As tech enthusiasts salivate over the rumored Apple iPad3 that is slated to be debuted in March and Research in Motion makes upgrades on its BlackBerry Playbook, Barnes & Noble is determined not to be left out of the publicity fray. The bookseller announced that it is unveiling a less expensive version of its Nook tablet, likely to compete with the Kindle Fire, which retails for $199. The downgraded Nook tablet will also retail for that price and boasts 8 GB of memory and a 7-inch screen. The Nook is Barnes and Noble’s answer to the tablet market, as many people are now using tablets and readers to surf the ‘Net, navigate social medial and read their favorite books electronically.

Barnes & Noble CEO William Lynch took a bit of a jab at Amazon late last year when the Nook was first unveiled and was quoted as saying: “Kindle Fire is deficient for a media tablet. Content will render better on Nook than on Kindle Fire.” For those considering selling their iPads or at least purchasing one of these readers as a complement to your Apple product, you might consider reading reader reviews on these tablets to determine which one is going to suit your needs best.