Tech & Electronics
Best tablets for the holidays
Best tablets for the holidays
There are fewer than ever, but here are your options.
The latest iPad (10.2-inch, 7th generation, 2019)
An obvious affordable choice
Apple's small refresh to its entry-level iPad increases the screen size just a bit and adds support for smart connector-attached keyboards. Older processor aside, this is a perfectly good iPad, and it's already on sale. But for an even better deal, consider Apple's 2018 9.7-inch iPad, which has nearly identical hardware specs (aside from a screen that's an inch smaller) -- you can often snag the of that model for $300, which is a . .
iPad Mini (2019)
Expensive, but the best smaller tablet
Apple refreshed the Mini in the spring with Apple Pencil support and an A12 processor that outperforms the bigger 10.2-inch basic iPad. Confusing, huh? Just know that this is a great little tablet, especially for games, but its smaller size may not suit people who want to use it as a laptop replacement. .
iPad Pro (2018)
The best iPad, but...
Apple's Face ID-enabled, USB-C iPad Pro has the best processor and best design, and works with Apple's improved, newer Pencil from 2018. It also may be on sale this holiday. But you may also consider an IOU and wait for the next version if it arrives early-to-mid 2020. .
Kindle Fire 7 (2019)
The most affordable tablet
Amazon's rock-bottom tablet prices are always shocking, and this year's Fire 7 is a solid pick for basic video/game/kid needs. As always, Amazon Prime lets you get a lot more out of it content-wise, and Amazon's Fire ecosystem is more limited than Android. But if you're buying for a child, definitely invest in the Kids Edition, which includes a rubberized case, a free year of kid-friendly FreeTime Unlimited content -- and a no-questions-asked two-year replacement warranty for damaged units. .
Microsoft Surface Pro 6
Laptop-tablet that's often on sale
Microsoft has a newer , but last year's 6 is still good, and sometimes comes in a great bundle with its keyboard. Anyone looking for a work tablet or a tablet that can become a full PC, look no further. .
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
One of the last good Android tablets
It's getting almost impossible to find Android tablets from name-brand manufacturers, but Samsung still makes them. The Tab S6 is expensive, but it's compact and has an optional keyboard with trackpad, and connects to monitors using Samsung's DeX technology. .
HP Chromebook X2
Chromebook that's also a tablet
For the right price, the Chromebook X2 could be one of the best deals of the bunch. A functional Chromebook laptop that's also a detachable tablet, and it can also play Android apps. .
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