Google Nexus 7 tablet

Price: $199 with 8 gigabytes of data storage; $249 with 16 gigabytes.

No memory card slot for extra storage; 1.3 gigahertz quad-core processor; 7-inch 1280 x 800 display; 1.2 megapixel front-facing camera; no camera on back

Amazon.com Kindle Fire tablet

Price: $199 with 8 gigabytes of data storage.

No memory card slot for extra storage; 1-gigahertz dual-core processor; 7-inch 1024 x 600 display; no camera

Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet

Price: $199 with 8 gigabytes of data storage; $249 with 16 gigabytes.

Accepts up to 32 gigabytes of additional data via micro SD memory slot; 1-gigahertz dual-core processor; 7-inch 1024 X 600 display; no camera