All Editors' Choice Tablets: iPad mini, NOOK, Kindle Fire, iPad Retina Display

The IDC predicts tablet shipments will surpass shipments of notebook computers in 2013, and this all-Editors' Choice tablets roundup surely might help in reaching that milestone. As such, we found deals on refurb Retina iPads, the cheapest Acer Iconia 10.1" Android tablet, plus an extended sale on the NOOK, a deal on the Kindle Fire, and more.

1. Used Apple iPad mini 16GB WiFi Tablet
   Store: CowBoom
   Price: $249.99 via coupon code "MINI20" with free shipping
   Lowest By: $71

   Is It Worth It?: CowBoom offers a used entry-level iPad mini for within a buck of the best price we've seen for any iPad mini, thus proving good deals come in small packages, and with smaller prices! Available in Black, this 0.3"-thick tablet weighs 0.7 lbs. and features an Apple A5 1GHz dual-core processor, 7.9" 1024x768 LED-backlit touchscreen LCD, 802.11n wireless, Bluetooth 4.0, accelerometer, compass, up to 10 hours of battery life, and iOS 6.

   Note that this pre-owned unit may show limited signs of use and may be missing parts or accessories.

2. Refurbished Apple iPad with Retina Display 16GB WiFi Tablet
   Store: Apple Store
   Price: $419 with free shipping
   Lowest By: $90

   Is It Worth It?: The iPad with Retina Display boasts "faster graphics, 4G wireless options, a better camera, and a gorgeous high-res screen" all of which place it "at the head of the tablet pack," says CNET. What's more, it comes with the 1-year warranty that new iPads have. If you're looking for other storage capacity sizes, or 4G and WiFi models, look no further than these refurbished iPad with Retina Display deals.

3. Acer Iconia A700-10k32u 10.1" 32GB Google Android Tablet
   Store: Amazon
   Price: $288.86 with free shipping
   Lowest By: $81

   Is It Worth It?: While noting some issues with performance, this tablet is $111 under our pre-Black Friday 2012 mention and presently at its lowest total price ever. What's more, the A700's high-res screen competes with iPad Retina levels. Available in Black, this 1.5-lb. tablet features an NVIDIA Tegra 3 1.3GHz quad-core processor, 10.1" 1920x1200 touchscreen LCD, 1GB RAM, 32GB flash storage, 802.11n wireless, Bluetooth 2.1+ EDR, microSD card slot, 5-megapixel front facing camera, microUSB output, microHDMI output, and Google Android 4.0 OS (Ice Cream Sandwich).

4. Barnes & Noble Nook 7" 8GB 720p HD WiFi Tablet
   Store: Barnes & Noble
   Price: $129 with free shipping

   Is It Worth It?: While there have been whispers of the NOOK on the brink of failure, this sale is an extension of its Father's Day Sale, which takes up to 16% off a selection of the NOOK line and ties our mention from last week as all-time price lows.

   Available in Snow (pictured) or Smoke, the NOOK HD features a 7" 1440x900 HD display, 1.5GHz processor, 802.11n wireless, 8GB internal memory, microSD card slot, MP3 audio and MP4 video playback, and more.

5. Kindle Fire HD 16GB 7" WiFi Android Tablet
   Store: Best Buy
   Price: $169.99 with in-store pickup
   Lowest By: $29

   Is It Worth It?: While the Kindle Fire "lacks the tech specs found on more-expensive Apple and Android tablets," it boasts an outstanding entertainment value. The Kindle Fire is a 13.9-oz. tablet tht runs a modified version of Google's Android OS and features a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 7" 1280x800 multitouch IPS display, 16GB internal storage, 802.11n wireless, front-facing HD camera, and more.

Lou Carlozo is a dealnews contributing writer. He covers personal finance for Reuters Wealth. Prior to that he was the managing editor of WalletPop.com, and a veteran columnist at the Chicago Tribune.

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