iPad and new tablets: weighing your options

The most popular tablet is the iPad -- 82 percent of tablet owners have one. However, Apple's product may get some serious competition this week in the form of releases from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Tech expert Katie Linendoll said Amazon's latest gadget, Amazon Kindle Fire, with a price point of $199, is sure to attract many buyers, especially heading into the holiday season.

"It's $300 cheaper than the iPad, which is insane," she said.

In terms of look and feel, Linendoll noted the product has a smaller 7-inch display, as opposed to Apple's 9.7-inch display.

She added, "It runs a customized version of Android. Fast web browser. ... It's extremely fast. In terms of having that entertainment experience, if you're along for songs, music, newspapers, apps, it's all packed in there."

Barnes and Noble's Nook Tablet ($249) also hits stores this week, and may prove to be another contender this holiday season, Linendoll said, because it has access to e-books, apps and magazines. The product, Linendoll noted, has the same look and feel of the Amazon's Kindle Fire.

But how do these products -- a step up from those in last year's e-reader craze -- stack up against Apple's iPad?

Linendoll said there are a few things these products do not do."There are three huge features ... iPad has that these don't. First off, the cameras: You cannot take pictures, you cannot take high-def video, and no front-facing, no rear-facing camera, and no capability (to) video chat. Also, if you're obsessed with apps, at launch, Kindle Fire and Nook Tablet will only have a few thousand, though I expect it to grow exponentially. They will pop out. (Also,) these do have Wi-Fi capability, but no 3G."

The Kindle Fire, Linendoll said, will most likely make a big mark on the holiday buying front. She said, "In terms of impulse buying, I think a lot of people will be picking it up. Do I think it stacks up to the iPad in full experience? No. But I think it's an awesome option."