Buying Guide: Tablet Computers For Small Business

Not all tablets deliver the goods Melissa J. Perenson warns. Pay close attention to service contracts, she suggests, and consider buying a first-generation iPad - prices should be well down.

"As more tablets come to market, be prepared to be wowed by the power that some of these slates are capable of. But also be prepared to be disappointed: The tablets already on the market, or coming soon, have a slew of gotchas--especially the lower-cost models you may see advertised at rock-bottom prices.

Given the sheer number of tablets expected to ship in the coming months--including anticipated models like the Apple iPad 2, the HP TouchPad, the Motorola Xoom, the RIM PlayBook, and the T-Mobile LG G-Slate--we suggest looking around, doing your homework, and being patient instead of leaping headfirst."