Eric Franklin led the CNET Tech team as Editorial Director. A 20-plus-year industry veteran, Eric began his tech journey testing computers in the CNET Labs. When not at work he can usually be found at the gym, chauffeuring his kids around town, or absorbing every motivational book he can get his hands on.
Big surprise, right? Yep, the iPad 2 is still the tablet to beat. With the most and best apps of any tablet, impeccable design, and Apple's deep ecosystem, this should be your first choice when considering buying a tablet. Period.
Sony brings its stylistic design sense to tablets with great success. The Tablet S has a beautiful, sexy, and practical design. To top that off, Sony throws in support for PlayStation-certified games, DLNA streaming audio and video, and a remote-control feature.
The first tablet to match the iPad 2 in slightness of form, with an even lower weight. The TouchWiz interface offers useful shortcuts and apps for audio and video streaming. Also, its screen has nearly unparalleled color reproduction and clarity.
Priced at $249, the Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet delivers an incredible value. If the limited storage capacity and humdrum design of Amazon's $199 Kindle Fire leaves you wanting more, the Nook Tablet could be the answer.
