Should I hack my tablet to get access to apps?

My Android-based tablet can't access the Android Market app store. Should I hack the device to let me access it?

 

I recently purchased an Advent 10-inch tablet PC, which is much cheaper than the iPad and has a really responsive screen. It runs Android 2.2 but for some bizarre reason it cannot access the Android Market for downloading apps. I have heard that there is a way to modify the device to get Android Market by installing a new program.

Peter Altman, by email

Don’t do it! It’s a potentially tricky procedure that involves flashing the device’s Read Only Memory (ROM) and you risk ruining your tablet. There are plenty of other Apps stores, though admittedly none of them match Android Market for the number and scope of the apps on offer. Amazon’s Android app store is growing fast and AndroidPit is also worth investigating. Android Market can only be pre-installed on devices by manufacturers that comply with Google’s compatibility requirements and licensing agreements. If you want to go through with the hack you’ll find more information and a link to the download here, but if it goes wrong you are definitely on your own!