Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

applegrove

(123,118 posts)
Thu Jan 17, 2019, 01:57 AM Jan 2019

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

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?

19 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
I am helping a friend to get onto the internet. He doesn't want to change his (Original Post) applegrove Jan 2019 OP
No cell sounds necessary Midnightwalk Jan 2019 #1
Thanks. Important information. applegrove Jan 2019 #2
One clarification Midnightwalk Jan 2019 #3
He doesn't have a smart phone. He needs good quality tablet applegrove Jan 2019 #4
Tak a look at Amazon Fire Tablet with 7" Display procon Jan 2019 #5
What services does he need to upload his stuff? Hosting sites? applegrove Jan 2019 #6
a wi fi is necessary, but only whrn on line rampartc Jan 2019 #9
He wants to CREATE video content? unc70 Jan 2019 #12
He wants to do lectures. Podcasts. Not much editing required if any. applegrove Jan 2019 #18
Then probably a "low end" smartphone unc70 Jan 2019 #19
Many options... procon Jan 2019 #13
Does he touch type? PoindexterOglethorpe Jan 2019 #7
You may like to add this discntnt_irny_srcsm Jan 2019 #10
Thank you. PoindexterOglethorpe Jan 2019 #14
I got one a few years ago for my tablet discntnt_irny_srcsm Jan 2019 #16
OMG ! Kali Jan 2019 #15
You're welcome discntnt_irny_srcsm Jan 2019 #17
A few years ago I was in WalMart (yeah, I know...) and picked up one of these... TreasonousBastard Jan 2019 #8
This or similar tablets are available at home shopping network discntnt_irny_srcsm Jan 2019 #11

Midnightwalk

(3,131 posts)
1. No cell sounds necessary
Thu Jan 17, 2019, 02:10 AM
Jan 2019

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.

Midnightwalk

(3,131 posts)
3. One clarification
Thu Jan 17, 2019, 02:37 AM
Jan 2019

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

(123,118 posts)
4. He doesn't have a smart phone. He needs good quality tablet
Thu Jan 17, 2019, 02:40 AM
Jan 2019

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

(15,805 posts)
5. Tak a look at Amazon Fire Tablet with 7" Display
Thu Jan 17, 2019, 03:45 AM
Jan 2019

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

(123,118 posts)
6. What services does he need to upload his stuff? Hosting sites?
Thu Jan 17, 2019, 03:54 AM
Jan 2019

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

(5,835 posts)
9. a wi fi is necessary, but only whrn on line
Thu Jan 17, 2019, 06:29 AM
Jan 2019

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

(6,325 posts)
12. He wants to CREATE video content?
Thu Jan 17, 2019, 07:05 AM
Jan 2019

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

(123,118 posts)
18. He wants to do lectures. Podcasts. Not much editing required if any.
Thu Jan 17, 2019, 05:34 PM
Jan 2019

And he is limited money wise.

unc70

(6,325 posts)
19. Then probably a "low end" smartphone
Thu Jan 17, 2019, 05:52 PM
Jan 2019

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

(15,805 posts)
13. Many options...
Thu Jan 17, 2019, 07:06 AM
Jan 2019

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

(26,727 posts)
7. Does he touch type?
Thu Jan 17, 2019, 03:58 AM
Jan 2019

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

(18,577 posts)
16. I got one a few years ago for my tablet
Thu Jan 17, 2019, 01:43 PM
Jan 2019

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.

TreasonousBastard

(43,049 posts)
8. A few years ago I was in WalMart (yeah, I know...) and picked up one of these...
Thu Jan 17, 2019, 04:23 AM
Jan 2019
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.

Latest Discussions»Help & Search»Computer Help and Support»I am helping a friend to ...