Keeping up the Joneses? Yup, not just Apple and Amazon can have new HD tabs! B&N just announced two new  nook tablets that will be available in the U.S. in early November at retail stores (including Target and Walmart). You can of course pre-order online right now, but unlike the new iPhone the shipping isn't delayed a few weeks already :)

Both these new tablets have significantly improved screens. The small version of the Nook HD has the highest resolution display of any 7-inch tablet (1440 x 900) with 243 pixels per inch. The smaller version can do 720p HD playback. The larger 9-inch Nook HD+ supports 1080p video and has a 1920 x 1280 resolution. Both the new nooks run a version of B&N modified Android Ice Cream Sandwich. Both tablets have laminated displays, with no air gaps, for better clarity and to reduce reflection/glare. There is a battery difference of course - a 6000 mAh battery in HD+ and a 4050 mAh battery in the HD version. Neither of these tablets has a camera - an issue for some tab users wanting to video conference. The new tablets finally have Bluetooth and still support adding your own microSD card (take that Apple)! There are a variety of tweaks to the software including email support for Exchange and "profiles" for multiple users to share the nook!

Size matters and I like what I see here. The 9-in. tablet weighs in at 18.2 ounces and is 9.5 in. x 6.4 in. x 0.45 in. The 7-in. tablet weighs in at 11.1 ounces and is 7.7 in. x 5 in. x 0.43 in. The Nook HD+ costs $269 for the 16GB version, $349 for the 32GB version. The Nook HD is $199 for 8 GB, $249 for 16 GB.

For the first time B&N is really taking on the iPad, which starts at $499. The new 9-in. Nook HD+ will be 20% lighter and cost nearly half the price of the iPad. In addition to the new devices B&N has some news on providing media with Nook Video. With this new feature they'll be offering movies and TV to customers on both these new tablets. Now they are in the same game as Amazon and Apple - offering books, media, and apps along with a device tied to that store.

The "regular" nook Tablet now starts at $179, I predict it won't be around long.  So should you get a nook HD over an iPad or Kindle tablet? It's all about the store. If you like the B&N local store connection, the books they offer, and their AppStore you can't beat the price and device features. If Apps are the "top" thing for you the iPad will still be the best choice in my opinion. Have an Amazon Prime membership and want to watch videos on your tablet? Get a Kindle! 

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