Tablets and e readers: Best of 2011

A lot has changed in the past year in the world of tablets and e readers. It wasn't long ago when your choice for a tablet would have been an Apple iPad or a subpar copycat, but today the scenario has changed dramatically. In some time, the market has gotten really crowded, and you're now faced with a ton of choices. So if you're headed out on Black Friday to pick up a tablet or e reader, how do you know what's really a deal, and what only seems like a steal?

Tablets and e-readers

Great news! We did all the research for you. We scoured this year's leaked Black Friday holiday ads and weeded out the best deals for you. Below, you'll find the best Black Friday bargains, along with a hotness rating:

1. Acer iconia tab a100

Acer Iconia Tab A100

The first 7 inch tablet from Acer, the Iconia Tab A100 is finally here. This is the first 7 inch tablet running on Android 3.2. It boasts of a couple of features and specifications. These include Tegra 2 SoC, 2 and 5 megapixel cameras, micro HDMI port, and micro USB to name a few. With the in built vanilla Honeycomb, one will not find proprietary widgets and custom skins clogging on their home screens. This tablet has specially been designed for the mainstream consumers. It will be available in 2 versions of 8GB and 16GB at a price tag of $329.99 and $349.99 respectively.

2. Nook color 2

Nook Color 2

The successor of Nook Color, the Nook Color 2 promises to be speedier compared to its earlier version. Its exterior will share a close resemblance to the original version except that it will be slightly thinner and lighter. Like the Nook Color, this too will come with 7 inch IPS display having 1024x600 pixels resolutions. Its features include 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 16GB storage, Android Froyo, Netflix, Pandora, Hulu Plus, among others. It will be available at a price tag of $250.

3. Samsung galaxy tab wi fi

Samsung Galaxy Tab Wi-Fi

Samsung’s new offering Galaxy Tab 10.1 is available in Wi Fi version only. Post Apple’s iPad 2 hitting stores, Samsung kept no stone unturned to make the release of its Galaxy tab better. The device is thin and lightweight and has a feel good factor. This tab made its debut at Mobile World Congress. It will run on Android Honeycomb 3.0. It is likely to be available at a price tag of $399 excluding taxes.

4. Motorola xoom

Motorola Xoom

The Motorola Xoom will give a tough competition to iPad. It boasts of 10.1” screen, dual core processor, HDMI output, maxed out RAM, expansion slots, Android Honeycomb, Micro HDMI, Micro USB, speakers, 5 MP camera along with dual LED flash among others. It comes with an attractive keyboard. It’s well placed keys and ample size makes typing performance excellent in portrait orientations as well as landscape. Off contract it will be available at a price of $800 while at Verizon it is available for 2 year commitment at $600.

5. Amazon kindle keyboard

Amazon Kindle Keyboard

The Amazon Kindle Keyboard is more compact and slimmer compared to its predecessor. It boasts of higher contrast, improved screen, faster page turns, huge library of e books, magazines, newspapers and blogs, native PDF support, built in keyboard, 4GB internal memory, excellent battery back, AAC audio, MP3 among others. This Kindle is available in two versions. The one having both 3G wireless and Wi Fi will be available at $189 while the only Wi Fi version costs $139.

6. Asus eee pad transformer tf101

Asus Eee Pad Transformer TF101

This Eee Pad Transformer coupled with matching keyboard dock offers an apt balance between entertainment and productivity. This is most affordable Android 3.0 tab till date. It is available at 2 versions of 16GB and 32GB at a price tag of $399 and $499 respectively. It is preloaded with a couple of features namely 10.1” display, Nvidia Tegra 2 processor, Android Honeycomb OS, 1GB RAM, 2MP camera, 3.5mm audio jack among others. Its superior display coupled with aggressive pricing makes it a serious contender.

7. Sony tablet s

Sony Tablet S

This tablet from Sony has a very unique design. It looks similar to folded newspaper. It is more comfortable and much lighter to hold compared to several similar tabs. It boasts of 9.4” LCD screen, 1280x800 pixels resolution, 160ppi pixel density, Micro SD and USB card slot, File Transfer software, 1GB RAM, 5MP rear camera, 0.3MP front camera, and 10 hours battery backup. Its special features include IR transmitter, Video and Music Unlimited, access to PlayStation and Social Feeds Reader. When lying flat, this tablet turns more practical for typing, reading and browsing. Its Wi Fi version of 16GB is available at £399.

8. Hanvon hpad a112

Hanvon HPad A112

This latest multimedia e Reader from Hanvon is a super slim and fashionable device. It is made with aluminium magnesium and has a glass front cover along with acrylic back cover. It will be available at a starting price of $545. This e Reader is equipped with features such as 7 inch resistible or capacity touchscreen, 800x600 pixels resolution, 3MP rear camera, 32GB micro SD card, Android 2.2 Froyo, 3G, GPS, MP3, MP4, among others. It also supports Hanvon business apps like Hanvon Office Editer as well as Hanvon Notes and Handwriting Mail.

9. Hp Touchpad

Hp Touchpad

The HP Touchpad is now available at an affordable price tag of just $99 which is much cheaper compared to other high profile offerings. Its 32GB version will be available for $149. It offers pretty good features and specifications such as 9.7 inch capacitive display, 1024x768 pixel resolution, to name a few. It runs on 1.2GHz Qualcomm thereby making it one of the fastest available in the market.

10. Dell streak 7

Dell Streak 7

Dell Streak 7, the elder brother of Dell Streak offers access to web browsing, watching video, reading e books among others. Its features include 5MP rear camera, 1.3MP front camera, 16GB internal memory, Android 2.2, 3.5mm headphone jack, 7” Gorilla Glass display, 800 x 480 pixels resolution, Tegra 2 processor, access to social networking sites, to name a few. Without contract it will be available at $450 while with contract it will be available for $200 at T Mobile.