Tablets with built-in cell/wifi

[aroundincircles]

I am the designated finder for a tablet for someone who has never even used a computer. They are retired, have no internet, and never will. (No cell to tether to, either.) They live in a good reception area. Usage would be books, games (light i.e. crosswords), and Skype.

The obvious choice is one w/built-in 4G LTE, like the Kindle Fire HD 8.9". However, given the price point of the Kindle, and the fact that this person may, or may not, take to it, I'm iffy.

The BlackBerry PlayBook has mixed reviews and isn't out yet, and I'm not sure about the Pantech Element. Are there any others I've not found?

Maybe there is another way to do this without having built-in 4G. Would it be worth waiting for FreedomPop?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks.
AG

 

[TheStu]

There's the iPad, both sizes can be equipped with 4G.

If there's an Apple store in their area, that could be a huge boon to you, they can go there for issues, information, learning, all that jazz.

If Apple isn't really your style, you could consider something like a wireless hotspot. It's just a little wireless router the size of a deck of cards (though about half the thickness). It connects over 4G, has a battery pack, and allows for up to 5 users at once.

 

[s44]

HSPA Nexus 7

 

[Throckmorton]

There's the iPad, both sizes can be equipped with 4G.

If there's an Apple store in their area, that could be a huge boon to you, they can go there for issues, information, learning, all that jazz.

If Apple isn't really your style, you could consider something like a wireless hotspot. It's just a little wireless router the size of a deck of cards (though about half the thickness). It connects over 4G, has a battery pack, and allows for up to 5 users at once.

That's a hassle, especially for someone who has never used a computer even.


Verizon has a Samsun Galaxy Tab 7 for $300 and a 10 for more money, and the plan is only $20 for 1gb or $30 for 2gb

 

[vshah]

nexus 7 hspa version

 

[lopri]

If the person has never ever used computer then even emails will scare her/him off. As much as I love my Nexus 7, I do not believe it is a good choice for that person. S/he will have trouble with making an account, not to mention being stressed to remember which buttons do what. If s/he doesn't overcome that first hurdle, the tablet will likely sit idle while the person picks up a newspaper.

Also, it is very possible that the person's vision is not as good as yours. If so, it can be difficult to read text even with zooming. Larger screen is preferable.

I would look at Kindle Fire or iPad 4. Set her/him up an account and have her/him keep the password in his wallet. Give a slow walk through of the web and browsing.

 

[lopri]

I mean, if you are picking a tablet for someone who has no experience of computers, modem speed isn't the first concern. And as long as the device isn't defective, the carrier service will be a bigger factor for the Internet speed than the modem inside the tablet.

 

[bonkers325]

if the person is not a computer person, then you will have to explain that cellular data is capped and any streaming they do will likely eat up their allotted bandwidth.

 

[frozentundra123456]

There's the iPad, both sizes can be equipped with 4G.

If there's an Apple store in their area, that could be a huge boon to you, they can go there for issues, information, learning, all that jazz.

If Apple isn't really your style, you could consider something like a wireless hotspot. It's just a little wireless router the size of a deck of cards (though about half the thickness). It connects over 4G, has a battery pack, and allows for up to 5 users at once.

How long is the battery life on the wireless hotspot devices? I have been thinking of getting one to use with my tablet and my wife's laptop on vacations when driving long distances. I have heard the battery life of them is not too long though. Also dont know if I like the idea of having to carry around 2 devices just to access the internet on the go.

 

[OBLAMA2009]

if they have no computer experience, get ipad