Tablets are likely to be a top gift item this holiday season, but if you’re not tech savvy purchasing a tablet can be overwhelming with all of the choices on the market.
Future Shop's Amy Younis took consumer reporter Lynda Steele on a holiday tech tour to help sort out which device fits the bill and the budget.
Here’s a look at some of the top sellers in tablets:
Asus Google Nexus 7 - $249.99
Pros: portable, fast and good value
The display is good for a small tablet and the stereo speakers offer amazingly loud audio.
Microsoft Surface Pro 2 - $899.99
Pros:10.6 inch touch screen, runs on windows and has detachable keyboard
You can use the Surface Pro 2 like a tablet or like a lap top.
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 - $399.99
Pros: S-Pen takes notes quickly, expandable memory and super sharp camera
The Paper Artist app lets you get creative with painting, drawing and illustrating.
Sony Slider UltraBook - $1,499.00
Pros: 13-inch touchscreen, 10-hour battery life and converts to lap top
The 11-inch model weighs in at just less than two pounds, while the 13-inch model is just 2.3 pounds.
Apple iPad mini Retina – $399.99
Pros: High resolution screen, larger battery and faster processor
The device hit the market mid-November and already orders have hit the four million mark.
Phablets
If a tablet is too big for your needs, you may want to consider buying a phablet. A phablet is a mobile device designed to combine the functions of a smart phone with a tablet.
Samsung Galaxy Mega - $499.00
Pros: Biggest phablet on market, 6.3-inch screen, can run multiple applications on one screen
The high power touchscreen allows you to wear gloves with the device.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 - $799.99
Pros: 5.7 inch screen, pen stylus to take notes and can pair phablet with Samsung Galaxy Gear watch ($300.00)
The device gives users a few options to shrink down the screen size for smaller hands.
