London - David Phelan tests out some of the most recent tablets on the market to help first-time buyers make an informed decision.
If you want power but not heft
Apple iPad Air
16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, Apple iOS 7
What it is
A slimmed-down, restyled iPad that's now the lightest full-size tablet from any manufacturer.
Good for
Having your cake and eating it: big enough for all uses, light enough to travel. The iPad Air is styled to match the iPad mini and has a much thinner bezel than rival companies' tablets. The same superfast processor as the new iPad mini means that it's amazingly responsive in use and the screen remains a joy. Of the million apps available, almost half (475 000) are specific to the iPads.
Not so good for
Anyone who's clumsy - imagine shattering this sleek beast. It's also no good, obviously, for anyone needing to do anything that requires Windows programs.
If you're a film fan
Sony Xperia Tablet Z
16GB or 32GB, Android OS
What it is
Classily designed 10.1in tablet that's sleek, slim, lightweight and waterproof.
Good for
Texting in the bath - it really is waterproof. It's also perfect for film fans thanks to its rich, expansive display with realistic colours. With this size and detail you can watch a whole movie here without feeling the strain. It also works as a sophisticated TV remote control and has a virtual version of the PlayStation Dualshock controller. The screen looks good thanks to input from Sony's TV division. Sony's take on Android is subtle and elegant.
Not so good for
Battery life isn't outstanding, and although it has an 8MP camera, the results are underwhelming. The angular edges look great but can be uncomfortable after a while.
If you're a gamer
Asus Google Nexus
16GB wi-fi, 32GB wi-fi,
32GB Wi-Fi + LTE, Android OS
What it is
Google's own Android tablet, with exceptional screen and lightweight format.
Good for
Android lovers who want the pure Google experience. The Nexus 7 is now in its second manifestation and it's slick, slim and very fast, with a display that's higher-resolution than its rivals (at 323 pixels per inch it's exactly twice the resolution of the original iPad mini). And its sharp screen and light weight make it ideal for gaming, whether it's a short burst of Angry Birds or an extended session of driving, shooting or puzzling.
Not so good for
Photographers: the 5MP camera is pretty disappointing. Oh, and there's no expandable memory here, so choose your storage capacity wisely.
If you're a bargain hunter
Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7 in
16GB, 32GB or 64GB, all Wi-Fi only, heavily customised Android OS
What it is
Hefty 7in tablet with wide bezel and hi-res display primarily designed to download Amazon content.
Good for
Anyone who finds Android too geeky. The Amazon interface is so highly optimised it's barely recognisable as Android, making it exceptionally simple to use. Strong stereo speakers give the tablet good sound and the hi-res screen looks great. Also has a Mayday button to link you to a customer services expert who can talk you through stuff.
Not so good for
Those wanting everything Android has to offer: only Amazon-approved apps are available, and that's a fraction of the total available elsewhere. The wide bezel is starting to look old - although it does make it easy to hold.
If you're an on-the-go design fan
Apple iPad mini with Retina display
16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, Apple iOS 7
What it is
Slick, light and slim - Apple's smaller iPad (7.87in x 5.3in) now comes with a glorious, high-resolution Retina display.
Good for
Stylish customers, for use on the go. The iPad mini isn't cheap but it has the highest-resolution display of any small-screen tablet (just), a superbly fast processor and more than a million apps to choose from. Like its predeccessor, it fits in the hand - and the large pocket - beautifully.
Not so good for
The budget-conscious. Rival small-screen tablets are significantly cheaper and some come close for processing power and styling.
If you want to do some work, too
Microsoft Surface Pro 2
64GB, 128GB, 256GB or 512GB, Windows 8.1OS
What it is
Microsoft's second attempt at an own-brand tablet, it's lighter, thinner and more powerful.
Good for
Working like a mini-laptop, especially with the thin, magnetically attached keyboard options, which now include some gesture controls. Using on your lap is easier, thanks to a more versatile kickstand. The 10.6in display is Full HD resolution. Good battery life.
Not so good for
Apps - the backbone of any tablet. Though the Windows Store is growing fast, there's still a lot missing. The storage is heavily reduced, thanks to a lot of space being taken up by the operating software. Not cheap.
If you’re a bookworm
Kobo Arc 7HD
16GB or 32GB, customised Android OS
What it is
Seven-inch screen tablet from ebook-focused company.
Good for
Kobo makes a series of excellent ebook readers and this is a colour tablet version. It's still mainly aimed at readers - the home screen shows your recent reading activity, which may be a double-edged sword - but the high-resolution display makes it suitable for video and apps. Reading mode reduces some capabilities to provide a distraction-free environment for reading and enhance the battery life.
Not so good for
No rear camera, not as cheap as some rivals. - The Independent