Absolute Cheapest Smart Device That Can Handle Video Calling

LSpeedMeades on 24/03/2020 - 18:36

Hi All,

I'm coming to you for some help and have a question in 2 parts. My sister-in-law works in an aged care facility in SE QLD who are all about to go into full isolation. She wants to set those up who dont have mobile phones with the cheapest device and connectivity to allow them to talk to family.

So question 1 - what is the absolute cheapest phone that can handle video calls (whatsapp, facetime, hangouts, skype etc) and where can we purchase from (just needs to be new not second hand due to facility requirements)

Question 2 - what is the absolute cheapest pre-paid for data, assuming only receiving calls and making 1-2 video calls (via 4G data) a day

Location is Sunshine Coast, QLD. If you need any other requirements defined, just ask. Much appreciation in advance.

Regards,
Cam

Mobile

Comments

  • Blue Cat on 24/03/2020 - 19:29
    +2

    Please do not buy cheap devices for the elderly.
    They will hate you with passion and will throw the device away after using it for 5 minutes.

    • SpeedMeades on 25/03/2020 - 17:24

      they wont buy expensive devices and it's literally to only use to video family during this time not ongoing. we were going to create big instruction on how to do the one task and they have staff there that would probably do it for them. I assume all the cheap androids function similarly anyway.

      • Blue Cat on 25/03/2020 - 17:32

        I assume all the cheap androids function similarly anyway.

        Yes, similarly unusable.
        I liked the suggestions of the Chromebook. Assuming all the devices will connect to WiFi, it will be much better option compared to a nasty laggy cheap-o Android.

  • [Deactivated] on 24/03/2020 - 19:34

    An Alexa Show 5 is pretty cheap. But I reckon you should try and talk to someone at google/facebook/amazon and see if they can supply some for free.

    • SpeedMeades on 25/03/2020 - 17:22

      where would you start to reach out. I have tried at Telstra with no luck.

      • [Deactivated] on 25/03/2020 - 20:13

        Apple, Amazon. I’d try twitter. I’m assuming you want a substantial number of them?

  • spackbace on 24/03/2020 - 19:46

    Could you send an email to the families and ask if they have devices? They might have spare phones, tablets etc that you could use

    Question 2 - what is the absolute cheapest pre-paid for data, assuming only receiving calls and making 1-2 video calls (via 4G data) a day

    The home doesn't have Wifi with unlimited data?

    • SpeedMeades on 25/03/2020 - 17:22

      can you believe it… no. We've asked the community for second hand devices too but facility is not liking bringing potentially infected devices into the home… very health conscious over rational science.

  • scrimshaw on 24/03/2020 - 20:04

    Chromebook perhaps? A basic Chromebook is something around $260 to $300 and you can run Skype / Hangouts / Google Duo on these devices. Can't see any deals though as everyone now is rushing out to buy devices for schoolkids.

    That said there might be Social Enterprises such as https://www.enableaustralia.org.au/ that have IT recycling programs where old devices such as laptops / desktops / tablets are donated for a good cause and are given to the needy.

    • SpeedMeades on 25/03/2020 - 17:25

      thanks I'll check out the link… although as above facility not happy about bringing in second hand devices for health reasons (please dont comment about how ridiculous this is, preaching to the converted)

      • scrimshaw on 25/03/2020 - 17:31

        Hah I can understand. I think these social enterprises will now be shut down as Level 2 restrictions are in place today anyway.

  • MrRobot on 24/03/2020 - 21:27

    Question 1:

    Motorola has a wide range of affordable phones including a few that are "budget" models (under $200) that are capable of video calling, etc.

    Some of the lower range Nokia phones are quite affordable and would be suitable as well.

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