Since the launch of the iPad early last year, numerous rival tablets have crept out of the woodwork but the overwhelming popularity of Apple has generally meant that few have been able to hold their own against it.

Aside from the Samsung Galaxy Tab, we weren’t really aware of any of the similar Android devices out there but not so long ago we discovered the Linx Commtiva N700 - a seven-inch tablet that comes in a fair bit cheaper than its two main rivals.

The smaller-than-an-iPad size makes the N700 instantly appealing. And so does the ‘leather’ booklet it comes in (even though it’s not really leather), making it feel as compact and portable as a book. A heavy book at that, mind.

The N700 is powered by Google’s Android Froyo so you’ll need a Google Mail account if you want to get apps from the easy-to-use Android Marketplace. From there you can add to the basics already featured on the homepage and download Facebook, Twitter, the Amazon Kindle store, Spotify and tons of other, er, useful stuff including iPhone-user favourite, Angry Birds.

Oh yes. Android devices are fast catching up with the likes of Apple in terms of the range of apps on offer so it’s just as easy to while away the hours on here as it is on one of Steve Jobs’ finest. And you won’t have to fork out as much for the pleasure. Wahey.

The in-built book store combined with the likes of the Amazon Kindle app for instance, transform the N700 into an eReader - for which the screen is the perfect size. It’s sure to come in very handy for those that want access to cheap/free books for uni (you won’t have to pay for many classics) and can’t be arsed to lug a heavy load around campus.

Bluetooth, 3G and Wi-Fi capabilities ensure that you can surf the web wherever you are and receive messages via push email. The tablet will also make standard phone calls if you insert a sim card and there is a camera at the front (as well as the back) so you won’t need to use it as a Dom Joly-style mobile, holding it to your ear and getting odd glances in public - as fun as that would obviously be.

The integrated 3 mega pixel camera is also great for saving the pennies and Skyping the parents at home, as well as using it as, ya know, a regular camera. There isn't a flash but it does record decent video footage and all your snaps can be stored on the 4GB memory, along with uni documents that can be transferred from a computer via the USB cable/charger provided.

Our biggest issue with the N700 is the touch screen which isn't as sensitive as the iPad or Samsung Galaxy. It takes a bit of time to get used to prodding the tablet with some force when browsing the web and using the pop-up keypad can get quite frustrating. But that's where the Swype facility comes in, allowing users to type with one gliding finger. Snazzy.

With surprisingly good battery life and a compact size packed full of features, the Linx N700 is an attractive option for those after a budget tablet that caters for both study and entertainment on-the-go. The temperamental touch screen does make it an unlikely replacement for a laptop (especially since you can't watch catch up TV on it) but for those who fancy splashing the cash and would benefit from the portable eReader/phone/email/gaming etc capabilities, then the N700 is certainly worth consideration.