The perfect tablet and e-book reader for that soon to be graduate
The best tablets and e-book readers for that special recent or nearly recent graduate in your life.
Eric Franklin
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.
With access to thousands of movies, TV shows, books, and songs, the Kindle Fire is one of the very best media consumption devices available. The $200 price makes it a low risk investment that pays off with a simple, elegant interface and tons of media options.
For the one who wants more app freedom than the Kindle Fire provides and doesn't mind the additional levels of complexity that come as a byproduct, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 is a great choice. Its dual cameras, full Android 4.0 OS, and expandable storage makes it well-worth its $250 price.
Don't sleep on the iPad 2. While it's no longer the new hotness, this now $400 tablet is still one of the best available with a fast processor and access to an incredible number of awesome apps.
At $250, the Nook Tablet offers more storage than the Kindle Fire as well as expandable storage through its microSD card slot. Those looking for a less handhold-y e-reading alternative to the Fire will find it here.
Think owning an iPad means they don't need a Kindle? Wrong.
The featherweight Kindle is great for distraction-free reading, and --
unlike that beefy iPad -- it won't cause wrist fatigue during long
sessions of content consumption.
