10" Android tablet for general web browsing

ppx on 02/05/2013 - 22:27

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for a decent, cheap 10" Android tablet for my mum for general web browsing usage.

All that I really require is that it performs web browsing well and has full access to the Google Play store. A good screen and Bluetooth would be nice but not critical. 3G, GPS and most other bell's and whistles definitely won't be needed.

I'm hoping to spend $150 or less (even $100) but I realise that may be unrealistic. If it is, i'll probably just go a bit all out and buy a Ainol Spark 9 for about ~$210. So any good "bang for buck" recommendations are also appreciated!

Thanks for any advice!

Find Me A Bargain

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 02/05/2013 - 22:50
    +2

    I recommend going all out. I've used a fair number of cheap tablets before, apart from them being of rickety build quality, low resolution screen, having less than stellar battery life / performance, they're mostly disposable devices which will infuriate you after a short period of usage.

    • StewBalls on 02/05/2013 - 23:05
      +2

      I concur. Stick with a brand name here, even if it means hanging back a CPU/GPU generation or two.

      I'm normally happy to cheap out on gadgets, but there is a significant difference in build quality, battery life & user support base (read:updates) between most brand name tabs & cheapies IME. I'm as tight as the fish's proverbial, so that's a big call from me! ;)

  • ppx on 02/05/2013 - 23:15

    Thanks for the advice scrimshaw & StewBalls.

    The tablet i'm currently looking at is the Ainol Novo Spark 9 for about $210 which i've seen has good reviews and the specs would easily fulfill what the tablet will be used for. It's still a cheapy Chinese tablet, but Ainol's reputation is not too bad for a Chinese manufacturer from what I've seen. Any other suggestions around this price range?

    The branded option i've been looking at is the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1". But at around $279 and very average specs i'm not so sure if the brand is worth such a massive price premium…

    • scrimshaw on 02/05/2013 - 23:23

      I think the Spark 9 should be OK, so long as you buy from a reputable seller. Do note the early production batches of Ainol tablets do tend to suffer from poorer build quality and other issues, so its sometimes better to go with a tablet that has been out longer in the market.

      Some feedback on the tablet — note some comments on buggy firmware (might require updating)
      http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ainol-Novo-Spark-Firewire-Tablet/dp/…

      . But at around $279 and very average specs i'm not so sure if the brand is worth such a massive price premium…

      You're not paying so much for the brand but actually for the after sales support and local warranty.
      Australian consumer law protects you against manufacturer defects and because you're buying locally its easy to return the product (ship back or hand it back in person).

      With China-tabs, returning a faulty tablet back can be very costly (due to the red-tape surrounding the shipping of electronics with lithium batteries)

    • watty on 03/05/2013 - 00:23

      I suggest the Ainol as it isn't that bad to be honest. But otherwise Scrimshaw makes a very good point and going all out would be your best option.

    • StewBalls on 03/05/2013 - 07:10
      +1

      You could always consider a refurb Asus TF101, sure it's an aging model but it's still a damn fine tab on ICS. I got one for my wife & she doesn't wanna part with it, even when I mention updating to another Asus tab to her.

      Asus sells them for $179 (16gb) or $232 for 32gb with the keyboard dock: http://www.asusnotebooks.com.au/notebook/refurbished-tablets…

  • ppx on 04/05/2013 - 00:23

    Thanks for the advice everyone… after a bit more research i've decided I'll probably go with a branded option and spend a little more!

    The TF101 looks like a good option for web browsing, that or the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 - any other alternatives $200 to $300?

      • StewBalls on 04/05/2013 - 16:28

        Beat me to it! ;)

        • ppx on 04/05/2013 - 18:48
          +1

          http://i41.tinypic.com/8x5wls.jpg :)

          Too easy! Thanks for all your help everyone!!

        • StewBalls on 04/05/2013 - 20:21
          +1

          Two bucks delivery, that's pretty sweet!

          Congrats, I think you'll be happy with this, the Iconia tabs I've played with have been very impressive!

          If I wasn't happy with my Samsung 7.7 & the wife's TF101, I'd be on one of these myself like Oprah on a baked ham! ;)

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