Bookworms, don't be ashamed of desiring an e-reader but secretly contemplating a tablet.

E-readers feature typically compact designs, lower prices, and grayscale, easy-on-the-eyes displays. However, if you like the idea of using your new gadget to also play games, stream video, or browse the Web, you have a worthy variety of reader-friendly tablets to choose from.

Since the best tablet for you depends on your unique wants and needs, the slates on this list aren't organized in any particular order. Some of them feature specific reader-centric software, while others are solidly specced slates that can become the ultimate mobile libraries with bookworm-geared apps like, , and .

Are you choosing between an e-reader and a tablet? Let us know what you decided in the comments section.

Too big for traveling, but good for those who want a large screen. Josh Miller/CNET

The 10-inch Kobo Arc tablet is a better home companion than a travel buddy, but don't let its large size dissuade you - it's the tablet equivalent to a hardback book. The Kobo Arc 10 HD is charming in its efforts to make reading the central activity to its user experience, with plenty of preloaded reading apps and menus designed to make accessing your current reads only a swipe away. If you can get past its sometime uncomfortable design, it's one of the best Android-based, reader-centric experiences.

The Galaxy experience with Nook perks. Josh Miller/CNET

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Nook is a downgrade in specs - in comparison to the and the Galaxy Tab S (above) - but the built-in Nook software makes it a simple entry level option for newcomers. The tablet also offers full access to the Google Play store, remote control capabilities, and an affordable $179 price tag.

The Kindle Fire HDX comes in a 7- and an 8.9-inch model. Josh Miller/CNET

Source: www.cnet.com