Secrets to Saving Money on the Right Tablet for You (Or a Loved One)

Searching for the perfect tablet to gift this holiday season? Look no further than our side-by-side comparison guide that walks you through the need-to-know info on the hottest tablets.

From iPads and Kindles to Nooks and Transformers we've listed them all out and included the most important specs so you can match the right table to each person on your gift list.

Related: 2012 Holiday Gift Guide: Give with Style This Year

With brand new tablets flooding the market, now is a fine time to find a deal on an older version-or trade in your current model. Use these strategies to reduce your spending.

1. Trade in old gadgets. Turn last year's cellphone or tablet into cash or credit. Ebay Instant Sale pays a respectable rate via PayPal. Some retailers (including Amazon, RadioShack and Walmart) offer store credit. Apple also accepts trade-ins.

Related: Earn Cash This Holiday Season by Selling Your Old Electronics

2. Consider refurbished models. Many manufacturers and electronics retailers restore returned products to like-new condition, then resell them at a discount, often with a warranty. It's a great way to get a deal on a factory-fresh tablet.

3. Find it for less. Shopping online? Start at techbargains.com, which scours the Internet for the best prices on gadgets and other tech items every day. If you're after a specific tablet, sign up for an e-mail alert to get a heads up when it goes on sale.

Related: Technically Speaking, Are You Shopping Smarter This Holiday Season?

How do you save on big-ticket gift items?