Tablet PCs (Student Guide - How to Buy the Right Tablet PC)

Students all over the world have begun to prepare for another busy school year this fall. In addition to the "kids" headed to universities for undergraduate work (outside of partying, chasing co-eds). There are graduate students, medical students, law students and even those preparing to go abroad for schooling.

Summer is coming to an end. It's time to get serious! (well for some)

At the top of many students' "to do lists" is to purchase a piece of technology to serve as the primary tool to organize, connect, take and store class notes and produce written work to be handed in to demanding professors. 

Some students will choose a desktop computer. Many are seeking a notebook computer. Chances are if you are reading this piece, right here at TabletPCReviewSpot.com, then you are one of the best computing devices for the academic community at large - the Tablet PC!

Who knows how far the Tablet PC will take you?

The Tablet PC is a very exciting and powerful platform, however Tablet PCs vary greatly in designs, features, capabilities and price. Making the right choice can be a daunting and confusing task. To help make the process easy, we have outlined some steps to guide you through the confusion and hype. Read on to assure that you make the right choice in your Tablet PC purchase! We are here to help you with our special tips on "How to Buy the Right Tablet PC".

Step One -  Decide What "Kind" of Tablet PC You Need

The best place to start is by deciding what kind of computer you plan to carry around. Or is it going to stay on your desk?. Perhaps you aren't the type to take it with you. Will your Tablet PC sit on your desk 90% of the time? Will your Tablet PC go with you to class every day? Knowing how, when and where you will be using your Tablet PC is an essiential first step in deciding which models to consider for purchase. Once you answer these questions, you will want to choose between three major classes:

• ultraportables
• thin-and-lights
• desktop replacements

The "ultraportable" Tablet PC will allow moderate battery life and add practically no weight to your bag. These models offer compromised processing power and stick to the basic features you need to connect wirelessly on the go. ultraportables perform the majority of typical daily computing tasks, but often offer a small screen of 10" or less. 

note: We are including "slate" Tablet PCs (no keyboard) here, since slates are generally very light, but limited in overall processing power. 

In this category, you would consider models such as the Fujitsu LifeBook P1500, Samsung Q1 UMPC and the Motion Computing LE1600. Remember that the "ultraportable" class of devices are really not the best choice for your "only" computer. Having a full desktop back at your dorm or apartment will complement this option perfectly.

"Thin-and-light" Tablet PCs are a perfect compromise for most users and in my opinion an excellent option for students. These models typically offer several hours of battery life, a palatable screen size (12" or more) and handle daily computing tasks with ease. Extended battery options, wireless connectivity and a variety of external ports are the types of features you will find in this class of Tablet PCs. Models in the thin-and-light category include the Toshiba Portege M400, HP Compaq TC4400, Fujitsu LifeBook T4210 and the IMB/Lenovo ThinkPad X41.

For those users who want to have a large and/or widescreen display, a full-sized keyboard, and perhaps play games the "desktop replacement" category of Tablet PCs may be the right type for you. Although you get a large display, extra power, optical drives standard (note: some "ultraportables" do have an optical drive) and generally better graphics performance, a desktop replacement can be too heavy to carry around comfortably. It is a larger machine that will take up more space in your bag and on your classroom desk. The extra power requirements for the bigger screen will leave you with hardly more than an hour or so of battery life. However, if you don't care to carry your Tablet PC with you on the go, a desktop replacement makes a perfect "only" computer and will handle just about any demanding computing task you throw at it. Some models in this class to consider are the Toshiba Satellite R20/R25, Gateway M285, Toshiba Tecra M7 and Acer TravelMate C310.

Step Two -  Decide What Features You Require

It is a good idea to create a list of features that you must have on your Tablet PC before you begin to shop. It can be overwhelming to look at all of the bells and whistles a particular model offers all at once. The point of sale is when you may get sidetracked and overlook an important feature. We recommend that you jot down a list ahead of time and be prepared to check it over before finalizing a purchase.

Here is our list of recommended features to consider for your needs. You can use this as a starting point for your own list:

• Optical Drive - Does it offer DVD playback, DVD burning, CD Burning?
• RAM - You will need 512MB of RAM minimum. Do you require more for video editing or other demanding tasks such as CAD or rendering with Photoshop filters?
• Hard Drive - We recommend a hard drive that spins at 5400RPM (or faster) and no less than 4200RPM. Will your drive be big enough to store all of your music, school files and programs? These days 60GB or more usually does the trick. You may require 80GB or more if you need to work with video or store large files.
• Keyboard - Do you need a keyboard built-in (convertible Tablet PC)? Is the keyboard large enough for typing long papers?
• Wireless - Does the Tablet PC have Wi-Fi built in? Do you need Bluetooth to connect to a mobile phone or BT modem?
• Expansion/Ports - Can you install your current EVDO (wireless LAN card)? Does this model have a built-in smart card reader? Does it read the cards from your digital camera? Are there enough USB ports for your needs, etc.

Step Three -  Plan Your Budget/ Research Discounts

You probably already know how much you have to spend on your new Tablet PC. But did you also consider the cost for the software you will need to buy also? Be sure to calculate the total cost of everything you will need so that you don't find yourself with a Tablet PC and no money to buy any required software.

Be sure to check your eligablility for student discounts on any software titles you will need. You can save hundreds of dollars by going this route. Look into your campus store or better yet visit sites like Academic Superstore to save 30%-70% on everyday sofware titles delivered right to your door! You would be amazed at how much less you will spend on your software with the full-featured "academic versions".

Final Words

Read reviews and opinions on specific Tablet PC models right here on Deni2cool1982.blogspot.com. If you have just read this article, then you are already prepared to make a good decision for the right Tablet PC for you!

How to Buy the Best Tablet

It's difficult to remember a time before tablets, but it's been less than three years since the original Apple iPad$450.00 at Amazon Marketplace hit the scene, and the current tablet market was born. Since then, we've seen scores of manufacturers trying to snag a slice of the tablet pie, which so far, has been dominated by Apple, now on its fourth iPad iteration. Growth is so rapid in the segment that some analysts claim tablet sales are set to outpace laptops by 2016. There's no denying that the tablet is here to stay.

But which tablet is right for you? Whether you're eyeing an iPad, a Windows RT slate, or one of the many Android tablets available, here are the key factors you need to consider when shopping for a tablet:

First Off: Do You Even Need One?

Simply put, tablets aren't really filling any true need—even three years in, they're still neither replacements for computers nor smartphones. While you can tackle productivity tasks on a tablet, you won't get a desktop-grade operating system, like you'll find on a PC. Plus, since we're talking about slates here, we're talking about on-screen keyboards. Of course, there are plenty of worthy add-on hardware keyboards, especially for the iPad, but few will provide the same comfort you'll experience with a laptop or a desktop. The main focus of the majority of the tablets we'll discuss here is media consumption.

Tablets do have advantages over both laptops and phones, offering a more portable way to check email, browse the Web, video chat, watch movies, listen to music, and play games than your laptop can provide, but with a bigger screen than on your smartphone. Even so, you probably don't need one, but if you want a tablet, read on.

Choose Your Operating System

Just like with a full-fledged computer, if you're getting a tablet, you need to pick a camp. And just like with a computer, your decision will likely come down to your gut feeling. Right now, the top two contenders are Apple with its iPads and iPad mini$358.20 at Apple Store, and Android with its many hardware choices from the likes of Acer, Amazon, Asus, Barnes & Noble, Google, Samsung, and others. Microsoft recently entered the race with its Surface$699.00 at Microsoft Store tablet, running Windows RT, a slimmed-down version of Windows 8$99.99 at Dell Small Business, which runs on mobile devices with ARM processors. At the time of this writing, few other RT tablets have hit the market, but models from major hardware manufacturers like Dell, Lenovo, and Samsung are on the horizon.

Generally speaking, the greatest strength of Apple's iOS, the operating system on the iPad and iPad mini, is twofold: It's very clean and intuitive, and the wide selection of iPad apps that you can buy right on your tablet—more than 275,000 iPad-specific titles at the time of this writing—work uniformly well with very few exceptions.

Google's mobile OS, Android, is a more complicated story. Besides having your choice of hardware from several manufacturers, at any given time, there are a few iterations of Android floating around on various devices. The latest version, Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean), is the best yet, with maximum configurability, a top-notch notification system, fast, smooth Web browsing, and seamless integration with Google applications like Gmail, Google Maps, and Google Talk for video chat. Android 4.2 also has an improved version of Google Now, which delivers relevant information specific to your location. You can find Jelly Bean on Google's own Nexus tablets.

So far, Windows RT provides the closest thing to a desktop experience on a tablet, with its good-looking tiled interface and familiar Windows desktop. With split-screen functionality, multitasking is strong here, and you get Microsoft Office (sans Outlook) with the OS. But RT can take some getting used to; many reviewers have complained that it's not terribly intuitive, and since it's new on the scene, Windows RT apps are scarce (more on that in a minute).


What About Apps?

What's a tablet without quality apps? If you want every third-party app under the sun, right now, nothing out there beats the iPad with its 275,000+ programs and games designed specifically for Apple tablets. The App Store is well-curated and monitored, offers a deep selection, and includes every popular app you can think of. If a wide range of compelling apps that look good and work well your tablet is your main priority, Apple is your best bet.

Android has made some strides on app selection in the past year, courting more developers and offering more high-quality tablet apps, but its still nowhere near the number Apple offers. It's tough to say exactly how many tablet-optimized Android apps are available, but it's in the hundreds, rather than the hundreds of thousands. There are also Android phone apps, which look decent on a 7-inch tablet, but not a 9- or 10-inch one, so you're likely to have more problems getting high-quality apps for larger Android tablets.

Microsoft claims there are "thousands" of apps for the just-launched Windows RT with more being added all the time, but don't count on finding all of your favorites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pandora Radio, Words With Friends, or Spotify, for example. At least not yet. You do, however, get a desktop-grade version of Internet Explorer with RT. The upcoming Surface Pro will run full-fledged Windows 8 desktop apps when it arrives in January, but with prices starting at $899, it's in a different class altogether.

Screen Size and Storage

This consideration is a bit obvious, but size—both screen real estate and storage capacity—is important to consider. First things first: When you hear the term "10-inch or 7-inch tablet" this refers to the size of the screen, measured diagonally, and not the size of the tablet itself. 7-inch tablets are considered small-screen, while 8.9- to 10-inch tablets are considered large screen. Apple iPads, Google Nexus tablets, Amazon Kindle Fires, and B&N Nook HD tablets all come in both small- and large-screen iterations. Samsung, for one, wants you to have multiple choices, so it offers its Android tablets in multiple screen sizes (10.1, 8.9, 7.7, 7 inches, and even a phone/tablet hybrid, the Galaxy Note II with a 5.5-inch display and a stylus).

Screen resolution is important too, especially for ebook reading and Web surfing. A sharp, bright display is key. Right now, the Google Nexus 10 is the sharpest you'll find with a 2,560-by-1,600, 300-pixel-per-inch resolution. The fourth-gen iPad with its 2,048-by-1,536-pixel (264 ppi) Retina display is no slouch either. If you're in the market for a 10-inch Android tablet, look for a display with at least a 1,280-by-800 resolution. For 7-inch models: The Amazon Kindle Fire's display is 1,024-by-600, and is perfectly viewable, even for ebook reading, but line it up side-by-side with the same-size Kindle Fire HD's 1,280-by-800 screen, and you'll definitely notice the difference.

The weight of a tablet is one definite advantage it has over a laptop—but let's be clear, at around 1.44 pounds (in the case of the latest iPad) it's not cell-phone light. This is true for small-screen tablets as well. After you hold one with a single hand on a subway ride for 20 minutes, your hand will get tired. Setting it flat in your lap, rather than propped up on a stand, can also be a little awkward. And few tablets will fit in your pocket, unless it's extra large.

Cloud storage is an option for many tablets (iCloud for iPads, Amazon Cloud Storage for Kindle Fires, and SkyDrive for the MS Surface tablet are a few examples), but when it comes to on-board storage, more is always better. All those apps, when combined with a typical music, video, and photo library, can take up a lot of space. Right now storage tops out at 64GB of flash-based memory, with most of the tablets we've tested available in either 16, 32, or 64GB varieties. Larger capacity models can get as expensive as full-featured laptops, though—the 64GB Wi-Fi-only iPad rings up at $700, add 4G service, and you're up to $830. A few Android tablets have microSD memory card slots that let you expand storage; the Surface has one as well.

Wi-Fi-Only vs. Cellular Models

Many tablets come in a Wi-Fi-only model or with the option of always-on cellular service from a wireless provider. If you want to use your tablet to get online anywhere, you should opt for a model with a cell radio, like the aforementioned fourth-gen iPad, iPad mini, or the Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9. Of course, this adds to the device's price, and then you need to pay for cellular service. Generally, though, with a tablet, you can purchase data on a month-to-month basis, without signing a contract.

Another way to get your tablet online: Use your 3G or 4G phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot for your tablet—this won't work with every phone/tablet combo, so you should check with your carrier before you seal a deal.

Tablet buyer's guide winter 2013 edition

As we begin 2013, we're stuck in a kind of tablet limbo. Most companies rushed to get devices out for the fall, while the models we saw at CES 2013 aren't yet shipping. As such, it's a mostly familiar deck, with Apple, Google and Microsoft once again striving for the top spot. That said, there are new entries from Amazon and ASUS, and many of us who didn't score some sweet loot this holiday season have a slate-sized pile of cash to spend. If you're in that situation, continue on for our first tablet guide of 2013.

Note: If you're looking for tablets with an Atom or Core i5 CPU, you'll find those in our forthcoming laptop buyer's guide, since they have the same guts as notebooks (or netbooks, in some cases). For the purposes of this tablet guide, we define tablets as slate-type devices with low-power ARM processors.

10-inch tablets

iPad (late 2012)

The fourth-generation iPad may be a refresh with a faster processor, a better front camera and a Lightning connector, but that doesn't change that it will still be the de facto pick for many among 10-inch tablets. That A6X chip still puts it at or near the front of the pack for overall performance, battery life is better than the previous generation, and there's a deep well of tablet-native apps to draw from. As long as you can accept having to buy a round of new Lightning-based accessories, the iPad is the easy choice.

The bottom line: A mild refresh, but one that ticks all the right boxes.

Key specs: 1.4GHz dual-core A6X processor, 1GB of RAM, 16GB to 128GB of storage, 1.2-megapixel front front and 5-megapixel rear cameras, 9.7-inch 2,048 x 1,536 display.

Price: $499 and up

Surface for Windows RT

The Surface with Windows 8 Pro is at last arriving, but the Surface with Windows RT could still be considered the definitive tablet for those who lean Microsoft's way. The 10.6-inch slate's kickstand, full-size expansion and Touch Cover make it useful as an impromptu laptop without having to carry a raft of accessories. Having Office matters, too, for those that want a time-honored way to get work done. We're sure some will be inclined to get the Pro for its added power, stylus and legacy app support, but the lower $499 price, lighter weight and longer battery life make a convincing case for the RT version.

The bottom line: Still the gold standard among Windows RT tablets.

Key specs: 1.3GHz quad-core Tegra 3, 2GB of RAM, 32GB or 64GB of storage, 720p front and rear cameras, 10.6-inch 1,366 x 768 display.

Price: $499 and up

Nexus 10

Now that it's been here for awhile, the Nexus 10 isn't quite the wunderkind some suspected it might be -- but it's still the definition of bang for the buck. The Samsung-made design has the highest resolution of any shipping tablet and a speedy (if imperfect) Exynos 5 Dual processor, all while costing the same $399 as noticeably less sophisticated alternatives. It's also the ultimate expression of Google's tablet vision in running Android 4.2, with the promise of timely updates for a long while.

The bottom line: Arguably the most technically advanced Android tablet, at a killer price.

Key specs: 1.7GHz dual-core Exynos 5 Dual, 2GB of RAM, 16GB or 32GB of storage, 1.9-megapixel front and 5-megapixel rear cameras, 10.1-inch 2,560 x 1,600 display.

Price: $399 and up

Asus Transformer Pad Infinity TF700

Comparatively speaking, the Transformer Pad Infinity is an old hand in this crowd. That doesn't make it any less charming: it remains one of the better deals between its 32GB of storage, better-than-HD display and that optional keyboard dock for blazing through long email messages. Just as importantly, ASUS has a largely solid track record in delivering OS updates that keep its devices relatively current.

The bottom line: ASUS' best non-Nexus tablet, and one of the best dockable tablets.

Key specs: 1.6GHz quad-core Tegra 3, 1GB of RAM, 32GB or 64GB of storage, 2-megapixel front and 8-megapixel rear cameras, 10.1-inch 1,920 x 1,200 display.

Price: $499 and up

7-inch tablets

Nexus 7 (32GB)

The Nexus 7 continues to be the best pound-for-pound deal among 7-inch tablets, if not the entire tablet category. The $249 model here carries 32GB inside where more expensive competition starts with 16GB. There are tablets that cost twice as much which don't offer as much value. If you don't mind the now slightly creaky 1.2GHz Tegra 3 and the lack of a rear camera, you'll get a slab that can keep up with the latest apps while keeping your bank account above water.

The bottom line: Exceptional value for money, full stop.

Key specs: 1.2GHz quad-core Tegra 3, 1GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, 1.2-megapixel front camera, 7-inch 1,280 x 800 display.

Price: $249

iPad mini

The iPad mini isn't the performance champion on a spec sheet. The 2011-era (if tweaked) A5 chip, 1,024 x 768 display and $329 base price give it an uphill battle against the cheaper, sharper and theoretically faster Nexus 7. But if you don't mind ceding ground on the value front, the iPad mini is a fine choice with its bigger 7.9-inch screen, good real-world performance, a solid rear camera and the widest selection of tablet-native apps. It's also one of the few tablets in the category with the option of 64GB built-in, which may tip the balance for music and movie aficionados.

The bottom line: Nearly everything you like in an iPad in a smaller, cheaper form.

Key specs: 1GHz dual-core A5, 512MB of RAM, 16GB to 64GB of storage, 1.2-megapixel front and 5-megapixel rear cameras, 7.9-inch 1,024 x 768 display.

Price: $329 and up

Kindle Fire HD (7-inch)

Although the 7-inch Kindle Fire HD no longer claims the absolute best bargain among modern tablets when the late 2012 Nexus 7 matches or slightly edges it in most respects, and the Nook HD trumps it in resolution, it's still worthy of being on the short list. Anyone who's heavily invested in Amazon's e-book and video shops will be well-served with comparable hardware, and there's extras like HDMI output or Kindle FreeTime that aren't available on Google's official device. Just be prepared to live within Amazon's narrowly prescribed software boundaries.

The bottom line: The quintessential tablet for fans of Amazon's media universe.

Key specs: 1.2GHz dual-core TI OMAP 4460, 1GB of RAM, 16GB or 32GB of storage, "HD" front camera, 7-inch 1,280 x 800 display.

Price: $199 and up

3G / 4G tablets

Many of us want to pack light for a winter vacation without giving up creature comforts like bigger screens and always-on internet access. Those aren't irreconcilable differences, these days: cellular-equipped tablets are on sale from virtually every major device maker and platform. We also have choices of plans that range from add-ons to existing plans for frequent travelers to prepaid plans that should last just long enough for an extended Maui vacation. There's often some premium to be paid for the device or data roaming (on locked models), but the independence from laptops could be worthwhile.

iPad (WiFi + Cellular, late 2012)

Apple got us in the habit of expecting cellular tablets that come without commitments, and the fourth-generation iPad helps justify that route. If you can accept paying $129 beyond the norm to get that extra dash of wireless, the iPad supplies LTE-based 4G on key networks, and EV-DO or HSPA+ 3G elsewhere, without tying the hardware to a contract or even a carrier. GPS comes along with the upgrade. Some credit is due to Apple for offering a full model selection, as well -- every capacity and color of WiFi model has a cellular equivalent, so there's no hemming and hawing over getting just the right device. Choose carefully when you buy in the US, however, as getting the AT&T or Sprint/Verizon models will dictate just where 4G kicks in while abroad.

The bottom line: Everything you know from the iPad, with LTE on top.

Key specs: 1.4GHz dual-core A6X, 16GB to 128GB of storage, 1.2-megapixel front and 5-megapixel rear cameras, 9.7-inch 2,048 x 1,536 display, unlocked LTE / EV-DO / HSPA+ data.

Price: $629 and up

iPad mini (WiFi + Cellular)

Second verse, same as the first... only smaller. The cellular version of the iPad mini is noteworthy precisely because it maintains all the color, LTE access, GPS and storage options of its bigger counterpart. That puts it on the 4G networks of AT&T, Sprint and Verizon in the US without having to sign an agreement, and offers more choice than some equally small rivals. The iPad mini's $459 minimum price will no doubt be a hurdle for some, but it's the most affordable way to globetrot with an Apple tablet.

The bottom line: One of the most popular LTE tablets, in bite-sized form.

Key specs: 1GHz dual-core A5, 512MB of RAM, 16GB to 64GB of storage, 1.2-megapixel front and 5-megapixel rear cameras, 7.9-inch 1,024 x 768 display, unlocked LTE / EV-DO / HSPA+ data.

Price: $459 and up

Nexus 7 (HSPA+)

The HSPA+ Nexus 7 follows a strategy similar to that of its WiFi counterpart: cut a small amount of the feature set to cut a lot from the price. At $299, it won't have LTE 4G, EV-DO 3G or a rear camera -- what it will do, though, is put a cellular tablet within reach of customers who previously would have had to settle for short-range wireless. We'd equally note that it's a simple pick for T-Mobile customers who want unlocked 3G at home and around the world.

The bottom line: One of the most accessible ways to get a 3G tablet -- and it happens to be very good, too.

Key specs: 1.2GHz quad-core Tegra 3, 1GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, 1.2-megapixel front camera, 7-inch 1,280 x 800 display, unlocked HSPA+ data.

Price: $299

Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9 LTE

Kindle Fire fans no longer have to be tethered to keep up with their Instant Video streaming. Buy a Kindle Fire HD 8.9 LTE and there's much more freedom in store with contract-free 3G and 4G. Its true appeal may be the cellular plan structure -- there's conventional data service, sure, but owners just have to drop $50 per year to get 250MB of data a month for when all they need is to check mail and browsing the occasional website. Starting at $499, it's a relative deal for larger cellular tablets, and it's the only Kindle Fire in existence with a 64GB option.

The bottom line: Amazon's ultimate tablet, and cheap if you need basic data.

Key specs: 1.5GHz dual-core TI OMAP 4470, 1GB of RAM, 32GB or 64GB of storage, "HD" front camera, 8.9-inch 1,920 x 1,200 display, LTE and HSPA+ data for AT&T.

Price: $499 and up

ASUS VivoTab RT

At least in North America, options for cellular-equipped Windows 8 and Windows RT tablets are scarce. Of a narrow field, though, ASUS' VivoTab RT is our choice. It's small, light and has the option of a keyboard dock that also metes out additional battery life. The AT&T version is a relative steal as of this writing, at $600 with the dock included; that's not bad for a device that could replace a laptop for some buyers.

The bottom line: Having the most mobile Windows RT tablet helps ASUS lead a small pack.

Key specs: 1.3GHz quad-core Tegra 3, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, 2-megapixel rear and 8-megapixel front cameras, optional keyboard dock, 10.1-inch 1,366 x 768 display, LTE and HSPA+ data (depending on carrier).

Price: $599 (AT&T)

Budget

Nexus 7 (16GB)

Was there any surprise that the Nexus 7 would show up in the budget category? Dropping to $199 for 16GB of storage helps Google's reference tablet cross a psychological price barrier while giving up very little. It's still enough for virtually all our apps and books, as well as the occasional Google Play movie -- and it has the performance to keep up. The Nexus 7 isn't the lowest-cost tablet in its field these days, but it's arguably the most well-rounded.

The bottom line: The best balance between a truly low price and future-ready hardware.

Key specs: 1.2GHz quad-core Tegra 3, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, 1.2-megapixel front camera, 7-inch 1,280 x 800 display.

Kindle Fire (2012)

There's still just one tablet on the market today that we'd choose if cost overrode nearly every other factor. Yes, Amazon's basic Kindle Fire is a warmed up version of the original with a faster processor, twice the RAM and a bigger battery. However, we're willing to let the similarity slide when we don't need the latest in technology (or more than 8GB of storage) to stream Instant Video and read Kindle books. The savings coming from that $159 price can be rolled into the all-important Prime subscription.

The bottom line: One of the lowest-cost name-brand tablets, and Amazon's cheapest point of entry into its tablet lineup.

Key specs: 1.2GHz dual-core TI OMAP 4430, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of storage, 7-inch 1,024 x 600 display.

Price: $159

Galaxy Tab 2 7.0

Thanks to a lowered price and a Jelly Bean upgrade, Samsung's Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is still worth serious consideration as a budget tablet. It's neither the cheapest nor the most advanced, but it touts both front and rear cameras that often go missing in this class. Those who like Samsung's TouchWiz interface on their phone might also appreciate having the same experience on a bigger screen.

The bottom line: The budget tablet that goes with your Galaxy phone.

Key specs: 1GHz dual-core TI OMAP 4430, 1GB of RAM, 8GB to 32GB of storage, 0.3-megapixel front and 3-megapixel rear cameras, 7-inch 1,024 x 600 display.

Price: $199 and up

Price: $260 and up