Best Tablets 2015
The Best Tablets That Aren't an iPad
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Apple just announced not one, but two new iPads — and while they're pretty great, we found other tablets that are slightly more budget friendly or worth the bigger price for what they can do. Whether you're a student or someone shopping all the deals out there, consider these options that will double your productivity and make life a little easier.
Surface 3
Want a lightweight tablet that makes it incredibly easy to take notes with a pen and type? Try Microsoft's Surface 3 ($500), a tablet that can work with an attachable keyboard ($130), comes with a year of Microsoft Office, and includes a microSD card reader and USB port — a feature most tablets lack. A nice plus: students get a 10 percent discount. Keep in mind that it won't have Windows 10 on it yet, but it is pretty easy to upgrade to.
Nexus 9
Google's tablet, the Nexus 9 ($400), is perfect for anyone who religiously uses the company's products and wants a dual purpose product. Like Microsoft's Surface 3, you can use it with the Nexus 9 Keyboard Folio ($130) for easier typing. It comes in three different colors and runs on Android Lollipop.
Amazon Fire HD 7
Looking for something to relax with but that still has enough storage to download all your books (and textbooks) on? The Amazon Fire HD 7 ($140) is the tablet that will fulfill those needs. It's pretty light to carry, comes in five different colors, and is just a great tablet to use when you don't want your laptop.
Galaxy Note Pro
If you're searching for something simple that performs superfast, Samsung's Galaxy Note Pro 12.2" ($650, originally $750) is your calling — especially with 32 GB of storage. While it's definitely the priciest of the bunch, its features could sway you to use this as your main computer, thanks to its size and the number of apps it works with.
Sony Xperia Z4
Yes, a waterproof tablet exists in the form of Sony's Xperia Z4 ($619). It's thin, has a microSD and USB slot, and is the only tablet you should have if you're an active Android user. It works fast and, really, you can't beat the waterproof aspect.
