Recommendations for a cheap lightweight tablet

[JQ]

I’m sure there have been lots of threads like this in the past on PH but I’m currently a blubbering wreck and need help.

My son has broken his neck and back, after several days of no information it now looks like he’s going to be in here for quite some time. I want to cheer him up, and probably cheer myself up by doing something nice for him.

He’s lying completely flat on his back and has access to a TV that we can position above his head. Movies and TV channels are a bit crap and at home we have pretty much all the streaming sites.

So, need something light (plan to strap the tablet to the TV in some very unsafe manner) on which we can download Netflix, Apple, Disney, Prime, iPlayer, ITVx, etc. a decent size screen would be a bonus. Plan would be to hotspot from his iPhone.

We are an Apple family, but feel that an iPad is rather expensive as a temporary tool - will likely not get used when once out of hospital.

Possibly stupid question but do tablets have speakers? Speakers would be preferable, he’s in a private room so not going to disturb anyone and saves faffing round with headphones.

Any recommendations for a tablet solely for watching streaming sites?

Thank you.

[davek_964]

Yes, tablets have speakers - although a cheap bluetooth speaker would sound much better.

However - TVs have remote controls - tablets don't. Is he going to be able to control what he's watching?

[nyt]

Xiaomi have decent offers on their PAD 7 at the moment. I think that they do an 11" model (possibly the pro)


https://www.mi.com/uk/event/tablet-deal-2025

I have a PAD 6 - it performs extremely well. and the screen is decent Operating system is similar to IOS.

There is a code - AFFI10MT - which *may* get to a discount.


Sorry to hear about your son

Edited by nyt on Monday 2nd June 13:01

[Scrump]

If you are an apple family then how about an iPad for under £200:
https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/FK2K3B/A/ref...


I hope your son makes a speedy recovery.

[JQ]

davek_964 said:

Yes, tablets have speakers - although a cheap bluetooth speaker would sound much better.

However - TVs have remote controls - tablets don't. Is he going to be able to control what he's watching?

Yep, TV sits on a long boom that can be placed in arms reach directly above his head.

Good shout on the speaker, we have lots at home.

[JQ]

Cheers for the recommendations.

Great shout on the refurbished iPad, don’t know why I didn’t think of it, all the kids iPhones have been bought refurbished.

Will take a look at the PAD 7 too.

Thanks for the well wishes too. It’s been a rollercoaster few days.

[wyson]

JQ, sorry to hear about your son. Hope he gets better soon.

I got the original iPad as a curio, thought it would be a bit of a toy, but it quickly became the device to get the most screen time, outside work. It s also perfect for taking on holiday, when you might want to look stuff up, etc.

In terms of apps, support etc, it s by far the best. You might start off with just streaming sites, but then find half the stuff you did on your laptop and half the stuff you did on your phone more comfortable on the iPad, the sheer number of apps really is a key advantage.

I d second the official Apple refurbished option, especially if you already run Apple devices.

If it turns out you were right, and it just sat there unused, Apple stuff has really strong 2nd hand values, you d get more back than with an el cheapo Android tablet.

Edited by wyson on Monday 2nd June 13:17

[RizzoTheRat]

A cheap option is an Amazon Fire. But they run Amazons own operating system with a limited app store making them not great for some stuff, but they have Prime and Kindle apps, and I believe a Netflix app. 10" is only about £100 but if you that route definitely check what you can and can't do on them.

Another option if they have decent WiFi and the TV has a spare HDMI slot would be get something like a Fire Stick, Chromecast, Roku or Apple TV and cast from his phone

Edited by RizzoTheRat on Monday 2nd June 13:27

[danb79]

Sorry to hear re your lad; that sounds terrible! Hope he makes a speedy recovery

As you're already on Apple IMO it'd make sense to stick with Apple and get an iPad from the refurb store; but check Amazon for their Buy in 5 offers too

Plus; Apple devices always retain their value; so get a screen protector and a light but solid case for it and if you decide you don't need it any more, it'll soon sell etc

[SP_]

Sorry to hear about your son, wish him a speedy & full recovery.
Is it possible to plug into the TV via HDMI?

You could purchase something like this, if you have an old tablet to trade in you get £100 back.
https://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/lenovo-idea-tab-p...

Alternatively, get a smaller, cheap Samsung tablet, and plug into the TV via HDMI. The tablet can be used to control the TV

[rpguk]

For mounting might be worth looking at a goose neck stand - something like these - https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=goose+neck+tablet+hol...

Good luck to you and the boy

[C69]

Sorry to hear about your son.

If the existing TV has HDMI and USB ports, wouldn't something like a Roku or Fire stick be an easier (and potentially safer) solution?

[durbster]

C69 said:

Sorry to hear about your son.

If the existing TV has HDMI and USB ports, wouldn't something like a Roku or Fire stick be an easier (and potentially safer) solution?

That sounds like a better solution, since you get a remote with them.

[ADJimbo]

OP,

I’m sorry about the circumstances that you’ve had to write this post.

I spent five months in two different hospitals last year. Fortunately both had brilliant WiFi and streaming was never an issue.

Forget about the TV. I tried with a fire stick and they’re totally locked down.

In terms of the earphones, for the £10/£15 they’ll cost from Argos will be immersive. Even though he’s in his own room, the ward-staff will be rattling all sorts of kit and kaboodle past his door, morning, noon and night. My earphones were a game changer. A place of escapism if you like.

My thoughts are with you all at this time.

[JQ]

Unfortunately the TV is provided by a 3rd party company and is completely locked down - costs £10 a day to access their services.

I think the refurbished iPad is the best solution as there is a greater likelihood he’ll continue to use it once back on his feet.

[bunchofkeys]

OP, if you've not already bought the iPad, I would recommend Back Market for the refurbished tablet.

https://www.backmarket.co.uk/en-gb/l/ipad/6053d9e8...

I recently bought a refurbished Mac laptop from them and was very happy with the service and item when it arrived.

Edited by bunchofkeys on Monday 2nd June 18:54

[SimonKD]

For what you need-a lightweight, affordable tablet with decent screen size and speakers-I’d say look into Amazon Fire HD tablets. The Fire HD 10 is pretty cheap compared to iPads, has built-in speakers, and supports apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more. Plus, it’s easy to hotspot from an iPhone.

[Dave Hedgehog]

AO have the 11th gen 128gb iPad in various colours for £288 on ebay

I bought one last time they ran this deal

https://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/apple-ipad-109-12...

Edited by Dave Hedgehog on Tuesday 3rd June 10:38