So what is the benefit of rooting, anyway? I know you're supposed to have "more control" of what goes on with your tablet, but I'm not sure I exactly understand completely.

 

I mainly root them to use the device to develop apps and ROMs on, but you can kill bloatware, make a phone a wireless tether without paying extra for it, get OS updates faster, get rid of the manufacturer skins, ... etc.

 

It's a geek thing.

I have a NextBook. Basic, right at $100 and functions quite well for my basic needs.

Daughter has a Surface, it came loaded with Excel, Word and Power Point...has already been invaluable for school work.

 

Only down side for her is that Apple iTunes isn't compatable

If it's for christmas watch the sales for ipad mini's. They were $200 at target a few weeks back. And will likely be on sale when the new models come out in Oct/Nov. Also watch apple store for refurbs, if from apple they have new screen, new battery, and still have 1 yr warranty like new ones.

 

I looked at all of the tablets and liked apples the best. I'll admit I didn't really look at specs though..just went with what I knew how to use. I got a mini for $200 brand new. I've had one of the bigger ones and didn't like it.

If I can get mini's for $200 that's what we will do.

If I can get mini's for $200 that's what we will do.

In all seriousness, you are going to buy two, three or four other tablets in the time your kids have the iPads or iPad minis. It would be cheeper to just buy the mini.

 

I've had my iPad 2 since they first came out and my MacBook Pro for seven years. In that time frame I would have went though 4 tablets and 3 laptops.

I've had the the Kindle Fire HD for a couple years couldn't be happier. I use it for video and books. Works for me.

I've got a 64 GB 7" Kindle Fire HDX and have been very happy with it. I had a 10" Asus Transformer until I left it on the roof of my car and it was thrown to the pavement at about 35 mph. I also have a 7" Blackberry Playbook, which was great in its day hardware-wise and a great user interface, but it has suffered from a shortage of apps and limited Android compatibility.

 

I don't think that you can go wrong with any of the major manufacturers of Android devices. The Kindle Fire HD or HDX are great if you have a large library or collection of Amazon videos.