Latest Tablet

Samsung Galaxy tab 7.7

The good: The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7's AMOLED screen provides gloriously deep blacks and superbright colors. The tablet is the thinnest small-form tablet yet and includes expandable memory, impressive games performance, and an IR sensor that turns the tablet into a smart remote control.

The bad: Two-year cellular contracts for tablets still stink, and even if waived, the subsidized $500 price looks like a steal compared with the overpriced noncontract tag of $700 staring you in the face. Also, an HDMI or USB port would have been useful.

The bottom line: The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7 delivers a beautiful screen and fast performance but our enthusiasm is ultimately tempered when the price is taken into account

Specs: Android 3.2 Honeycomb OS, 1 GB, Bluetooth 3.0, Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n, 7.74 in x 0.31 in x 5.24 in, 7.7 in OLED displays, 12 oz

Toshiba Excite 10 LE

The good: The Toshiba Excite 10 LE is the thinnest, lightest 10-inch tablet yet, an achievement made more impressive by the inclusion of HDMI, Micro-USB, and microSD memory expansion.

The bad: The proprietary charging adapter is a beast; the screen is so-so; the internal speakers sound thin; and the construction quality looks better than it feels.

The bottom line: The Toshiba Excite 10 LE sets a new design standard for thin and light 10-inch tablets, but the specs don't live up to the name.

Specs: Android 3.2 (Honeycomb), 1 GB - LPDDR2 SDRAM, Texas Instruments OMAP4430 1.2 GHz, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Bluetooth 2.1, 6.9 in x 0.3 in x 10.1 in, 10.1 in TFT active matrix - LED backlight - Yes, 1.1 lbs

iPad 3

The good: Apple's new iPad includes a stunning new screen, matched by a quad-core graphic processor and the world's largest app and media store to feed it content. There's a proper 5-megapixel rear camera now, with 1080p recording quality. Optional 4G data from AT&T and Verizon afford an uncompromising mobile experience.

The bad: The new iPad is slightly heavier than last year's model; apps and movies optimized for the screen might take up more space; and ports for HDMI, USB, and SD require adapters.

The bottom line: With a host of improvements--faster graphics, 4G wireless options, a better camera, and a gorgeous high-res screen--the latest iPad cements its position at the head of the tablet pack.

Specs: Apple iOS 5, Apple A5X, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g, Bluetooth 4.0, 7.3 in x 0.4 in x 9.5 in, 9.7 in TFT active matrix - LED backlight - Yes, 23 oz