In your budget, you can pick up a 16GB iPad Mini (Wi-Fi , 7.9-inch screen) for Rs 21,900, or you could get an iPad 2 (Wi-Fi , 9.5-inch screen) for 24,500. Both Apple devices run the proprietary iOS operating system; boast of a superb - almost crashproof - user experience; and have the best apps ecosystem.

In fact, iOS is the only platform that has offerings created specifically for the tablet form factor. Additionally, you also get free cloud-based storage through iCloud, as well as the FaceTime feature that lets you conduct video chats with other Apple device users. On the flip side, with both 16GB tablets, you do not have the option to expand device memory; you are tied down to iTunes—not the most friendliest of software to use on a PC—and yes, you are limited to browsing the web via Wi-Fi only, with no support for 3G.

Alternatively, you could opt for a slate that runs the Android OS. Here, you could consider the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 P3110 (Wi-Fi , 7-inch screen) for Rs 14,800, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 P3100 (Wi-Fi , 3G, 7-inch screen) for Rs 15,000, the Nexus 7 Tablet (Wi-Fi , 32 GB) for Rs 18,999, or the Nexus 7C Tablet (Wi-Fi , 3G, 32 GB) for Rs 21,999.

With the Nexus tablets you get a 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 32GB internal memory (no support for expandable memory). With the Samsung devices you get a 1GHz dual-core CPU, 16GB internal memory, and support for up to 32GB expandable memory. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 P3110 and the Nexus 7 tablet, however, are 'Wi-Fi-only' devices.

With Android, you get an open app ecosystem, with a greater number of free apps, and fantastic integration with Google services. Besides, transferring digital content to and from your Android device is virtually hassle-free , when compared to iOS tablets. In conclusion: Pick the iPad 2 if you want a large-screen tablet; the iPad Mini, if you want a lighter tablet, don't care about 3G support, but want a super app experience; opt for the Nexus 7C if you want 3G and more than just 16GB memory; the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 P3110 if you want 3G and expandable memory.

Alternatively, if 3G is not that important to you, you can always choose between the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 P3110 and the Nexus 7 Tablet.