Microsoft Surface vs. iPad Mini vs. Barnes & Noble Nook HD: Consumer Reports Reviews, Recommends Ahead of Black Friday 2012 (VIDEOS)

With the holiday shopping season rapidly approaching, Consumer Reports has reviewed the tablets that will surely making the wish list of many buyers.

Microsoft Surface:

The first tablet by Microsoft has been praised by Consumer Reports for its "superb 10-inch screen plus a handy stand," and noted its cover with a built-in keyboard.

However, Consumer Reports reported Microsoft "has a way to go" when it comes to content. The consumer agency acknowledged the lack of content selection compared to rivals Apple and Android, even going as far to compare it Amazon and Barnes & Noble content offerings.

"Windows tablets lack access to the big content selection from Apple or the Android Marketplace, or even the Amazon and Barnes and Noble content offerings," said Consumer Reports' Paul Reynolds.

iPad Mini:

Consumer Reports found the iPad Mini just as good as the standard iPads despite its size rivaling Amazon's Kindle Fire HD and Barnes & Noble Nook HD. Consumer Reports noted the "crisp text, optimal photo viewing, and good sound" for the $330 iPad Mini.

Barnes & Noble Nook HD:

Consumer Reports believes the price for the 7-inch Nook is "well worth considering," starting at $200 but believes the better choice is the 9-inch Nook HD+, with a starting price at $270.

"The iPad still offers the most content, and the screen is a bit bigger than the Nook HD+. But at $500 and up, it costs almost twice as much," added Reynolds.

For the specs and features on the iPad Mini, click here.

For the specs and features on the Microsoft Surface, click here.

For the Microsoft Surface vs. iPad 4 specs, click here.