2011 will go down in history as the year of the table. Though tablets were initially introduced to consumer years earlier, the world really adapted to the trend over the past year.

That being said, it’s tough to distinguish between all of the tablets, with various capabilities and prices, to find which ones offer the best value and price.

1. Apple’s iPad 2: The successor to the company’s first tablet comes with several new bells and whistles. With a thinner, improved screen and a front-facing camera, iPad 2 users can even video chat on these tablets.With access to just over 140,000 iPad apps, users of this tablet have access to all that Apple has to offer. Starting at $499, this is definitely not the cheapest tablet, but it is arguably one of the best – Apple has sold over 25 million iPad 2s since the launch in April 2010.

2. Kindle Fire: Perhaps the best overall value tablet available, the Kindle Fire costs only $199. This Android-powered device has been nicknamed “the iPad-killer” due to expected sales in the following years. For those of you looking for a smaller tablet (7 inch screen) without a camera or some of the more advanced features of the iPad, the Kindle Fire is a worthy competitor with a potential savings of $300+.

3. Barnes & Noble Nook Color: Similar to the Kindle Fire and iPad 2, the Nook Color offers access to Netflix, email, web browsing and video compatibility. Additionally, this tablet provides access to over 2.5 million books, magazines, interactive kids’ books. Because the Nook Color is so similar to the Kindle Fire (offered at the same price), we couldn’t decide which we like better.

4. Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime: If you’re looking for a fusion between a tablet and a computer, the Transformer Prime is the world’s first quad-core tablet, also complete with a full keyboard. Slimmer than both the iPad 2 and Galaxy Tab, the Transformer Prime starts at $499.
As one of the best Android tablets on the market, the Transformer Prime has an excellent battery life and a great overall tablet computing experience.

5. Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1: Both lighter and thinner than the iPad 2, Samsung’s Galaxy tab is an alternative for those who are less fond of Apple. With a customizable home screen, access to mini apps, and supporting Adobe Flash, this Android tablet is the first true contender to the iPad 2. Similar in price to the iPad 2, the Galaxy Tab proves itself worthy in the high-end tablet market.

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Have a better suggestion? Share your favorite tablet computer.

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