

Amazon’s Fire tablets are also an affordable way to get the basics like watching movies and browsing the web, as long as you don’t mind their limitations. Android tablets are making a bit of a comeback recently, and Google has refocused its efforts on improving the tablet experience.

The iPad’s ease of use and best-in-breed software makes it the obvious choice for most people, but if you don’t want an iPad, other options exist. With a wealth of apps for drawing, painting, and making music, they’re also a great outlet for creative impulses. They're not essential but are nice to have around. A good tablet can be a portable TV screen around the house and a way to get some light work done away from your desk.
