Folks... I'm waiting to pick up a new Nexus 7 when/if they come to Canada or the next time I'm through the USA, but that's for 'daddy's use.' Having two small kids (5 and 4) I've thought I'd like to hang a couple of tablets from the seatback for long car trips. It would make far more sense than the CD player that they have now.

They'd basically only be used to watch movies or play basic kids games. We don't need a lot of features (aside from durability, which may be a nice plus, but depending on how inexpensive they are, not worth paying for.) In other words, sure, I can buy them iPad minis, but I consider that a Rolex when really, all I need for them are cheap Timex's.

Any thoughts/sources/recommendations for what would be considered, essentially, 'disposable' technology?

Nook HD

There are oodles of quality options around the $100-130 level.

Nook HD, as mentioned, the 1st-gen Google Nexus 7, the Sero 7 Pro (available at Wal-Mart), and the Kindle Fire (non-HD).

My kids happily play on our two HP TouchPads (with Android installed). Having just checked Craigslist, I'm shocked at some of the prices being listed.

There are a lot of no-name Android tablets made by a variety of Chinese manufacturers you've never heard of that can be purchased on a multitude of websites like ahappydeal (a site that I've had very positive experiences with, but only for buying accessories). These units are cheaper than brand-name products, but not enough that I'd be willing to pull the trigger on one of them sight-unseen.

However, if anyone has any experience with these types of off-brand tablets (that might fit the bill for the OP), I'd be interested in hearing about it... the thought of a 9" Android tablet for under $100 is tempting.

There's also this:

http://www.engadget.com/2013/08/26/galaxy-tab-3-kids/

Bought a couple of Ainol 7 Advanced tablets a couple of years ago for the kids from http://www.merimobiles.com
Just the ticket and useful HDMI out, so plug into TV at hotel.

Also, bought several phones from them too.

Is the HD case/screen more rugged than on the HD+?

I have the latter and I don't think it would survive very long in the hands of 4/5 year olds.

I'm going to have to come back to this because I did exactly what the OP is asking and picked up a cheap Chinese off-brand 7" for Barn the Younger. Specifically, I got the Prestigio PMP3570C, which is apparently not available anymore? Local here in KRK for about 320Zł.... so roughly a hundred bucks? And it was the best idea ever.

So first the drawbacks:
- It is not a Nexus 7. The screen is nowhere as nice to read, there's no GPS, it takes forever to pick up a signal from the router sometimes, and it won't stream HD from the DLNA server.
- It has "8Gb" of storage, but that's separated out into a too-small internal partition and an internal SD card. So for a few games that don't let you move to SD, that internal bit fills up fast. Then you can't install new stuff. Did not know that when I got it and this is the single factor that would make me wary of buying another one.
- It's fragile. BtY broke the screen within a week with a simple drop to the floor. Fixing it was almost as much as the tablet (which in hindsight was why I got a cheap tablet. I didn't want to fix the Nexus)! But now it's got a case and BtY is older - enough to know that you play with the tablet sitting down and don't walk around with it (usually). I think that's pretty good for a 2.5-year-old.
- The battery runs out even when it's in standby, faster than the Nexus. Not a big deal, since it's got not one but two charge methods, but it's still worse on battery. On the other hand, it does run a few days between charges due to low use, unlike the high-use nexus that needs daily charges.

Everything else about it is great. For a sub-$100 tablet I have no complaints. And watching BtY learn how the tablet works is incredible. Already mastered the task switcher, the home button, and swiping through homescreens. So far we've only got educational or pseudo-educational games and there's no complaints yet (BtY has no idea there's more games out there yet!).

So I could go on, but the first thing to ask is: Is this a tablet just to have a tablet, or do you want to spend a bit more to get something more substantial. How much is a Gen1 Nexus7? Because if you can get one for $150 (even a good used one) then I don't think it's a contest. Get the Gen1 Nexus7. That $50 premium over a cheap tablet is worth far more than $50. Updated to 4.3 it's a new device again. I've got half a mind to buy another one (or a Nexus10) for MrsBarn's Christmas present so she can read and mark up articles without having to have mountains of paper at home.

But if you can't get a used or cheap Gen1 Nexus7, then yes, consider a cheap off-brand tablet. I think you'll be mildly disappointed in some ways (especially if you go from a nexus to that on a regular basis), but in all the ways it probably matters (useable, portable, can put on games) it's going to be great.

You make a great point about a used Nexus... which can also double as a backup for Dad if his dies just before a long trip.

The Gen1 Nexus7 (which is practically my main computer these days) is a spectacular little piece of kit, especially since 4.3. I probably wouldn't get one for $200 when the Gen2 is available, but having easy access to compare it with my off-brand tablet I'd say it's easily worth an additional $50. Plus if you're planning on watching videos on it, that's one of the places where the Prestigio fails (no HD in general, certainly not streaming from DLNA).

For kids, there is that added robustness factor and more easily available parts. I would have fixed the Prestigio on my own but for total lack of finding the parts I needed. All factors to consider, I guess. However they weren't factors when I bought it and the Nexus7 was 3x the cost of the Prestigio.

Look at the Hisense Sero Pro 7 at Wal-Mart. $130 and it's a pretty nice device.

A Nexus 7 first generation should not be hard to pick up for under $150, especially the 8gb model. Just before the new generation came out I got a 32gb one from Staples for around $170 before tax.

Another option is https://www.asus.com/Tablets_Mobile/ASUS_MeMO_Pad_HD_7/

$149.

It's basically a 1st-Gen Nexus 7 with a rear-facing camera and a microSD card slot.

Cheers,
Kermee

The Nabi II is another one to consider.

Tou can have lots of options from chinese manufacturers..not the branded ones..try searching on engaged.com