BellaOnline Forums Computers PC Advice Best Budget Tablet

I am working towards my Masters degree online, which means that I am on my computer a lot doing research and reading papers. I am also a mother of two young boys, which means it is hard for me to remain in one spot for very long and I am frequently trying to use my computer with only one hand (the other is holding a baby). I have been considering buying a tablet so that I can access my classroom and read articles while on the go, however, I don't want to spend a ton of money. I have considered getting the Kindle Fire, but I am not sure if I would be better off spending a bit more and getting an HP TouchPad or something else. Does anyone have any suggestions about this?

I heard HP was going out of business in the area of PC's and Touchpads. You might find a great deal on eBay.

I know Apple sells refurbished items (sometimes affordable) if you considered an iPad. I'm not sure if Amazon sells refurbished Kindle's yet or if you could get a used one if someone upgraded.

One thing about the Kindle is each device has its own email so you can send documents to it to read on the go. The Kindle Fire is probably better than the smaller screen models for viewing webpages, but the smaller ones have a zoom feature.

I have an iPad, but got a Kindle 3 (basic 6x4.5"). Love the portability of it. The iPad is heavy for casual reading and hard on the eyes when done often. Not sure about the Kindle Fire. I would compare weight between the Kindle Fire and other devices and read reviews about the technology used on the Kindle Fire. Other Kindles are like reading real paper books/newspapers.

One other thing I didn't try to read up on is if the Kindle Fire has a problem in heat/direct sunlight like an iPad. I've had my iPad shut off outside if I wasn't sitting in the shade during the summer. Not sure if similar devices like HP and the K Fire would do the same.

The kids will love the addition of a tablet to the home, great educational apps are available, perfect when stuck in the car with the kids or when you need study time on your PC and they've run out of activities.

HTH, good luck finding a new device!

Samsung tablet