Keeping ‘Tabs’ on the Wedding

Popular tablets, such as the iPad and Xoom, are the latest – and coolest – tools for planning the perfect day

For today’s brides, spiral notebooks and binders are so 2008.

People everywhere are gobbling up tablets at dizzying speeds, changing the way we do everything, from how we receive the news and have fun to how a wedding is planned. The iPad 2 already has sold more than a million units since releasing in March and, according to Forrester, an independent research company, more than 1/3 of U.S. consumers will be tablet owners by 2015.

For brides and grooms who own a tablet, it can be an essential tool in preparing for the big day. For those without, there’s always the registry. Here’s a look at the two most popular tablets and how they can help get couples ready to get hitched.

Motorola Xoom tablet – Verizon Wireless

Powered by Android 3.0 software, the Xoom features a hoard of built-in Google service, like Gmail, Google Calendar and Google Maps, so you can send messages, schedule appointments and find your way around – and keep it all in sync with your Anrdroid smartphone and home computers.

A 10.1-inch HD widescreen display gives plenty of space to view the latest runway fashions before going gown shopping. A 5-megapixel rear-facing camera will capture 720p HD video (plus stills) of you picking out the perfect dress, and a 2MP front-facing webcam allows for videoconferencing about it later.

The future-looking tablet – it’s upgradeable to Verizon’s 4G LTE network later this year – features a powerful 1Ghz dual-core processor,1GB of RAM and 32GB of internal memory.

$599.99 with two-year contract

Monthly data plans starting at $20

Apple iPad 2 – ATT&T, Verizon Wireless

The second generation of Apple’s revolutionary device is thinner (.34 inches) and lighter (1.34 pounds) than the original version, which means it’s easier tote around as you traverse the city (state … country … ) planning your special day.

Snap stills or record 720p HD video of venues or cakes with the rear-facing camera, and FaceTime chat with you mom or ’maids with the front-facing one. Built-in iTunes and iPod apps will let you download, listen and perfect your wedding playlist, too.

The iPad 2 has a 9.7-inch widescreen display. And with a 1Ghz dual-core processor, it’s faster, meaning you’ll more done, fasters, on the go.

Prices start at $629

Monthly data plans starting at $14.99 on AT&T, $20 on Verizon

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