You have kindly overestimated my technical savvy. What is Google Play, and why do I want it?

Google Play Store is Google's app store. Amazon's tablet runs a version of Android that replaces the Google Play Store with Amazon's own store... while it has a very good selection of apps, some key ones are missing, most prominently anything released by Google themselves (YouTube, GMail, etc). That said, the Google Play Store and other Google Apps can be installed on the Amazon Fire 5th Gen with a small bit of work (linked to previously), at least until Amazon patches/updates the software to prevent it.

Another problem with the Fire's lack of the Play Store from the factory is that if you've bought any Android apps in the past, you'd have to purchase them again through Amazon's app store.

I would make sure the device isnt wi-fi only - get one with 3G at least or LTE. You can they just buy a local SIM card and not have to worry about finding Wifi access. Is worth it if you are travelling a lot.

Based on the OP's described use case I wouldn't expect 3G/LTE to be a requirement but, if it's decided he wants it, there are some good deals floating around on Unlocked AT&T LTE LG G Pad V410 7" tablets in the ~$70 range used or ~$90 range new on eBay.

Been looking at the Huawei MediaPad T1 Pro as a new tablet/travel phone. Very inexpensive for one with an LTE/HSPA+ modem, decent specs, and decent bands. Little chunky, but for < $200, how much can you ask for?

Surface 3

He did say wi-fi only. I was just pointing out that its actually not so clear that one can count on finding wifi as an when one needs it. So having a SIM card and a model in the device means that in those instances where you want to connect, you connect and you dont waste time running around looking for wifi and wondering if the connection is any good.

I bought the Fire 7" for a relative earlier this year. It's decent and gets the job done. For occasional use it's fine. For heavy use, I'd get something better.