Decisions. Decisions.

I have been thinking of jumping into the world of tablets. I sometimes think that I need one to be a real blogger so I can write anywhere the Muse strikes. I know that is not true but, the little kid in me wants a new toy. The thing is that a tablet is a pretty big expense for a toy and with all the options out there it is hard to make a cut and dried decision.

I have to admit I made a rash decision before my trip to New York. I bought a cheap knock off on Amazon and I ended up returning it when I got back. I was swayed by the reviews online that  later turned out to be bogus. You live and learn right?

So this time around I am trying to be more prudent and do my research. Still it is not an easy decision.

Do I want a 10" screen for a better viewing experience or would a 7" screen be more versatile?
The tablet I sent back had a nice 8" screen kind it was really a good compromise. Big enough to watch video content and compact enough to carry in a small messenger bag.
Does a camera, GPS, bluetooth, and all the other bells and whistles really matter in the long run if you have pay another $50, $100 or more. Then add a data plan to boot?

I guess the one thing I have found in my research is that you have buy something that fits your needs not the needs of the nerdy tech guy in the office or " I haven't had human contact in three weeks, but I'm up to level 57 on Dungeons and Warcraft" teenager. That is where the hard part comes in.
So after a few weeks of research I have it down to two models.

One another full blown tablet from a decent, but not well known company called LePan.  It has the bells and whistles (bluetooth, GPS, webcam) and I have had a chance to play with it at a local retailer. It's reasonbly priced. ($250) Large 9.7" screen and a nice picture.The tech specs are kind of on the low end. (2Gb of Ram and 556 Mhz processor) Plus, the reviews on Amazon look real this time. The other is new Nook tablet that Barnes and Noble announced today.
It has the power (1Ghz processor) and the specs (16G of ram) of a really good tablet and the picture is really good for a 7" tablet. The price is comparable to the other LePan ($250) Plus, I can get Netflix and some other good stuff on it  compared to the older model of the Nook. It has no camera, GPS, or bluetooth but, I'm not sure those are deal breakers. I have also been able to play with a loaner Nook Color from work and growing attached to it. It is also getting a lot of buzz here, here, and here.
So, I put my trepidations aside and took the plunge and pre-ordered a Nook tablet today. I guess I shouldn't worry too much about making the right decision, it will probably be obsolete by Christmas.

I'll keep you posted.