Which tablet is best for you?

You've probably seen them being used everywhere in the bus to the classroom - tablets are becoming the new trend in computer technology. Funny enough, tablets have been around just as long as laptops have, but their resurgence this time seems to be fueled by the uber-popular iPad. However, Apple's iconic device isn't the one out there, and if you're in the market for a tablet, there are actually plenty of models to choose from. Just make sure that you look for a Best Buy Promotion Code to save on your purchase.

Before we even list different types of tablets, we have to understand what they actually are. According to PC Mag, a tablet is "A general-purpose computer contained in a single panel. Its distinguishing characteristic is the use of a touch screen as the input device. Modern tablets are operated by fingers, whereas earlier tablets required a stylus."

Tablets can be used for many different purposes. Most purchase these gadgets for recreational reasons while others use them for work. Depending on which model you buy, a tablet can include a marketplace where you can either purchase applications (apps) or download them for free. From games to utilities and tools, there are virtually thousands of software to choose from, and it's up to you to customize the content of your tablet by choosing which apps to download.

iPad 2. Strategy Analytics reported that during the fourth quarter of 2010, iPad's market share was at 75 percent, according to the Business Insider, so it's only fitting to start off the list with the device that fueled the resurgence of the tablets. With the recent release of the iPad 2, the gadget is just becoming more popular than ever.

The iPad 2 is packed with plenty of features that many casual tablet users can enjoy. Its operating system is the iOS 4, created specifically by Apple as a mobile operating system not only for the iPad but also for the iPhones. Compared to the first iPad, the second generation is 33 percent thinner so it's easier to grab a hold of. It also comes with two Apple A5 chips, a 10-hour battery life and a 9.7-inch dispaly, which means better movie watching, surfing the net and playing games. The iPad 2 also has two cameras - one in the back and the other in the front for Apple's own FaceTime application, which allows for videoconferencing with other iPad users.

A 16 GB model currently sells for $499.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. At only $279.99 for a 16 GB model, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 might just be the frontrunner to at least grabbing some market share away from Apple. This shiny gadget, just like the iPad, is chockfull of features but under all the guidance of the Android operating system, which is an open source O.S. for many mobile devices.

According to its website, the Galaxy Tab is the thinnest and lightest large screen tablet in the market, tipping the scale at 565 grams and is only 8.66 mm slim. Unlike Apple products, Android devices actually support the Adobe Flash Player, which means more multimedia experience online. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 also has two cameras for video chatting, crisp pictures and HD video.

The tablet also features a 10.1-inch widescreen display and a video battery life of up to 9 hours.

Motorola XOOM. The XOOM, just like the Galaxy Tab, was released to compete with the popularity of the iPad. Perhaps a major advantage that this tablet has over others is Motorola's partnership with Verizon, which allows the device to connect through not just Wi-Fi but also with Verizon's 3G network. The Wi-Fi and 3G networking compatible model will set you back $499.

Features of the XOOM include a 10.1-inch HD widescreen display so you can enjoy HD movies conveniently, according to the tablet's website. Just like the Galaxy Tab, the XOOM also uses the Android operating system, specifically the 3.1 Honeycomb version. With a front- and back-facing camera, users are able to take quality pictures and videos, as well as video chat with friends who also have the Android device. When it comes to battery life, Wi-Fi browsing or video playback can last up to 10 hours, while standby time is approximately 14 days. 

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