I am helping a friend to get onto the internet. He doesn't want to change his

[applegrove]

archaic cell phone. He doesn't need a computer. A tablet will do I think. He was wants to go to discussion forums and upload content. He has access to WiFi. Anything I should know? What are the best inexpensive brands? Can he get a tablet without cell phone capabilities?

[Midnightwalk]

1. No cell sounds necessary

Can't speak to best and cheap choice.

In my opinion don't mix cell phone and pad together it costs more and cell tries to lock you into contracts.

Discussion is low speed and low processor requirement. Pictures need memory. Speed is mitigated by patience. I think those are the basic parameters. Video has other considerations I can't speak to

It is cool if you can figure out how to see what is available on a couple of trips and then focus in on what you need to pay for.

[applegrove]

2. Thanks. Important information.

[Midnightwalk]

3. One clarification

I read it as they want keep a simple cell phone and use a pad for discussion. For that don't add cell to the pad. You take your phone everywhere anymore. The pad then is for extras

You can do just about everything with a smart phone. I type, cut, paste, forward pictures on my phone. My pad is bigger, more relaxed, better video so I use it too.

If your friend mainly wants discussion a decent phone would work and wind up cheaper. one device might be better. But don't pay any extra for cellular access

Sorry. It's always more complicated. Happy to try to answer more.

[applegrove]

4. He doesn't have a smart phone. He needs good quality tablet

so he can do podcasts or upload. So he needs video capabilities too. Then his dumb phone will stay just a phone and his pad/tablet will do all the internet.

[procon]

5. Tak a look at Amazon Fire Tablet with 7" Display

Priced just under $50 it will let him get on the internet and use most of the same features as a standard computer. With the right services he can upload all his stuff as well as view forums, or watch movies, books and live streaming from lots of sites.

[applegrove]

6. What services does he need to upload his stuff? Hosting sites?

Does he need a microphone. He needs a camera. Does the Amazon Fire Tablet have a video camera of any magnitude? Or should he invest in a computer for that? This is so helpfull.

[rampartc]

9. a wi fi is necessary, but only whrn on line

i use my fire with 8" display (about $100) when i'm hospitalized or at the coffee shop, but after a book is downloaded you can read it anywhere. while on wi fi i frequently access forums. plenty of free aps. i use amazon "silk" for browsing and search.

it has camera/video capability (but i don't use that so can't comment on quality.)

[unc70]

12. He wants to CREATE video content?

That is a big jump from a flip phone! What is the source of his video content? Is it from a fixed studio-like set up or filmed on location? Does it require significant editing before it can be shared?

Not knowing anything about their abilities and needs, here are a couple of thoughts. I would probably use a decent smartphone plus a tablet. These days, almost all come with good cameras. I prefer using smartphone on the go, tablet or PC format device in "studio".

I find video editing to be a tedious pain on a smartphone; really prefer a larger screen and adding a mouse.

[applegrove]

18. He wants to do lectures. Podcasts. Not much editing required if any.

And he is limited money wise.

[unc70]

19. Then probably a "low end" smartphone

Preferably with a somewhat larger screen. A couple of years behind the latest and greatest makes for a good value (possibly a refurbished one with a warranty) Do most of the transfers with WiFi, but have cellular as an option. It's time to move to smartphone. Might get an inexpensive microphone (WiFi or Bluetooth) to wear when filming. The built in mic will fluctuate when he moves around.

[procon]

13. Many options...

In general he will need a place on the internet to store his stuff. Amazon Prime has something, but there are many other services as well ranging from free to low cost to premium.

Kindle come with a built in Mic and Alexa, a camera that can take videos as well. Go to Amazon to read about all the features.

I'm on my 3rd Kindle and I'm very happy with what it offers. I got a bunch of new Echo devices for Xmas and hope to use the new smart technology with my Kindle to operate lots of things around the house.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

7. Does he touch type?

I'm asking because one of the things that makes me batshit crazy about tablets and the like, is the no keyboard aspect. I'm a good, heck, a phenomenal typist, mainly because I've had jobs that had me typing all day, and when I try to type something on my Kindle, I'm incredibly put out by the need to switch to a different keyboard for capital letters and yet another one for numbers and symbols. Which slows me down in a way that I need new bad words to express my dislike. It doesn't allow me to touch type as this keyboard does.

For someone who just hunts and pecks in the first place, it doesn't matter. There are several good suggestions already. But if your friend is comfortable typing, talk him into a small laptop kind of computer, one with a real keyboard.

As for costs, I keep on being astonished at how relatively cheap electronics have become, but that is mainly because I so rarely buy anything and am simply completely behind the times, as in a decade or so behind.

Something else, which you and probably everyone else here understands, but I've been astonishingly slow to figure out, is that almost every device out there connects readily to the internet. As mentioned above, I have a Kindle. It came to me when the original owner died and I simply took possession. I have not used it to its fullest to say the very least, and have only recently understood that I can put my email accounts and my Hulu (and no doubt my Netflix and Amazon accounts) on it and view them exactly as I do on this, the desk top I'm currently using to type this response.

Some of us need to join the 21st century. Clearly I am speaking for myself. I gather that's what your friend needs to do, and I want to thank you on his behalf for helping.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

10. You may like to add this

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LS32D52/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

14. Thank you.

I might look into that.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

16. I got one a few years ago for my tablet

I was getting frustrated using the onscreen keypad.

This one is robust and holds a charge well. The improvement I would ask for would be to be able to change the sensitivity of the integrated touch pad.

[Kali]

15. OMG !

THANK YOU!!!!


I have the same complaints about typing.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

17. You're welcome

back at ya.

[TreasonousBastard]

8. A few years ago I was in WalMart (yeah, I know...) and picked up one of these...

https://www.walmart.com/ip/RCA-Viking-Pro-10-1-Android-2-in-1-Tablet-32GB-Quad-Core/45804384

?odnHeight=450&odnWidth=450&odnBg=FFFFFF

Removable keyboard, so-so battery life, decent resolution, crappy speakers, OK cameras front and back, reliable... pretty good for the price. Wi-Fi works better than my phone. Great storage with an SD card, and runs Chrome (of course) and Opera, and maybe a few other browsers.

I use it daily for reading books, mags, and newspapers. It has pretty much replaced my Nook, since it has a Nook app. Available in Windows versions, too.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

11. This or similar tablets are available at home shopping network

They're $100 and available for $20/month installments.

https://www.hsn.com/shop/tablets/ec0580?query=tablets&isSuggested=false