The latest generation of tablets, including Apple's iconic iPad, makes basic computing tasks blissfully easy. Sending email, browsing the web, playing games or using thousands of apps is all just a touch away.

Tablets are compatible with keyboards and other peripheral devices, but you can use them as standalone units. That makes them fantastically portable, especially if you opt to access the internet via 3G mobile phone signal. With built-in cameras, you can also make video calls, with apps like Apple's Facetime.