Best Cheap Android Tablets 2012

Amazon's tablet, the Kindle Fire, is now available for order for only $199.

The Kindle Fire is 7 inch Android tablet, although it is designed as an eReader so how well it performs as a tablet is yet to be seen.

But it has some great features and comes with one free month of Amazon Prime making it a great deal. If you are looking for the best cheap Android, this may well be it.

Here are some of the features to consider when you are comparing Android tablets (in no particular order):

1. The screen size
2. The screen resolution
3. The type of touchscreen
4. The processor type and speed
5. The memory size (internal and expanded)
6. The connectivity options
7. The weight and dimensions

If you want a tablet computer but can't afford the top models, you still have a few options. As with most gadgets, you can get a cheaper tablet if you are willing to consider a few things.

Lesser Known Brands
If you want an Apple product then you will have to expect to pay a bit more. If you need a cheaper option then you will need to go with lesser known companies or companies who are very new to the market.

Less Features
The more bells and whistles that a device has, the more it will cost. If you need an affordable tablet PC, then you will likely have to find a model with less memory and only WiFi capability.

Screen Size
In general, a larger screen (like a 10 inch) is going to cost more than a smaller unit. If you can get by with a 7 inch screen then you can save yourself some money.

Compatibility with SmartPhones and Other Devices
If you already have an Android phone then you should be able to share any apps you have already purchased with an Android tablet. Same thing with an iPhone or iTouch and an iPad.

You may be surprised to know that Barnes & Noble's Nook Color eReader is almost a full-fledged Android tablet.

While the Nook Color has only a 7 inch screen and not full Android app capabilities (though this is expanding), at only $250 it worthy of consideration for anyone looking for an affordable Android tablet. If you plan to use our tablet for reading then the Nook Color may be perfect.

The downside of buying a Nook Color for use primarily as a tablet is that the device does not have the best computing power. It is also only WiFi capable, although you will be hard-pressed to find a cheap tablet that offers 3G or 4G.

Two years ago most people had no clue what a tablet PC was. Now it seems like everyone either has one or wants one.

But as with any new technology, it's never clear whether you should buy now or wait for the system to improve and prices drop. In other words, should you buy a cheap Android tablet now or wait and year and potentially get more for the same price?

The first thing to ask yourself is whether you really need a tablet or if you just want the latest gadget. If your need isn't pressing and money is a little tight, then maybe waiting a few months is worth it. Or you can always place an affordable Android tablet on your Amazon Wishlist and hope someone takes the hint!

Another thing to consider as to whether you should buy a budget tablet now or wait is when the next upgrade is expected. While the iPad isn't cheap, Apple is known to release a new generation about once a year. If the current model of tablet that you are considering is due for an update, it may save you a few bucks to wait.

Another reason to wait to buy is if you know that you will benefit from upcoming features. If you check out the latest tech blogs you can usually get a feel for what features are in the works.

On the flip side of all this, if you keep waiting for the newest and best you may be waiting forever. If you can afford a decent Android tablet PC now and know that you will get a fair amount of use out of it, then maybe you should just go for it.