cheap small device (but with keyboard) specifically for surfing Web - recommendations?

[Morgana]

I'm not that closely familiar with Android World. Most of my fiddling with computers has been on Macs. (I have an Android phone but I've never had to do fiddly things on it.) So I have some more questions IF you (or others) are willing (if not, that's OK) ...

I saw one "No" and one "Yes" in the FAQs to questions on updating to Android 13. Both answers were pretty terse. How could I find out for sure on this?

Would "can not be upgraded to Android 13" be true of all devices running Android 11? Or would this differ from one device to another?

How long does Android keep issuing security upgrades for older OSs?

Thanks!

 

[Morgana]

The chat person at Best Buy said yes it can be upgraded but she was no more detailed or convincing than the FAQ people. I might have to go in in person ...

Anyway thanks for pointing it out, it's an important consideration.

 

[mpruet]

Would "can not be upgraded to Android 13" be true of all devices running Android 11? Or would this differ from one device to another?

How long does Android keep issuing security upgrades for older OSs?

Thanks!

I have a samsung phone which runs on Android 11. When android 12 & 13 came out, I tried to upgrade to those versions. Nope.

I ran into a similar problem on an older iPad. I tried to upgrade and was told that my hardware could not support the newer OS versions. To make it even worse some of the Apps tried to force an upgrade, but to a version which wouldn’t run on the older OS version. This basically meant that apps that I used would no longer run on the older OS. I ended up buying a new current iPad.

My working career was in software development. All companies eventually have to cap the software which will run on a hardware platform. Otherwise they would have to test on a plethora of hardware/software combinations. So generally they will cap a version supported on a given piece of hardware. Otherwise their testing and developmental costs would grow exponentially. I suspect that with android 11 to 12 there were some significant architectural changes which precluded functionality on older platforms.

My general policy is when I’m making a purchase of a device to get one that runs on the most current release of the software so that it will have a much longer life span.

 

[RVTravel]

For apple products, you can find out what they can be upgraded to on this site.
https://everymac.com/

 

[hugemoth]

As long as the Android device works and runs the apps I use I don't see a need to upgrade to the latest version.

 

[mpruet]

As long as the Android device works and runs the apps I use I don't see a need to upgrade to the latest version.

There are constant hackers and obsolete software won’t get any security updates leaving you vulnerable.

 

[Morgana]

As long as the Android device works and runs the apps I use I don't see a need to upgrade to the latest version.

Agree. My main concern with upgrades, for this device anyway, is the ability to get security updates. For Macs at least, these seem to stay available for a few years for out-of-date OSs. But eventually (for reasons @mpruet explained), they end.

I only intend to use this device for non-secure tasks (like watching YouTube videos that don't require a sign-in), but I still feel like I should make at least a half-hearted stab at good cybersecurity, because presumably if I let some kind of bug get onto my device, it can then travel to anyone else who's using the same network. (Also, even if I get something cheap, I don't want to carelessly ruin it, of course.)

I wish I could translate what I [think I] know about Macs to Android, to help me take a good guess at how long this almost-too-good-to-be-true Samsung device will be useful. (Be nice if I could at least get a credible-sounding answer out of Best Buy!)

But I guess none of these devices are forever. Frustrating. But (again, as @mpruet explained), sometimes there's a good reason for it, it's not just planned obsolescence.

(And yeah, wish I could afford an iPad. In fact, there's a nice-looking, almost-affordable one in the Mac refurbished section right now, but I'm sure it'll have the same obsolescence problem.)

 

[jacqueg]

My Apple 6s was released in 2015. They just recently stopped doing iOS upgrades, so it lasted 7 years (still doing bug fixes, but not security updates).

I have found this pattern to be pretty typical of Apple products.

 

[Morgana]

My Apple 6s ... lasted 7 years (still doing bug fixes, but not security updates).
I have found this pattern to be pretty typical of Apple products.

I wonder what the equivalent pattern is for Android devices?
In my imperfect research, I saw a number of 2022 releases with Android 11 ... for Android 12, the price shot up by several hundred $$. I don't know how soon Android 13 is supposed to be released.
I can't tell how close to obsolescence Android 11 might be. But if they were still selling new devices with it this year, it can't be that close, right? (???)

 

[dhuff]

My general policy is when I’m making a purchase of a device to get one that runs on the most current release of the software so that it will have a much longer life span.

A good reason to go with Apple mobile devices vs. Android. Apple tends to keep older devices on the OS upgrade path much longer than Android device mfgs. I'd suggest lurking on the Apple refurb website until you see a deal. They basically sell devices that as as good as new. https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished

 

[Happy Camper]

If I may, I'd like to take a different approach to where the conversation is heading.

From what you've stated:
You're buying an entertainment device that is expected to be relatively inexpensive.
You want it to be a standalone device.
Security isn't much of an issue due to it's purpose.
Keyboard/mouse is wanted but can be added later.

Those are fairly easy to meet. The conversation has moved into the what works for everyone mode. Bringing it bad to your specific needs, I have a few suggestions.

Plan on buying something that you might want to replace in a couple years. Almost all devices that have been suggested have a way to attach keyboard and mouse.

The tablet you linked earlier will be on the slower side due to the CPU. But it should be fine for what you need for a couple years. If you have a problem with a virus or whatnot, it's easy enough to do a hard reset and start fresh.

Android updates and security updates don't matter so much on a device that is solely used for entertainment, as you stated above. As long as it can run the programs you want, it's viable. Programs will generally run for Android versions at least a few back. Latest and greatest don't apply to your scenario. Hell, I have a tablet that runs Android 4 and can still YouTube. Runs like molasses during this cold snap. But it runs lol.

Apple products are good. But very overpriced for what you're wanting. Period.

Just for ease of use and portability, I would probably lean towards a tablet if it were my decision.

A convertible laptop is great, but it will end up using more power. And is heavier. And has more data needs just for the operating system.

Bottom line is this. If it works for you and fits your budget, that's the right choice.

This is you're third device, and it's solely for entertainment. You have a phone. You have a laptop. Those should be secure and updated.

This one not as much. Relax, find a good solution. And just plan on replacing it in a couple years if you outgrow it.

Keep this simple.

 

[mpruet]

I can't tell how close to obsolescence Android 11 might be. But if they were still selling new devices with it this year, it can't be that close, right? (???)

unless they’re trying to get rid of inventory.

 

[egilbe]

My galaxy Tab A is no longer updatable. Obsolete hardware. Stuck on Android 11, but Samsung still seems to be doing security updates every 6 months or so. I use it as a Kindle reader, more often than not. It's not horrible, for a $200 (at the time) tablet. I much prefer my Pixel 7 Pro. I've been using Google phones since Nexus 4. Life cycle seems to be about 3 to 4 years for updates. I still have my Pixel 5. I wonder if that's still updatable? Not a fan of Apple. I've had to support their devices in the past and despise how they do things. Only reason I can even tolerate using them for brief periods is because of their similarity to Linux.

 

[BlueMarkOhio]

You can't beat the price of Amazon Fire tablets - especially if you get the refurbished and ad-supported versions (they display ads on the "off" screens). But, they are slow-ish, and you are locked into the Amazon eco-system - not a problem if you are already an Amazon Prime member. You can get cases with Bluetooth keyboards for them relatively cheaply - or even better get a full size bluetooth keyboard.
Other than those I wouldn't get a no-name-brand bargain tablet, better to stick with a quality brand refurbished unit to keep price down.
Or a Chromebook - even the cheap ones are perfectly adequate at web browsing, streaming video and basic office apps.

 

[eDJ_]

My Glove Box Tablet kit.




You'll notice the +2 diopter reading glasses ? I need them just to use this 7 inch Tablet outfit. My 10 inch Tablet has a white keyboard. These keyboards are about 1/4 inch thick.

I use it to surf, watch youtube, and Zoom or Skype. Android works largely with App's which seem to be a way to display website info on Android systems. The trick is to go to "settings" and bring up all Apps and find the one you were just using. Then tap "force stop" which turns it off when done. They will come back on when you tap the App again....and you'll get to force stop it once again so it doesn't run in the background. (otherwise it will draw down power faster.....at least that's how it's worked on my outfits)

If you go with Android, it is helpful to have someone you know to show you some things to lower the learning curve. But it is worth learning the Android System.

As for OS updates on a Droid....it may be more dependent on the manufacturer and their update offering. They may offer three years such that any new system that is offered in that time, your device will be entitled to upgrade.

On my Cell, (Android 11) I "force stop" all Apps except phone, text, and AVG. I'm presently getting a message to update to 12. The Cell is a MOTO G Pure. I've deleted several Apps I don't or won't use where TicToc was the first to go.

 

[dhuff]

After a lot of thought, here are my two suggestions. Background: I've been involved with "personal computing" since the 1980s (yeah, the old Apple II and CP/M days). I have 30+ years of work experience in IT as a Sys Admin, Network Engineer, and Cybersecurity Engineer, and I'm experienced with Unix/Linux, Mac, and Windows plus mobile OSes like iOS and Android. The suggestions below are predicated on the idea of a casual-use "entertainment" tablet.

1. Inexpensive/Good Enough option: The best Amazon Fire tablet you can afford. Buy it new. Amazon has sales on these all the time and they're just fine for an "entertainment" tablet. Get the best screen quality on the biggest screen your budget allows, but don't go much over $100-ish. If you get close to $150, consider option #2 instead if it's in budget.
   1. Try it first with the stock OS and apps. It may very well suit your needs just fine.
   2. If it doesn't, there are relatively easy instructions out there to convert it to a generic Android tablet. But this negates a good deal of the ease of use/support advantages. So really research if a "stock" Fire tablet will do all you need it to...
2. Upgrade option: Get an Apple iPad from their refurb store. No need for a fancy, more expensive one like an iPad Air or Pro, just get a regular iPad. Today (12/27/2022) I saw 7th gen iPads with 32 GB of storage on the refurb store for just a bit over $200. In contrast to option #1, you'll get a faster tablet with a better screen and a reasonably long life in regards to system updates.
3. Not recommended: Any sort of Android tablet like that Samsung recommended above. I'd bet decent money that these won't even be on the market in the next year or two, and the mfg's record for supporting system/security updates is poor. Amazon owns the low-end of the tablet market, and Apple owns the mid- to high-end.

 

[Morgana]

unless they’re trying to get rid of inventory.

would that explain why devices were manufactured in 2022 with this OS?

 

[mpruet]

would that explain why devices were manufactured in 2022 with this OS?

Android 12 was released October 2021, over a year ago. If the device was made in 2022, then why would they release with an older OS? My guess is that it was only assembled in 2022 from older components already in inventory.

 

[Happy Camper]

Well, I think you got your wish for good choices and various reasons for them. Armed with the knowledge you have gained, you can see that there are some very good choices for you.

Ultimately for what you need, and the options you have, you're in good shape. Read your first post again to reset to what you wanted when you started this thread. Then read all the responses on that light. Find what makes the most sense for you in regards to your first post.

A lot of good info on this thread for the lurkers that don't post.

 

[Morgana]

FWIW, I went ahead and got the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7, and it did in fact update to Android 12.