NEW YORK — Tablets are at the top of many wish lists this holiday season. But what to get? The choice used to be pretty limited, with the iPad dominating the latecomers. But this year, the field is more even.
Full-sized tablets, which generally have screens measuring about 10 inches on the diagonal, are better for surfing websites designed for PCs, and far better when it comes to displaying magazines and documents. Overall, they go further toward replacing a laptop. They cost $400 and up.
If you’ve settled on a large tablet, here are some top choices:
Apple Inc.’s iPad
Price: Starts at $499 for 16 gigabytes of storage, goes up to $699 for 64 gigabytes, more for versions with cellular data access. (Apple still sells the older, iPad 2 for $399.)
Pros: Unmatched access to third-party applications, high-quality Apple software and the iTunes store. Widest range of cases and accessories available. Available with access to fast 4G wireless broadband networks, starting at $629.
Cons: Data storage cannot be expanded with memory cards, and the base 16 gigabytes doesn’t go far.
Barnes & Noble Inc.’s Nook HD+
Price: $269 for 16 gigabytes of storage; $299 for 32 GB
Pros: Cheap and portable. Storage is expandable with microSD memory cards. Easy access to Barnes & Noble book store.
Cons: Selection of third-party applications is small. Barnes & Noble lacks wide range of content. Lacks cameras and option for wireless broadband.
Samsung Electronic Co.’s Galaxy Note 10.1
Price: $499 for 16 gigabytes of storage, $549 for 32 GB
Pros: Comes with a pen for drawing on the screen. Slightly thinner and lighter than an iPad. Longer, narrower screen better suited to movies. Storage is expandable with memory cards. Can act as a universal remote for an entertainment center.
Cons: Selection of third-party applications not as good as iPad’s, but wider than Kindle. Screen resolution lower than iPad’s. No option for wireless broadband. Pen sensor slightly shortens battery life.
Microsoft Corp.’s Surface
Price: $499 for 32 gigabytes of storage, $100 extra for keyboard cover. $699 for 64 GB version, includes keyboard cover.
Pros: Storage can be expanded with microSD memory cards. Comes with free Microsoft Office software. Models running full version of Windows 8 coming soon, offering compatibility with programs available for traditional Windows computers.
Cons: Operating system lacks good track record on tablets. Selection of third-party apps small. No option for wireless broadband.
Google Inc.’s Nexus 10
Price: $399 for 16 gigabytes of storage, $499 for 32 GB
Pros: Access to a variety of software for Android devices, though not as extensive as apps for iPad. Longer, narrower screen better suited to movies.
Cons: Integrates with Google Play store, which isn’t as robust as Apple or Amazon’s stores. Data storage cannot be expanded with memory cards. No option for cellular wireless broadband.