I guess if journalist keep calling every new tablet an "iPad Killer" they will eventually be right, but it's hard to believe a 2.0 lb / $900 tablet is going to be the one that dethrones Apple. Especially when smaller and more affordable tablets, like the Nexus 7 and iPad mini, are so popular with consumers these days. However, Microsoft swears the Surface Pro is much better than the Surface RT -- which was met with negative reviews and even more abysmal sales.

The Surface Pro's biggest selling point is that it’s going to actually run a full version of Windows 8. It will also be available in 64GB or 128GB models, and feature 4GB of RAM, an Intel Core i5 processor with HD4000 graphics, and a 10.6-inch display with 1920 x 1080 resolution. So its basically a $900 touchscreen laptop instead of a tablet.

Samsung Mobile vice president JK Shin has confirmed the Galaxy Note 8.0 rumor. Samsung will unveil the 8-inch tablet at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next month. Shin did not confirm the purported specs, but the tablet is expected to feature an 8-inch display with 1280×800 resolution, and a 1.6GHz quad-core processor. Other rumored specs include: Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, 2GB RAM, 16GB/32GB of internal storage, microSD card slot, 4,600 mAh battery, S Pen, 5-megapixel rear-facing camera, 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera, Bluetooth 4.0 and GPS. If the rumored specs are true, Samsung's new tablet would offer a slightly larger display with slightly better resolution than the iPad mini.

The iPad mini needs some love and protection too, and luckily for iPad mini owners there are plenty of cases to choose from. However, with all the available options out there, deciding what case is the right one for your tablet can be a little overwhelming. Picking the perfect case for your iPad mini all depends on what you're looking for. If protection from scratches, drops and bangs is what your desire, here are a few suggestions from a few trusted sources.

ZAGG:

ZAGG has been a trusted name in iOS accessories since it rolled out its invisibleSHIELD for Apple's first iPod nano in 2005. The accessory maker offers four different options for the iPad mini.

The Script Case is a folio-style case that can also be used as a stand for viewing your tablet at different angles. It protects against impact damage, and shields the display from dust and scratches. - $39.99

If you received a shiny new iPad for the holidays then you're probably looking for the best apps and games to download from the App Store. Tower Defense fans will definitely want to check out Kingdom Rush HD by Armor Games and The Creeps! HD by Super Squawk Software LLC.

I consider Kingdom Rush to be one of the best Tower Defense games ever created. It is one of the few iOS games that I took the time to beat on every level and earn every achievement. It's just that good!

In Kingdom Rush players must use their soldiers and mages to defend their kingdom against hordes of orcs, trolls and evil wizards. What separates Kingdom Rush from other TD games is the ability to use different abilities, spells and the environment to win each level. Users must choose the best tower combinations and special abilities to take down over 30 unique enemies. Timing, tower placement and utilizing the right tools for each individual situation is also important. The many different strategies, enemies and environments will keep you busy for hours.

Absinthe co-creator pod2g has announced his first iOS app called podDJ. The new app turns your iPad into a virtual turntable for mixing and scratching any music in your iTunes library. Pod2g promises this is the "most realistic virtual turntable" in the App store.

PodDJ features an easy to use UI, a sound output latency of just 5 milliseconds, transform buttons, BPM detection, turntable emulation, monitor output, and support for an external mixer. Pod2g claims podDJ is the fastest scratching application available.

It's no secret that a lot of adults now prefer the iPad as their number one bathroom pastime, but is it a good idea to teach toddlers to be dependent on technology when using the rest room? CTA Digital seems to think it's a great idea, and has set out to revolutionize potty training with the "iPotty".

CTA unveiled the $40 toilet for toddlers at CES in Las Vegas this week. I originally thought it was a joke, but the iPotty keeps turning heads and making headlines. The potty is attached to an iPad stand, and features a plastic sheet and pee guard for boys. The iPotty also easily comes apart for convenient cleanup. Surprisingly there is no iPotty compatible app, but maybe one is in the works.

Fisher Price has been getting a lot of attention at CES for its new lineup of kid friendly iOS accessories and apps. The Fisher Price line of Apptivity products for preschoolers run from about $20 to $50. The Laugh & Learn Apptivity Storybook Reader for the iPhone and iPod touch protects your device from sticky fingered infants, while entertaining them with interactive storybook rhymes and other Fisher Price apps. The iPhone cover looks like a child's book and advances the story or app when opened and closed.

The Laugh & Learn case fits the iPhone 3GS, 4 and 4S or iPod touch (4th generation). iPhone 5 and iPad mini versions are planned for later this year.

The Create & Learn Case for the iPad is a rugged, kid friendly iPad cover made with Otterbox technology. The case not only protects your iPad from accidental damage, but it provides a fun and educational experience for kids. The case features a sturdy, easy to hold handle and stylus for interacting with Fisher Price iPad apps, like the Alphabet Animation cards.

The Create & Learn Case for the iPad will debut in fall of this year for $39.99.

Speck unveiled its new lineup of iPad mini CandyShell cases at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Tuesday. The popular and colorful CandyShell and CandyShell Grip covers both feature Speck's dual-layer design and rubbery interior to protect your iPad from scratches and accidental drops.

The CandyShell Grip offers the extra protection of rubber handholds to make your iPad easier to hold, especially when playing games.

“The CandyShell design offers both style and protection, which make sense for the smaller, more portable iPad mini,” said Bryan Hynecek, Vice President of Design at Speck. “We’ve also seen a lot of people on the go with the iPad mini, so we felt an easy-to-hold case like CandyShell Grip was a good fit for the way the device is being used.”

Easy-Doks has announced the new CR19 smart charger with Smart Current Detection (SCD) technology for safely charging of up to 3 devices at one time. The CR19 is capable of charging iPhones, Android devices, Blackberrys, iPads, Kindles, iPods and so on. It also features a Bluetooth keyboard, clock radio with FM stereo and a high quality speaker system for listening to music while you charge your devices.

The SCD technology adjusts the flow for each device to avoid harmful overcharging, and the Bluetooth keyboard allows you to type on your tablet while you use the docking station. The CR19 also ships with a “Tidy-Cable” organizer to keep your multiple cables tangle free.

Easy-Doks will officially unveil the 3 port smart charger at CES, which is being held January 8-11 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas.

With a new year comes fresh reports of Apple's upcoming device releases, and the iPad is no exception. Initial leaks indicate the next generation iPad will have a slimmer width from side to side. This form factor would essentially mirror the iPad mini, except with a larger screen size. Gizmag explains that the bezel on each side will be over 8 mm thinner.

Not only this, but the iPad 5 could launch as early as March 2013 thanks to new competition in the tablet market. The Next Web has already received evidence from developers that Apple is indeed testing new hardware. The company has also moved to source A7 processors from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) instead of Samsung.