Last year, in MobiHealthNews' first report on tablets in the healthcare space, iPad vs. the Tablets in Healthcare, we took a close look at Apple’s iPad, which had only just hit store shelves, but had already made a name for itself in healthcare. Seemingly from the get-go physicians began to realize the device's potential to redefine their workflow. As we wrote in last year’s report, “Apple’s device holds the potential to be a game changer in the healthcare space in the same manner that it has transformed the market for consumer devices.”

Today, we are happy to announce our second report on tablets in healthcare, The Coming Medical Tablet War: iPad, Android, BlackBerry, HP and others vie to dominate in healthcare.

Yes, the iPad remained largely peerless through the end of 2010, but its dominance in healthcare is anything but guaranteed. Especially as 2011 is already gearing up for the launch of tablet devices from most every major consumer and enterprise technology company. Google, Research In Motion and HP have especially promising chances of rocking the iPad from its podium.

That's not to say that Apple isn't also forging ahead. The launch of iPad 2 this month brings a lighter, slimmer, more powerful tablet to market this week. The new features include missing hardware specs found in competing devices (dual cameras), but the device will maintain its relatively low price point and rather impressive battery life. Perhaps most importantly: There are already more than 1,000 healthcare specific apps specifically designed for the iPad. While Android is slowly gaining, the iPad still boasts many more offerings.

As the iPad matures and solidifies its role as an indispensible tool in the doctor’s arsenal, a new generation of tablets will seek to usurp its place. In MobiHealthNews latest report, The Coming Medical Tablet War, we’ll take a close look at the iPad’s success in healthcare, profile medical applications, usage scenarios and case studies. We’ll also provide in-depth looks at the prospects of the iPad’s competitors, including the Motorola Xoom and BlackBerry PlayBook. Finally, we’ll discuss some of the factors you’ll need to take into account when planning your own tablet deployment, from security and compliance to hardware. (Download your copy of The Coming Medical Tablet War today!)

Needless to say, 2011 will be an interesting year for tablets in the healthcare sector. While there’s little doubt that 2010 was the year of the iPad in healthcare, if Apple’s competitors have their way, 2011 will be the year of the tablet.

Visit MobiHealthNews' Research section for more information on our latest report.