http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/02/ipad-2-vs-original-ipad-whats-changed/ wouldn't be a bad idea to go with an iPad 1. $320.

Motorola Xoom is $458 on amazon.. ironic.

I'd have to read reviews of the Amazon Fire and maybe see videos or get a hands on demo before telling anyone to get it for my Christmas gift. No Google Apps might be a deal breaker. Then again, I'd only use it for reading the news and watching videos. Even then, not even sure that I'd really need it.