Before the iPad debuted in early 2010, no one really knew they needed a tablet. But, gosh, how did we ever live without them?

Lighter than a laptop with more real estate than a smartphone, tablets have quickly become the go-to device for browsing the web, playing games or simply reading a book – whether on the couch or in a cab.

Just like the flurry of smartphones that followed the iPhone, there now is a bevy of tablets from which consumers can choose. They browse, download and multitask at blazing-fast speeds. They snap photos and videos, and they allow users to video chat with anyone, anywhere. And for the ultimate use on the couch, they can even function as a remote control.

If there’s someone on your list who’s pining for a shiny new tablet, check out our list of some of the best new devices, how they stack up against the iPad, and which wireless carriers they place nice with.

Sony Tablet S

So, there’s no Sony PlayStation 4 this year, but there is the Sony Tablet S – the first PlayStation Certified tablet. The Tablet S comes preloaded with PS favorites “Crash Bandicoot” and “Pinball Heroes,” with other classic PlayStation titles available for download. The Tablet S, one of the newest devices on the scene, also has the most unique form factor – a folded-magazine design the manufacturer says fits more comfortably in your hands. The tab, available in 16 GB ($499) and 32 GB ($599) models, runs the latest-greatest Android 3.2 Honeycomb operating system, powered by a dual-core 1 GHz processor, and features a 5-MP rear camera and a front-facing web cam. As an e-reader, the Tablet S offers access to more than 2 million titles in the Sony Reader Store. Already got too many devices sitting on the coffee table? A built-in universal remote lets the Tablet S control the TV, Blu-ray player, stereo or cable box – whether it’s a Sony product or not.
Screen Size: 9.4 inches Resolution: 1280 x 800 Weight: 1 pound 5 ounces (21 ounces)

Blackberry Playbook

Everyone knows a Blackberry addict; this is the tablet for them. The Playbook – available in 16 GB ($499), 32 GB ($599) and 64 GB ($699) models – syncs real-time with BlackBerry smartphones, so their email, calendar, address book, tasks and documents always are up-tothe-minute. The best-in-class 3-MP front-facing camera offers solid video-conferencing quality, and the 5-MP rear camera snaps 1080p high-def video. The ultra-portable tab, which can run on Sprint’s network, sizes in at just 5.1-by-7.6 inches on the outside but packs major guts on the inside: a dual-core 1 GHz processor plus 1 GB of RAM.
Screen Size: 7 inches Resolution: 1024 x 600 Weight: < 1 pound (15 ounces)

Samsung Galaxy Tab

If you’re looking for options, look no further than the Samsung Galaxy Tab. This Android tablet comes in three sizes – 10.1 inches, 8.9 and 7 – and is the only tab to be available on all major wireless networks, if they’re in need of a constant Internet connection. Here’s a look at the Galaxy universe.

Galaxy Tab 10.1

The Galaxy Tab 10.1 is slightly taller and narrower than the iPad 2 but is equally thin (or thick, depending on how you look at it). Available in two sizes, 16GB and 32 GB, and two colors, gray and white, the Tab 10.1 is offered as either a Wi-Fi Only model (16GB – $499, 32GB – $599) or a 4G LTE model for Verizon’s network (16GB – $529, 32GB – $629).

The Galaxy Tab 10.1 runs Android 3.1  Honeycomb and features a 1 GHz dual-core processor for blazing-fast browsing, gaming and on-the-go multitasking. A high-def display delivers crystal-clear picture, whether they’re streaming YouTube videos or slingshotting birds at pigs. A 3-MP rear-facing camera snaps photos, and a 2-MP front-facing camera can be used for video conferencing. As for entertainment, the Galaxy 10.1 is a beast. The Samsung Media Hub provides access to more than 5,000 movies and TV shows, which can be viewed on an HDTV via an HDMI dongle. Amazon’s Music Cloud Player and Kindle apps come preloaded, as does the popular social game Words With Friends, ensuring Tab users never need utter, “I have nothing to do.” 

Screen Size: 10.1 inches Resolution: 1280 x 800 Weight: 1 pound 4 ounces (20 ounces)