It’s that time of the year again where you need to start thinking on what to get your loved ones for Christmas. In case you couldn’t think of anything and was going to go the gift card route, TGSB is here to help. If you’re not interested in gifting your loved ones a smartphone and wanted to get them a tablet, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s our picks of great e-readers & tablets based on pricing.
Affordable
Barnes & Noble NOOK HD+
Back on our guide again is the latest version of the NOOK by Barnes & Noble w/ the NOOK HD+. The newest NOOK offers a great display that supports full 1080p HD, powered by a 1.5GHz dual-core OMAP processor, a lightweight design, and offers support of up to 6 different users. You have access to Android apps, microSD card support, and anyone with a B&N account will adore. Pricing starts at $269 for the 16GB and $299 for the 32GB model.
Amazon’s back with more improved versions of the popular Kindle Fire as we chose the Fire HD 8.9. The slightly bigger tablet has an even better display the 7inch Fire HD as it is a beautiful, full HD screen, powered by a 1.5GHz dual-core OMAP processor, the speakers I’ve heard on anything mobile thanks to the Dolby Audio inside, grants your kids access w/ Kindle FreeTime, a front-facing camera for Skype video calls, and everything you love about Amazon’s services. Pricing starts at $299 for the 16GB & $369 for the 32GB model.
For you E-Ink lovers, check out: the Nook SimpleTouch (Glowlight) or the Kindle Paperwhite.
Pricey
Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9 LTE
This version of the Fire HD 8.9 offers everything mentioned above but this is equipped with an LTE radio that supports AT&T 4G network and double the storage space. Pricing starts at $499 for the 32GB and $599 for the 64GB model. AT&T has a 250MB, 3GB, and 5GB monthly data plan for it as Amazon will begin shipping, the week December 10th.
Affordable
ASUS Nexus 7/Samsung Nexus 10
Wearing the title of the best Android tablet of the year, the Nexus 7 is on the top of the list of great tablets. Google’s first pure Android tablet was quite a success. Equipped with a 7inch IPS HD display, powered by a quad-core processor, front-facing camera for Google+ Hangouts, and of course Google Now courtesy of Jelly Bean. Pricing starts at $199 for the 16GB Wi-Fi model and goes up to $299 for the 32GB HSPA+ model.
The newest Nexus tablet offers a bigger, higher-res display and slim body with the Nexus 10. The new kid on the block offers a 10.1inch HD display w/ 2560 x 1600 resolution + 330 ppi, dual cameras w/ LED flash, & NFC. Pricing starts at $399 for the 16GB & $499 for the 32GB model.
Apple’s newest & smallest iPad is already a big seller. The iPad mini offers a non-Retina 7.9inch display and chipset of the iPad 2 but works just as fast as their new-generation slates. Offering the best & biggest selection of tablet-optimized apps along with the lightest, carefully constructed build that puts most of its competitors to shame. Pricing starts at $329 for the 16GB Wi-Fi model & $459 for the 16GB LTE model.
Pricey
4th-gen Apple iPad
Now playing big brother to the mini, the 9.7inch iPad gets a minimal refresh to be even better. Armed with a faster A6X processor, FaceTime HD camera, and new Lightning port all while retaining that beautiful Retina display. The best just got even better. Pricing starts at $499 for the 16GB Wi-Fi model & $629 for the 16GB LTE model.
Microsoft’s first, real attempt at making a tablet is an awesome one. Mainly targeting the business crowd, the Surface offers one of the best attempts of being a laptop & tablet hybrid. Equipped with a built-in kickstand & accompanied by the clicking Touch Cover, the 10.6inch slate will satisfy both consumers and the enterprise alike. Pricing starts at $499 for the tablet itself then add $100 to add the Touch or Type Cover accessory.
