The best tablets of 2012

iPad with Retina Starting at $499 (16GB Wi-Fi) Still the standard bearer for the world of tablets, the iPad's beautiful new Retina display and robust app library makes it hard to beat. (Apple)

Nexus 10 Starting at $399 (16GB Wi-Fi) Google's answer to the iPad, the Samsung-manufactured Nexus 10 is a powerful standout tablet with a beautiful screen and fine lines. (Google)

iPad mini Starting at $329 (16GB Wi-Fi) The long awaited and constantly rumored miniature iPad is finally here, but with its price and the lack of a Retina display makes it a hard swallow compared more value-oriented competitors. If you've got money to burn and are committed to the Apple ecosystem however, it's a no-brainer. (Apple)

Nexus 7 Starting at $199 (16GB Wi-If) Google beat Apple to the punch in the smaller tablet space with the Acer-made 7-inch Nexus and it looks to be a winner. Fast, elegant and priced to move, it's the perfect tablet for those looking for something more portable. (Google)

Kindle Fire HD Starting at $199 (16GB Wi-Fi) With its low price and unfussy experience, the 7-inch Kindle Fire HD is a great value for fans of Amazon's ecosystem.

Nook HD Starting at $199 (8GB Wi-Fi) Barnes and Noble's 7-inch tablet has the best screen in its class but you'll have to make do with half the memory (the 16GB model costs $229). (Barnes and Noble)

Surface RT Starting at $499 (32GB Wi-Fi) Microsoft's first tablet is a gamechanger that blurs the line between tablet and PC, but it's an edgy gamble that has its share of lovers and haters. If you're looking for something a little more versatile than the iPad, the Surface RT could be your ticket. It will cost you though: the nifty Touch cover will run you another $119. (Microsoft)

Galaxy Note 10.1 Starting at $499 (16GB Wi-Fi) Samsung's 10-inch Note is a tad expensive considering the competition, but if you're in the market for stylus support, this is the tablet for you. (Samsung)

Transformer Pad Infinity Starting at $499 (32GB Wi-Fi) This Asus offering everything you want in a tablet: a great screen and powerful internals. The kicker? It turns into a laptop (the keyboard dock comes standard). (Asus)