#1. Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime

The Eee Pad Transformer Prime was not only the first quad-core tablet to reach the market, it was also the first to be updated to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The quad-core Tegra 3 processor makes the Transformer Prime one of the highest performing tablets available, and at just $499 for the 32GB version, it is amazingly affordable. The Transformer can also be used as a laptop with exceptional battery life thanks to the optional keyboard dock.

#2. Apple iPad 2

As a surprising twist, the iPad 2 is actually more popular than the New iPad. While the iPad 2 isn’t quite as powerful as the New iPad and has a lower resolution screen, it’s still just as capable as the third generation. For the time being, at least, iPad apps won’t even be targeting the latest version’s improved specs anyway. The most appealing feature of the iPad 2 is now its price; the Wi-Fi only version is just $399.

#3. Apple iPad 3^rd Generation

The third generation iPad is Apple’s latest and greatest. It features an improved dual-core processor and a super high-resolution display. As Apple’s newest product, it’s definitely popular, but it just doesn’t offer quite enough of a performance boost of the iPad 2 to justify the need to upgrade for most users, especially since apps that actually take advantage of the iPad’s new-found power are fairly scarce. The iPad 2’s new low price also makes the 3^rd gen a difficult sell.

#4. Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 was Samsung’s first truly successful Android tablet. It has been out for a while now, and does show its age, though only slightly. Much like the iPad 2, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is outclassed in terms of performance by newer products, but its reduced price tag helps to keep it an appealing buy. For those who prefer an Android tablet over iOS, the Galaxy Tab is also one of the few that offers a 4G LTE connectivity option.

#5. Sony Tabet S

Sony’s Tablet S is another Android tablet, though it runs a highly modified version. Sony has gone to great lengths to optimize the Tablet S as a true multimedia device. It carries features such as PlayStation Certification for gaming, an IR Blaster to control Sony’s Bravia TV sets, and a solid dual-core Tegra 2 processor. Though it offers some unique features, it is a bit pricier than its competitors, but still affordable.

The Tablet market is still growing very quickly, with new products coming out monthly. Android has certainly shaken things up a bit, but Microsoft is looking to enter the market very shortly with Windows 8. You’ll definitely want to keep an eye on our blog for the latest news, and take a look at our tablet charts to see how the competition is heating up.

Apple iPad 2

For anyone who already owns an iPhone or iPod Touch, the iPad 2 is absolutely the best choice, so long as you don’t mind paying a bit of a premium for the Apple flare. Its iOS interface is essentially identical to all of the other iOS products, including the iPhone and iPod Touch, so there’s really no learning curve. With its 1GHz dual-core A5 processor, it performs quite well, too.

Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime

If performance is what you’re after, though, the Eee Pad Transformer Prime is the way to go. It’s the first tablet with Nvidia’s Tegra 3 Quad-Core (yes, 4 cores) processor. It will have an optional keyboard dock that basically turns it into a fully functioning laptop, just like its predecessor, the Eee Pad Transformer (note the absence of “Prime”). One caveat: the Prime is scheduled for release on December 19^th, so securing one for Christmas day might not be so easy. The original Transformer is still a great (and affordable) choice, as is the Eee Pad Slider.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1

The Galaxy Tab 10.1 was the first Android tablet that Apple was actually scared of (and even fought against in court). Marking a new era in Android devices, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is all about sleek styling paired with cool performance. Its dual-core Tegra 2 processor and Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system are fairly common in high-end tablets, but none do it quite so stylishly. It looks as nice as the iPad 2 (it’s even thinner than the iPad 2), and it performs as well as the iPad 2. No wonder Apple was afraid of it.

Sony Tablet S

Another dual-core Tegra 2 Android Tablet, the Tablet S sets itself apart by offering both hardware and software features other tablets lack. For starters, it is PlayStation Certified, meaning it can install and play many games from Sony’s PlayStation Store. Sony has also outfitted it with its very own Bravia display technology for a vivid visual experience. To top it all off, the Tablet S includes an integrated IR blaster, making it a very capable universal remote. Overall, it’s a nearly unbeatable multimedia device.

Amazon Kindle Fire

You may think of the Kindle Fire as more of an E-Reader rather than a tablet, but its color screen, gaming apps, web browser, and video streaming capabilities beg to differ. Sure, it lacks things like a camera, microphone, and GPS, but with a price tag of just $200, it’s half as expensive as the cheapest tablet on this list. Bottom line: if you’re looking for a reliable and functional tablet, and you don’t mind forgoing a few bells and whistles, the Kindle Fire is the best deal you’ll find for a while.