The iPad is selling like crazy! And next year (2011) it is already predicted that 28 million iPad’s will be sold.

Aside from just the shear sales figures, the iPad has literally created an entirely new market in personal computing with the tablet computer. Tablets will more than likely change the way we all use computers, develop applications, and advance technology.

So with the iPad being so hot, is there any chance of a contender stepping up and actually taking some of the iPad market share?

Well, I believe that right now there are 2 tablets that are best positioned for competing against the iPad. And both of these tablets are powered by the Android OS.

1)  Samsung Galaxy Tab

I wrote earlier today how the Samsung Galaxy Tab is expected to be released in the US on September 16th at a conference in New York hosted  by Samsung.

Samsung has already released predicted sales figures for 2011, and they expect to sell 20 million Galaxy Tab tablets.

The Galaxy Tab is going to be released with the Android 2.2 (Froyo) OS that Google has stated is not compatible with tablets.

But instead of laying down and throwing the blue print to the Galaxy Tab away, Samsung has decided to build their own app store for  their Android tablets – completely by-passing the Android Market.

The expectations for the Galaxy Tab are high, and many people believe it is the most viable competitor to the iPad in the US market.

2) Archos Android tablets

I think the Archos tablets are primed to compete in the tablet market space. Primarily, Archos has an entire line up of Android tablets in the pipeline that are all designed to reach different niche segments of the market place.

You can read more about the line up of Archos Android tablet here, but here’s a quick glance at each tablet in the Archos arsenal:

The Archos 10(1) Internet tablet

Android™ technology with a large, high-resolution 10.1’’ screen, a weight of 480 g, and a thinness of just 12 mm.

Archos 7(0) Internet tablet

A slim, light design of the Archos Internet tablet – again, running the Android OS and HD capable touchscreen.

Archos 4(3) Internet tablet

4.3 inch HD touchscreen, film or take pictures of your friends or family at any time in HD quality (max. video resolution 1280 x 720 pixel).

Archos 3(2) Internet tablet

3.2” touch screen, Android powered pocket-sized tablet. Audio & video format support ever seen on a portable device (even HD in 720p).

Archos 2(8) Internet tablet

2.8″ touch screen, pocket sized tablet device with a slim and compact form factor (less than 10 mm thin).

Archos 8 Internet tablet

8″ touch screen display, (800×600 pixels), kickstand for easy display placement on any flat surface,

Archos 7 Internet tablet

7″ Android tablet that is priced in the $199 range, 7’’ touch screen and a slim form factor of only 12 mm thick. Weighing approximately 350 g (0.8 lbs).

Archos 5 Internet tablet

5’’ screen with 800×480 native resolution, the latest ARM Cortex Superscalar processor and capable of connecting to Wifi-N networks, or to tether via Bluetooth to a 3G phone.

So there’s why I believe the Samsung Galaxy Tab and Archos lineup of Android tablets are currently the best contenders to compete against the iPad.

What do you think?