Should i Buy a Tablet (Eventually)

Tablet computers first got my attention after watching an episode of South Park called "HUMANCENTiPAD".  In the epidsode, Eric Cartman wanted to get an Apple iPad.  The store had a Toshiba Handibook for half price.  After seeing that episode, i searched Amazon.com for a Toshiba tablet - to find that they were taking pre-orders for the Toshiba Thrive.  i added it to my wishlist for a while. 


OK, i did know about tablets before then but had several misgivings.  i was unsure what to make of tablets and what they were expected to do.  The price they were charging was a cause for concern too - i mean i bought my current notebook PC for less than an iPad would cost (maybe less than half what it would cost) and notebook PCs have more functionality. 

Now i have a basic idea of what i would do with a tablet.  Basically, i see tablets as having four main functions:
1) Media Player
2) Apps
3) Internet
4) e-Reader (though Kindles do it better)

Price is still a problem.  Basically, what i am looking for in this arena (if i eventually buy a tablet) is a tablet without all the unnecessary bells and whistles.  Why would i want a camera on a tablet?  Basically, i see that as more moving parts to break.  i see the Kindle Fire and Nook Color as steps in the right direction.  Yes, they are somewhat reduced functionality - but would do most of what i would want. 

So what would i be looking for in a tablet?
Price: $149.99 (the Fire will probably be that price by June 2012)
OS: Android
Storage: 8GB+, i prefer additional storage via SD cards
- Wi-Fi (wireless) connection

If i had the money, i would probably go with a Toshiba Thrive (as it includes full sized USB ports and an HDMI out).  However, i am more likely to go towards the bottom end of the market.  i am leaning toward the Kindle Fire (if i were to purchase one).  Part of it is that AMZN (stock symbol for Amazon.com) has a ton of content.  i think Amazon Prime comes with unlimited streaming and the Kindle Fire is supposed to occasionally get free apps. 

i am not sure what to think of "the cloud".  On one hand, it could save you on necessary storage space - on the other i have no idea what speed penalties it imparts.   i am not sure how digital copy works either (though it is pretty much set up for tablets).  Maybe i should just wait until the second generation Kindle Fire is released (and has its first price reduction).