Travel Technology - Tablet + phone + live TV

Friends,

I am helping a dear friend out who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and is having cognitive difficulties. He is no longer able to use his traditional cell phone. His wife and I thought a tablet-sized device where we could program an icon with a photo of the person would help him immensely. In addition, he would like to watch live television on this tablet. [They have comcraptastic cable.]

Here's what I'm thinking:
Ipad/Android Tablet + Google Voice / Skype / Other robust phone app + TV app???

I am trying to investigate the tablet and apps that would do this best. I don't think there is a device right now that functions as both tablet and a cell phone, correct? I would also appreciate thoughts on robust apps for phone and TV.

Thanks in advance.

Have you considered a conventional telephone with pictures?

http://www.amazon.com/Picture-Care-Phone-with-Parall/dp/B001IW8VBY

Actually you can use Groove IP for the android (which requires a Google Voice account). I have a Asus TF101 tablet that I sometimes make calls on and depending on the connection speed the call quality is pretty good.

As for TV I use a Vulkano to stream from my cable box to my tablet, computer, or phone. It also works as a DVR.

Actually you can use Groove IP for the android (which requires a Google Voice account). I have a Asus TF101 tablet that I sometimes make calls on and depending on the connection speed the call quality is pretty good.

As for TV I use a Vulkano to stream from my cable box to my tablet, computer, or phone. It also works as a DVR.

How well does the Vulkano stream outside the home?

Comparable to Sling?

Thanks. We are looking for a portable solution, rather than a stationary phone. I have seen those models before and know folks who have used them.
I went to the apple store and they thought
ipad 2 with 3G + slingbox + google voice. But perhaps swap sling with vulkano?
I'm also thinking android tablet + groove IP + vulkano

Reviews suggest vulkano is as good as sling, cheaper, but maybe clunkier to install. Recent experiences?

Pretty straightforward on the install. Just plug it in to your cable box and TV and internet, run the setup (no PC needed) and install the client on your phone/tablet/whatever.

I can't vouch for the quality of wifi streaming as I run my hardwired to my router over a 15mb/s connection.

I will admit that I had to call Vulkano tech support as my cable box was not supported. 15 mins later they had sent me a new "test" build and I was good to go.

I thought about Sling but decided to go with Vulkano due to the DVR capability in multi format, ie DVR and *download* it to my device (PC or Android). With Sling you have to be streaming it, with the Vulkano I can download it and watch my program in the air or when I don't have a data connection.