Nexus 7.

Nexus 7 or Amazon Kindle Fire.

^ Addl't vote for Nexus 7 - was on the sideline & not ready to downsize from the iPad & debating on the Mini.

In the USA, locate a 32GB model from Staples - 14 days no questions asked, no restocking fee policies if user didn't like it for whatever reason. Smooth as silk, running stock 4.2.2 rom & kernel, (optional) rooted for flexibility w. sideload Apps. Running Skype & Hangouts, excellent for YouTube with its widescreen form, plus Google Now w. its Cards. Boat Browser (or Dolphins) w. Flash Player enabled. No bloatware.. A good wrap-around protective case highy recommended as the glass (digitizer) is prone to break if dropped.

Simple solution for FT' ers - ripped DVD's and MP4's selection for 10+ hours personal IFE on a 32GB external USB drive via $5 OTG adapter.

Having used both, Kindle Fire HD is easier to use. Conversely, the functions are more limited.

The choice comes down to the ecosystem. If you prefer Amazon's ecosystem, especially if you have Prime, choose Kindle Fire. If you like Google Play, then Nexus.

Thanks to all for the quick and concise suggestions. Don't think ecosystem is issue since his requirement is simple.
I've told my guy he can order both kindle and nexus 7 to try out -- the return policy makes it easy to test drive them both! :D

NC_Girl, another vote for Note 8. I have the original Galaxy, about 2.5 years now and still use it because has 3G. The 8 does not, it's major con in my opinion. Bought it at BB, but it's on sale at Sam's $379, as well as AMazon. Also have the Asus Infinity which is pretty much gathering dust as I've been so impressed with the Samsung. The stylus makes it for me. I do use mine for work--we have new electronic records (:mad:) and it works very well. Fits in my jacket pocket. The stylus has a lot of fun features (turn it into a calligraphy pen, etc) as well as being handy at bringing the screen back to life. If you hover over an icon, it will bring up the title, etc. Love it. Rather have a color other than white, but just happy I got it, and it's my BYOD of choice.

Tablet recommendations
 

Hi folks,

I'm tired of lugging around my laptop on short trips, and I've started researching a tablets. I'd love to get your recommendations.

I don't want anything fancy or pricey. Based on my research so far I could get what I want for around $600-$700 total (ipad+bluetooth keyboard). But I have a feeling that I'd be paying for more functionality than I need.

I want a device that works for email, blogging in wordpress, logging into my bank account, flyertalk, and works as an e-reader. I hate typing on screens, and definitely want a separate keyboard. I'm already planning to a separate iPhone later this summer, so I don't need camera or music player functionality.

Any recommendations? Would a Kindle Fire meet my needs?

Thanks!
K

If you are already sure that you will buy an iPhone then you should probably stay within one OS and buy an iPad as well. All your apps will work on the iPad that you buy for the phone. Of course some people don't like reading on a backlit screen, some don't like reading on a kindle screen. Your mileage will vary on that point. Battery life is another concern, and a big plus for the iPad. The next generation iPad, and iPad mini, will be out within a few months, with less weight, better battery and higher resolution screens.

You can pay less, but then you get what you pay for as well. There are real reasons the iPad family has the sold better than any other tablet.

There you go again...

There are some pretty decent looking Atom based tablets out there, at reasonable prices and with full Windows 8 (not troubled RT). They lack the sheer numbers in terms of touch specific apps, when compared to iOS and Android, but you'll get a fuller web experience and MS Office compatibility (if you need it).

Take a look at the Asus Vivotab Smart. Alternatively, if you want to avoid the cost of Office (albeit with RT, not full Windows), the Dell XPS 10 goes pretty cheaply at the moment (£250 in the UK, last time I checked).

If buying Android, I would only recommend one of the Nexus devices for the ongoing software support.

Kindle Fire will work in all those capacities except for "logging into my bank account". No problem if you use the web interface. You might find difficulties in obtaining bank-provided apps. Kindle Fire only uses Amazon's app store, and not the de facto Google Play app store. Most companies only release their apps on Google Play and forget about the existence of third party app stores. While it is possible to install Google Play on a Kindle Fire (HD), it is a huge undertaking and only for technically inclined power users.

I'm looking at the Asus Nexus 7 which is Android 4.1 OS and has a quad-core processor and 32gb memory.
Right now they're going for about $250.
However, the new/updated model is due out in July so prices on the current one will likely drop significantly.

True, I debated on holding off & waiting for the newer model/better specs - but, you would be playing the chase game again & again. Meanwhile, I'm very happy with my WiFi only - N7 32 GB model. Resale value on eBay has been holding up nicely thus far.

It's easy to root but there is no need to run any custom rom, latest stock Rom 4.2.2 is as perfect as Google can get it to become, ditto for a custom kernel for gamers looking for speed or those looking for even longer battery life. It's easy to slip into a jacket, vest and corner of a briefcase, or just carry it in one hand to go & use anywhere and everywhere.

Bonus for VZW Fios and wireless users are its extra Big Red apps like remote feature, media manager, voice mail & call logs, and read SMS/reply from the tablet. NFC chip/Google Wallets, the latest Google Apps w/o bloatware and "Now" plus off-line reading of downloaded contents as 32GB is very usable. Watch CNN Live right on it when I'm doing work at the home office den - and, over WiFi - link with Drive/Sky Drive & Dropbox to store/retrieve items in Cloud storage. Finance accounts and banking app right on it - the only negative that I wish it has is a rear HD camera, but otherwise, it's good to Skype others or brag about Hangouts, the newest. It's a capable GPS unit with offline maps and POI data loaded and easy to set it stationary inside the car to watch a few Youtube videos while waiting tethered to a faster Wifi connection (AirBuds for airtravel as a compact package ...)

There are times that I do like to play with Mrs. L's iPad if we are at home as the screen is bigger. The Nexus 7 can be completed by spending no more than $400 including a good protective case, OTG cable for external storage/access, and a compatible BT Keyboard (Logitech has gotten very good reviews) Otherwise, take a closeup look at the iPad Mini - especially if you are on the road a lot, and make sure your own IT dept and support/help desk has what it need to run your specific apps.

I know this forum has a very strong anti-Apple bias but try to stay on topic and not make the discussion about me. Did you have anything to actually contribute to the discussion, or are you just looking to lash out?

If I were to lash out, it would be only to knock that huge chip off your shoulder :)