Tablets

I know it's starting to feel like Tablet Central around here, but hear me out.

On many occasions I've warned against buying cheap, off-brand tablets. That's because most of the models I've tried were terrible. They had slow processors, resistive (as opposed to capacitive, which is what you want) touch screens, old versions of Android, and crummy app stores.

But something is starting to change. Yesterday, Ematic announced the eGlide Steal, a 7-inch Android 4.0 tablet priced at $119. (Stay tuned: I'm working on getting a unit in for review.)

And today only, Geeks.… Read more

Quick housekeeping note: Tomorrow, May 26, at 4 p.m. ET, you can hear me on WJR Radio's Internet Advisor show, where I'll be discussing cheap deals (natch) and the ever-popular topic of cord-cutting. Hope you'll tune in! (You can listen live online or via the WJR app.)

Back in January, Lenovo offered its IdeaPad A1 7-inch Android tablet for a little under $170. It sold out very quickly.

Today, while supplies last, Newegg has the IdeaPad A1 for $169.99 shipped. It's new, not refurbished.

If you want to talk apples and apples, that's … Read more

Whoa! Amazon is selling the refurbished Kindle with Special Offers for $69. And if you claim a free voucher from Amazon Local (available today only), you can get it for $49!

Start by heading to Amazon Local (the city doesn't matter) and clicking Get Voucher. Make sure to complete the process of "placing your order" (an Amazon account and credit card are required), keeping in mind that you won't be charged anything for the voucher.

When that's done, click Your Vouchers (top-right corner of the page). It may take a few minutes to finish processing … Read more

Cheap things come to those who wait. It was just a few weeks ago that I wrote about this very tablet, which was selling for a then-attractive price of $239.99

Now, while supplies last, Acer (via eBay) is offering the refurbished Iconia A500-10S08u 10.1-inch Android tablet for $199.99 shipped. That's an awful lot of tablet for less than 200 bucks.

And it makes me ask: What's the best screen size for a tablet? I mean, your two Benjamins can also buy you a 7-inch Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet. The playing field has rarely been … Read more

The tablet wars are on.

Just last month, Amazon slashed the refurbished Kindle Fire to $139 (it's now back up to $169). Today, Barnes & Noble (via eBay) is offering the refurbished Nook Tablet for $149 shipped. Just to clarify, that's the Nook Tablet, not the older Nook Color -- which is what you usually see selling at this price.

Update: Yikes! Big goof on my part: this Nook is new, not refurbished!

What's the difference? Physically, they're just about identical, but the Nook Tablet features a faster processor, more RAM, and a microphone. The Nook … Read more

Much as I'm loathe to diminish the beauty of a tablet by wrapping it in a plastic or leather case, I recognize the necessity -- not just for protection, but also for productivity.

For example, as someone who routinely reads books and magazines over breakfast, I like to prop up my tablet at a comfortable viewing angle. And I don't always want it in landscape orientation, either; sometimes I prefer a portrait view. (See you around, iPad Smart Cover.)… Read more

Not sure what prompted this, but over the weekend I received a handful of really nice e-mails from readers. It's deeply gratifying to know that you like what I'm doing here, and I offer my sincere thanks to everyone who's written me to say so. You people are the best.

Now that the touchy-feely stuff's out of the way, on to today's deals! Yes, that's "deals" plural. Sometimes I can't pick just one!

1. While supplies last, Secondipity has the used Acer Iconia A500-10S08u 10.1-inch Android tablet for $239.99 shipped. (… Read more

It was just over a month ago that Amazon slashed the refurbished Kindle Fire to $139. Since then, it's been selling for $169 -- still a great deal, but not this great.

Today only, and while supplies last, Amazon once again has the refurbished Kindle Fire tablet for $139 shipped.

Now's the time to score Mother's Day gold. Or Father's Day gold. And don't forget about graduate gold. By which I mean: awesome gift item!

Like last time, the sellout potential here is huge. Even at the new price of $199, the Kindle Fire is … Read more

Flowers are all well and good this Mother's Day, but let's face it: they're ephemeral. And cliche. And not terribly practical. That's probably why a recent survey showed that moms covet tech gear nearly as much as they do spa trips and jewelry.

If you want to get Mom something that's useful, entertaining, and long-lasting, look no further than the tech department. I've rounded up five gadgets, all priced below $100, that should make Mom a happy camper this year -- and on into next.

ChicBuds Most earbuds are basic black or Apple white … Read more