Ipad/Tablet recommendation/deals for Grandparents?

[dreamin_disney]

correc: Doesn’t have to be an apple iPad any tablet brand will work.
My Dad lives out of state. I just found out that he likes watching recipes on YouTube. He watches YouTube on his phone and writes down the recipes (on paper). He is 88 years old. I was thinking of getting him and his wife each a ipad or tablet. I would like to find a good one that’s also inexpensive. Is it possible to find a decent one for under $150 each since I plan on buying two? I want them both to have their own. Any deals and recommendations? Thanks in advance

 

[Best Aunt]

Not sure what you mean by "a pen ipad or tablet."

Does he have an iPhone, or an Android phone? If he has an iPhone, you might want to get an iPad so he doesn't have to learn a new operating system.

If you are thinking of getting something used or refurbished, don't go too old because they reach a point where the operating system can't be updated, and then some apps won't work.

 

[DL1WDW2]

Have you heard of the jitterbug for seniors?

 

[Disneyfan754321]

We used ebay for my moms, each model year back is cheaper. I knew she was not going to use it for very many apps so I settled for a 6 it was under $200. She uses it for facetime and safari mostly.

We bought ours off the apple refurbished website.
I got a 7 under warranty for a year for 279.

 

[jo-jo]

Just an opinion. Get a kids cushion cover for the table/ or Ipad. I just feel better with it and usually they have some type of stand with it. I find "naked" phone/tablets etc very slippery.

 

[cvjw]

If he is familiar with using an iPhone, stick with an iPad. At 88, he doesn’t need to have to learn how another brand of electronics work. I would get them an iPad to share over getting 2 cheap tablets.

 

[SharonZ]

What about Amazon Fire Tablets? I'm not sure you are going to find Ipads, even refurbished for under $150.

 

[Twilghtsprkle]

Does he have a smart TV or a streaming stick? Could you possible teach him to cast to the TV from his phone?

 

[Anthony1971]

Personally IPad prices are very much reasonable and very competitive especially the now IPad 8. Samsung also very good is in the same range and sometimes more expensive when a good sale can be found. Problem today is there is a shortage so you are going to pay close to if not retail. Lower priced Tablets have all kinds of modifications to their OS that can make them frustrating to use. Apple has a very basic easy to use OS and the reason they are so popular.… although the Iphone pricing is way out of control but a necessary evil for many with Group FaceTime and other features with work these days.

 

[Marrila]

Amazon fire 8 or 10 with the soft kid cover.

 

[lanejudy]

I don't know if you'll find an iPad quite that low; Samsung yes but I agree if they use iPhones keep it similar by going with the iPad. I was looking in that price range and finally grabbed a 2019 refurbished iPad at just about $200. We have a decent Samsung that I was thinking of getting another, but ultimately like you wanted to stick with the same OS for familiarity of use for the recipient. Good luck!

 

[SandyinMonterey]

We got our daughter an HP laptop at Costco for Christmas this year. After a lot of comparison shopping, Costco has the best prices on electronics (IPads and laptops). We purchased a while ago. With shipping and stocking issues, it may be a problem finding something so close to Christmas. We were at Best Buy about a month ago and all the Apple watches were gone as well as many other of their products. But, still, check out Costco. Purchased on line and they're shipping and notification(s) was excellent.

 

[dreamin_disney]

Not sure what you mean by "a pen ipad or tablet."

Does he have an iPhone, or an Android phone? If he has an iPhone, you might want to get an iPad so he doesn't have to learn a new operating system.

pen was an error lol! He writes his recipes with pen and paper

Have you heard of the jitterbug for seniors?

View attachment 632304

never heard of it.

We used ebay for my moms, each model year back is cheaper. I knew she was not going to use it for very many apps so I settled for a 6 it was under $200. She uses it for facetime and safari mostly.

facetime might be to much for him

If he is familiar with using an iPhone, stick with an iPad. At 88, he doesn’t need to have to learn how another brand of electronics work. I would get them an iPad to share over getting 2 cheap tablets.

to be honest I have no idea what kind of phone he has. On my last visit before covid he had a flip phone. I asked him if that what he’s using to watch the videos and he said no. He said he has a new one with a bigger screen

Does he have a smart TV or a streaming stick? Could you possible teach him to cast to the TV from his phone?

I don’t think he does

Personally IPad prices are very much reasonable and very competitive especially the now IPad 8. Samsung also very good is in the same range and sometimes more expensive when a good sale can be found. Problem today is there is a shortage so you are going to pay close to if not retail. Lower priced Tablets have all kinds of modifications to their OS that can make them frustrating to use. Apple has a very basic easy to use OS and the reason they are so popular.… although the Iphone pricing is way out of control but a necessary evil for many with Group FaceTime and other features with work these days.

I heard Samsung would be good and cheaper.

 

[lanejudy]

I heard Samsung would be good and cheaper.

DH has a Samsung Galaxy Tab A. Good, simple, relatively inexpensive. He’s not particularly adept with technology and really likes the tablet. I’ve seen some on sale this season for ~$100.

 

[Best Aunt]

Jitterbug (now called Lively) has cell phones marketed to seniors. They have a flip phone and a smart phone. I am not aware of them having tablets, and OP's father is not in the market for a phone.

We got one of the Amazon tablets for my niece years ago. We found it difficult to set up and difficult to use.

In my personal experience, if someone in their late 80s has technology questions, they are going to call a family member. OP, are you ready for those calls?