market research firm NPD DisplaySearch predicted in a research report released last week.

Even the California-based tech giant Apple is not safe. The company, which has dominated the tablet market since the launch of its iPad, reportedly plans to release a new mini-version with a smaller display, a strategic move against Samsung, their fiercest competitor.

This week's special TECH edition provides a hands-on tour of the latest gadgets, leaving it up to the readers to decide whether they are really something different or not worth the purchase. 

Global Times

 

  

Google Nexus 7

Finally Google taps into the tablet device battlefield, unveiling a new gadget under its name instead of solely providing the software platform. The smaller 7-inch device is expected to follow the Amazon Kindle Fire to really rival the iPad. Runing on the latest Android 4.1 platform, also known as Jelly Bean, the Nexus 7 packs an IPS display of 1,280 X 800 pixels. It is also powered by a quad-core Tegra 3 CPU, with 1-gigabyte RAM and onboard storage of either 8 gigabytes or 16 gigabytes.

The new gadget is available from the Google Play store for preorders in the middle of the month, with a price tag of under $200.

 Microsoft Surface

The Surface tablet device introduced by the software giant Microsoft is definitely something different compared to the iPad lineup and Android tablets. Running on the Windows 8, the 10.6-inch tablet features a fold-out kickstand, which is capable of propping up the device for more comfortable experiences while watching movies, videos.  

The Surface has quickly gathered a lot of market attention, as the newest Windows platform would be particularly desirable for those familiar with Windows desktops and operating systems.

Without specifying an exact release date and price tag, Microsoft said it will be priced competitively, leading tech watchers to believe it will not be more expensive than the iPad. 

 

Apple iPad Mini

The announcement of a new iPad with an incredibly high resolution screen of 2,048 by 1,536 pixels has cheered up quite a lot of iPad fans. The new iPad has swept across many markets, and the Chinese mainland market will also be expected to welcome the new gadget on July 20, as announced by the tech giant on Wednesday. But the new iPad, which sports a chunkier build compared to the iPad 2, is seemingly off the trend of slimmer, lighter gadgets.

Apple may have taken note of it, with mounting rumors about the potential release of an mini version later this year, packing a smaller display of 7.85 inches to directly take on tablet computer makers such as Samsung and Acer which have already unveiled similar products.

Recent reports from mainstream media including Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal reveal the iPad Mini would be expected sometime before the end of the year, citing unnamed sources, though the release times vary according to different sources.

For Apple however, the potential unveiling of a smaller tablet device would mean a substantial change from its clinging to the 10-inch display of previous iPads. Whether iPad fans will be sold on the idea is not something to worry about, analysts say. 

  

Toshiba U800W

The U800W ultrabook from Japanese PC manufacturer Toshiba would be undoubtedly one of the most bizarre sized notebooks. Featuring a super 21:9 widescreen, the new ultrabook runs on Intel's latest third-generation Core Duo Ivy Bridge platform.

The 14-inch device boasts a resolution of 1,792 by 768 pixels. The ultra widescreen laptop sports to be an ideal choice for entertainment lovers, with the Harman Kardon sound system, hybrid hard drive and USB 3.0. It also packs a hybrid metal and leather body. But the gadget is a little chunkier and heavier, weighing at 1.8 kilograms with a thickness of 20 millimeters.

Although jumping out ahead of other ultrabooks in specs, the new gadget's pricing us also a little higher than average, retailing for around $1,450.