As my most recent Xbox 360 (4GB model) has been collecting dust, given its noise pollution and annual tax, I’ve been contemplating switching the hardware up for another PS3 or handheld PS Vista ($250). And that was my plan when I arrived at Gamestop to redeem their $50 PS3 or Xbox 360 console credit bonus. While Gamestop rarely offers great trade-in values, it’s always extremely efficient. But the extra 50 bucks brought my $200 console up to $125 — which is quite reasonable considering how long I’ve had it, including the last year it’s been banished to storage. Yet, before the helpful clerk could bring my new PS Vita Assassin’s Creed bundle out from the back, I noticed Gamestop now offers a healthy selection of tablets including the 32GB Nexus 7 and entire range of Kindle Fires.
My current iPad 3 hasn’t been able to replace a laptop and I find it too bulky to comfortably use on the couch, so my plan has been to replace it with both the $250 Samsung Chromebook for light “work” and a 7″ tablet for recreation. I find the Nook HD and Nexus 7 more comfortable to hold with one hand, but I am deep into Amazon’s ecosystem and Gamestop sweetened the deal with a $25 Amazon gift card… which was enough encouragement to take the plunge on the 7″, $200 Amazon Kindle Fire HD. For effectively $45. And I’m now in the market for a decent case and perhaps a repeat Black Friday-esque deal ($179) on the PS Vita.