Barnes & Noble is updating its Nook tablet line with two new versions running Android 4.0. A 7-inch tablet will be priced starting at $199 for an 8GB model, and the Nook HD+, a 9-inch tablet will start at $269 for the 16GB model. The tablets can now be pre-ordered at barnesandnoble.com and are expected ship at the end of October. It should be available in B&N stores, Best Buy, Target, and WalMart in Novemeber.

The Competition:
Amazon Kindle Fire tablet with an 8.9-inch diagonal screen, which starts at $299.
Apple iPad with a 9.7-inch diagonal screen and $499 starting price.
Google Nexus 7 starting at $199.

7-inch Nook HD:
1440×900 resolution display, 243ppi  
TI OMAP 4470 1.3GHz processor
1GB of RAM
8GB and 16GB with microSD slot
WiFi, Bluetooth

9-inch Nook HD+:
1920×1280 resolution display, 256ppi
TI OMAP 4470 1.5GHz processor
1GB of RAM
16GB and 32GB with microSD slot
WiFi, Bluetooth

iPad killer headlines get readers, but let's get this out of the way first thing. Amazon's $199 Fire tablet is hardly comparable to the iPad, and this a good thing.

We shouldn't want an iPad clone with support that mimics Apple unless someone figures out how to beat Apple at the game it created

The Fire will appeal to a different market. It is the Nook Color's niche. While the Fire's dual-core processor looks to trump its rival tablet from Barnes & Noble, remember that refreshed Nook Color is due. Part of the success of the Nook Color is credited to its popularity with advanced users who load versions of Android that free the tablet from Barnes & Noble's playpen. If the Nook Color's successor closes that accessibility, it could make it vulnerable to an Amazon attack.

What to like, not to like:

+ Stripped down to the essentials allows for a modest $199 price.
+ Smaller size may appeal to some.
+ Amazon integration should offer seamless experience with its media content.

- $199 price means modest storage, no SD card slot, no camera or Bluetooth.
- Smaller screen size may be a turn off for some.
- Amazon's ecosystem means 10,000 apps instead of 200,000 and a cloudy future for Android updates.

Gallery: Amazon's latest gadgets

Book retailer Barnes & Noble is reportedly updating its Nook Color tablet crucially ahead of rival Amazon's anticipated tablets.

Digitimes reports that shipments from parts suppliers indicate a September launch for the 7 inch tablet. Amazon is expected to launch two tablets starting as early as October.  

The current Nook Color straddles the line an e-reader with tablet abilities, but is highly regarded as a best buy among Android tablet enthusiasts who enjoy the device for its ease of rooting to transform it into a full blown Android tablet.

The impending release a Nook Color 2 could bring discounts for the current tablet.
 

I may be on vacation, but it's Friday so we're still going to do a few freebies.

Amazon.com Inc. has again cut the price of its Kindle e-reader, bringing it below $200 after Barnes & Noble dropped the price of its competing Nook device.