Hi FTers,

I will be travelling through Sth America for 2 months and looking for a basic model tablet/iPad or equivalent.

My needs are:
- access to web & emails
- access to facebook (and ability to do video call through FB)

That's about it. I am really looking for a rock-bottom priced basic model that does what I need and no more. Preferably light as I am travelling around a lot. Could possibly do a large smartphone if cheaper, but making phone calls is not necessary.

I will not be using it heavily, and the trip is leisure only, so no work features (Word, Excel etc) required. I just need to be able to contact my family overseas once a week or so, send the odd email, update FB very occasionally, and pay a couple of bills as they fall due.

Any suggestions gratefully received

Do you need the device to have cellular data capabilities, or are you planning on making use of available wi-fi hotspots?

Wifi only.

Check out Amazon's new Fire. I haven't had the chance to handle one myself, but it's hard to beat $50 for a basic Android tablet that'll function far better than the no-name Chinese tablets you used to be able to buy for that much.

Wow - that's amazing. I had no idea you could get something that cheap. Seems like just what I was after.

Go with an Amazon Fire Tablet and sideload the Google Play Store. Dirt cheap, good quality.

If you buy 5 you get one free. 6 for $250.

And as Stu noted, you can even install Google Play.

I see previously owned Google Nexus 7 16 GB Wi-Fi Android tablets 2nd Gen 2013 from $79.99 at Cowboom, and similar used prices and new prices from about $125 and up.

This Nexus product will get monthly Android security updates, will get Android version updates to the current Marshmellow release, and doesn't have any OEM or carrier crapwear loaded.

If you want basic, Fire all the way, unless you can find something cheaper than $50 (sale, promotion, friend, etc.)

Used for $80 vs New for $50 is a significant difference (and that's ignoring that the condition of devices sold by Cowboom is always a bit of a gamble). For basic use the Fire tablet is fine, especially after Google Play is sideloaded onto the device.

kindle fire is best, the quality tab with reasonable price.

Hoe do you side load the Google Play Store?

How to download and install the Google Play store on any Android device (CNET)

I would also think about buying a bluetooth keyobard/case as it makes typing a heck of a lot easier. I hadn't paid attention to the fire but that is a nice spec for $49 especially with the micro-SD slot.

Last week Staples was, for a short period of time, offering the new Fire for $50 INCLUDING the $25 official Amazon case and a 32gb Samsung MicroSD card (about a $45 total value for the two add-on items). I missed it, but I'll be keeping an eye out for a similar deal between now and Christmas to replace the rooted/flashed 1st gen Fires my kids are using, assuming an update/patch doesn't block the side-loading of Google Services/Apps/Play.