Thinking of getting a cheapish tablet. Anyone recommend one?

[JB]

Not sure if this should go here or in the mobile device section, so mods please feel free to move if inappropriate.

I'm thinking of getting a cheapish Android system tablet. I don't need the sophistication or expensive of something more proprietary so was thinking of one of the cheaper Chinese models. I have Android on my mobile so know how it works. Due to my advancing years and reducing eyesight I think one of the 9.7" screens might suit. It will be only used for a bit of browsing, email and remote control of other computer systems.

I'd be interested if anyone could pass on a recommendation or any thoughts. One I had looked at was the Momo 11 Bird:-

http://www.slatedroid.com/topic/31780-momo11-bird-version-the-thinner-tablet/

There is a mod to improve WiFi range which I'm comfortable with doing.

Anything else I should be looking at?

[Lance]

I have to ask, but why have you ruled out an iPad?

[Glenn]

Maybe because JB already has paid for Android apps, so doesn't want to buy them again if moving to an iPad?

[Ardua]

Apple IPad2 -  32GB wifi at £319 from the Apple Refurb store is a good buy.

[JB]

I have to ask, but why have you ruled out an iPad?

Thanks for moving this to the correct place Lance.

I do like Apple and my son is a big follower. To answer your question though, as Glenn says I do have a number of paid for Android apps that I will remove from my phone onto a device with a bigger screen. Also, as this is the first venture for an 'old bloke' into the tablet world I would like to see if I can get on with one. I've got a lot of expense due in the next few months so thought I'd give a cheapie a go and if I like the concept, pass it on to my better half for her surfing and go for an iPad at the beginning of next year when I have a couple of investments maturing.

[Ardua]

I cannot speak about other tablets but as an IPad owner (and 'old bloke') I can say with confidence that the IPad is simplicity itself. There are rumours on various Mac sites that Apple is about to release a smaller version of the IPad to compete - price wise - with recently released competition. If your library stocks PC Pro, then there is a review of tablets in it. The Acer Ionic Tab A100 came out as a strong player in the compact tablet market.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iq2DBiJfGmV2JD_z3QahL79eJ60w?docId=CNG.08371ac52c751be9d97b7d4007d7a9e4.2c1

[Glenn]

I have a Nexus 7 on pre-order, due at the end of the month, the Acer Inconia A110 is due to be released shortly, along with the Amazon Fire2.

[JB]

Thanks both.

[kinmel]

I have one of these £140 Android 10" tablets and find it does everything I need.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Zenithink-ZT282-C91-UPGRADE-1GB-RAM-10-2-Capacitive-Android-4-0-3-Tablet-PC-/251022228992?pt=UK_iPad_Tablets_eReaders&hash=item3a72173e00

[Niall]

Two of my mates have those, and they speak highly of them. Especially considering the price. They did have connection issues with their Netgear router though. My other mate has no issues, although I dunno what router he has, only that it's wireless

[JB]

Alan and Niall,

Many thanks for the responses.

Alan, that looks very similar to the Momo11 Bird and it's a very good price. I'll do a bit more looking at it. Cheers.

Niall, I know the Momo has a WiFi issue due to the internal antenna being placed under the battery and somewhat shielded by the aluminium back panel. The mod is to unstick the antenna and move it to the edge of the machine thereby getting it clear. Wonder if it's similar. Maybe Alan could comment on WiFi range?

[Steve]

I was trying to find the amount of storage memory on the above, I kept seeing 1GB and thought that's nothing. It may have 8GB of NAND flash if I read it correctly.

[talos]

Try the Archos 8 g9.
    Ive had one for about a year now, very pleased with it,   1088 p HD, touch screen , webcam, wifi, gps, 8gb, & dual core.   Android system and just over £150 when I bought it.

[kinmel]

Alan and Niall,

Maybe Alan could comment on WiFi range?

It is as good as any other machine with an internal antenna, I live in a large bungalow with blockwork interior walls and the signal is picked up 30+ft away through 5 wall thicknesses. I can connect to the router in the house opposite from my lounge, about 50ft away.

[Niall]

The problem my mate had wasn't with the hardware, it was some odd issue with it dropping the connection from his router. He solved it, possibly with a firmware update. Not sure.

[JB]

Thanks guys, info appreciated.

[nowster]

You can get a box of paracetemols from Sainsburys for about 30p. I take two if I have a sinus headache and they usually hit the spot. You can't get much cheaper tablets than that. 

[Glenn]

18p in Lidl or Aldi