I would suggest that to some degree you get what you pay for and good hardware is expensive. I would also suggest being suspicious of any deal that appears too good to be true or buying from companies you never heard of. Those companies may not even be in business 6 months from now and in the case of China, where the discussion is not about the latest, greatest device but who makes the best knock-off of the latest, greatest device, to be even more careful. You might even want to think about how you feel about intellectual property theft. These no-name companies are often relying on others to do the R&D and simply copying the design. Frankly, some do it better than others. While you're reading reviews, you might want to make sure you are including some professional reviews from leading publications or reputable web sites. More than a few folks "rationalize" the purchase of mediocre equipment by downplaying deficiencies as a trade-off for a lower price. The simple fact is a lower resolution screen is a lower resolution screen and that cheap device with inferior hardware will never be an iPad or Xoom. Maybe off a little but kind of like saying a Chevy is just as good as a Cadillac and justifying it by thinking you never really wanted leather seats anyway.

krikit- You need to set up a Google account to fully use the android tablet (e.g., Google apps require this), but you don't need to use it afterwards. I have an Android tablet and, once I set it up, I've never bothered with the Google account. I continue to use my Hotmail and Yahoo accounts, and a different Google email. (Now tying your email to Comcast will be a problem when/if you ever switch ISPs, which is why it is always best to have your email from a source independent of your ISP...but that's another issue.) All devices and all operating systems should ideally have some sort of antivirus, and I use the free Lookout app for that on my Android phone and tablet. I also have an iPad and I can guarantee that you will probably have a happier experience with an Apple product, like the iPad mini. If you choose Apple, you will have: a better screen, probably better battery life, higher quality components and good customer service. I won't give you an opinion about the Hisense product, since I'm not familiar with it. It does cost considerably less than the iPad mini, and that's a valid consideration. And it may satisfy all your needs. On budget tablets, they do have to economize on the components they use, and that may mean things like slightly slower performance or a shorter wireless range. If you can go into a store and play with the two tablets side-by-side, it might help you decide. One last thing: If you are tempted to get the iPad mini you may want to consider buying a refurbished one from the Apple store; they are currently $279. I decided to buy a refurbished iPad from Apple, and it comes with the same 1 year warranty as new, and with a new battery and new housing. It came pristine and fully packaged, and it was impossible to tell that it was a refurb unit. This post was edited by kudzu9 on Sat, Aug 10, 13 at 14:53

Ravencajun, I would like some advice if you don't mind. My sister needs to replace her old desktop computer. She is thinking she would like a laptop. She needs something basic and simple. Her vision is very poor and her hands are very crippled. All she needs or wants to do is email, facebook, her online banking and some shopping. Would you have any comments or suggestions of what I should think about and look for? We would appreciate any help.

Agreed! However there are several legit situations where you can get a free tablet. For example some isp providers and cell providers have had free tablet deals. I knew immediately to suspect but I think some people could be misled. I hate such blatant cons and the people who have nothing better to do than trying to hurt and con people. It must be working on some people for them to be spending the money to perpetrate and have actual offices. Despicable.