Best 5 tablets
Here's a collection of the tablets rated highest by CNET editors. Visit our tablet page for all the latest news, and be sure to see our list of the Best Android tablets, highlighting only Android OS devices.
For general tablet-shopping advice, visit our Tablet Buying Guide.
Apple iPad (March 2012, 16GB, Wi-Fi, black) 
Your first choice
With unmatched screen quality, incredibly optimized performance, an elegant design, the best and most apps available, 4G wireless options, and the strength of Apple's media ecosystem behind it, the iPad continues to be in a league of its own.
Price: $499.00 - $539.99 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
Asus Transformer Pad Infinity TF700 (gray, 64GB)
Best premium Android tablet
The 1.6GHz Tegra 3 and DDR3 RAM make this the fastest Android tablet available. Drop in an incredible camera, beautiful high-res screen, and the flexibility of a full Android environment, and you have my attention.
As shown: $599.00
See manufacturer site for availability
Google Nexus 7 (8GB)
Best 7-inch tablet
Android 4.1 is more useful and user-friendly than the OS has ever been and the tablet's screen, games performance, comfortable design, solid media options, and low price make this an excellent waypoint into the tablet world for anyone.
As shown: $199.00
See manufacturer site for availability
Asus Transformer Pad TF300 (16GB)
Best full-sized bang for your buck
Perfect for those that can't go all out on price, but want a full-sized and flexible tablet experience. With enough performance power to match nearly any tablet, it's the best deal for a full-sized Tegra 3 tablet.
Price: $345.99 - $445.11 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
Amazon Kindle Fire
Best media consumption tablet
Amazon doesn't sleep on content. And here it provides it. Um, all of it. That's great in itself, but its the elegant and friendly way the Kindle Fire delivers said content that really brings it all home.
Price: $199.00 (check prices)
4 stars Read full review
