As a kid, you used to be good all year to save up brownie points for that big item on your Christmas list. A laptop used to be that item of choice. But now, tablets are almost as powerful, and in many cases, cost a fraction of the price. These mighty devices allow you to do most of the things you can do on your laptop, but afforable enough that you can still ask Santa for a few more gifts on the side.
Here are our tablet picks that should be under your tree.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S
$600
Introduced this season, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S is one of the slimmest and lightest tablets on the market packing a 10.5 inch display. For the avid traveler or the person who just likes to keep their movie watching close by, the super-amoled screen leaves competing screens out in the cold. The Tab S is also put together nicely for such a lightweight device and gives you the ability to multi-task, but the screen is what makes this a must get.
Microsoft Surface Pro 3
$800
For the person who just needs to get stuff done, there is no better option than the Surface Pro 3. Microsoft’s laptop killer comes decked out with an updated keyboard, 12 inch screen, three USB ports and a stylus pen that gives you even more options to be productive. It gives you enough power that you won’t miss your laptop, but it’s still light enough that you’ll never look at another laptop the same again.
iPad Air 2
Starting at $500
Currently dubbed the world’s thinnest tablet, Apple’s iPad Air 2 is a testament to the brand’s desire to push the envelope. A new processor, souped up photo capabilities, and Touch ID tech are just some of the new tweaks to the Air 2. If you are already part of the Apple family, the Air 2 makes it easy to sync your files to all of your devices.
Nexus 9
$400
Sometimes you just want to be the first, and the Nexus 9 gives you bragging rights. Crafted by HTC, the Nexus 9 is the first device to get its licks in with Android 5.0 Lollipop, and the taste is sweet. The Nexus 9 has an 8.5 inch screen, and while not the lightest, it is still beautifully designed. We wouldn’t expect anything less from the makers of the One M8, and is one of the fastest thanks to its souped up processor.
Nvidia Shield Tablet
$300
On mobile, there isn’t a better option to get your gaming fix than Nvidia’s Shield. While its price tag and specs make it a good option just as a stand-alone 8-inch tablet, it comes packed with a Tegra K1 Processor that makes gaming on it a breeze. It’s also very versatile, allowing you to pair a controller for a real gaming experience, or plug into your TV for console mode.
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