Gadget for Spotify and podcasts for 75yo DF- not a phone!

[PARunnerGirl]

This probably sounds daft but I have no idea because I use my phone for everything.

My dad is 75- a young 75 He has an interest in Spotify and podcasts and I’d like to get him started this Christmas with a new... something... that I can set-up and download a few things onto. His phone is old and rubbish so something dedicated for this purpose would be good.

What is it I’m looking for? An iPod? Basically I need something that is mainly for listening, can have apps like Spotify, a podcast app like iPhones have, Bluetooth and internet etc etc

I feel like the solution is an iPod but as I have only ever used phones for these purposes, I feel like I am a bit clueless!

Any recommendations?

Has he got wifi at home?

Do you mean he needs to be able to browse the internet or just access online music?

I'd say a 7 inch Fire tablet, if he does have wifi, and if his eyesight is ok is... On offer now until 30th.

What's your budget? Maybe an echo dot or amazon firestick as well, or for future present?

He has WiFi, yes.

I actually didn’t think about browsing the internet as he does that on his PC... but I think he may well enjoy having that function too.

@Doyoumind I was thinking about just using apps like Spotify and Podcasts (whether streaming or downloading to the device for offline listening), but he might actually like being able to browse the internet and so a tablet could be good!

@TheSpottedZebra What are they? Like google chromecast? I have one of those.

Why have you ruled out a phone ?

After DW upgraded to a phone with a bigger screen, I grabbed her old phone (MOTO G, so not too shabby) and just carried on using it for sat navving and podcasting in the car.

It can't make/take calls, but it can connect to WiFi, and download stuff.

If you aren't bothered about video quality/experience, pretty much any Android phone/tablet would do.

If you set Google assistant up, you can (crudely) voice control it.

@DGRosetti It’s hard to explain but I know his mindset and it’s like he will be more comfortable with something that isn’t a phone because it’s for “non-phone” things! It’s hard to explain... but I know him and want him to use it and enjoy it.

I'd go for a tablet. You can get decent ones for around £100 that will do everything you need, or, as others have said, a Kindle Fire would be a good option too.

My Dad is 71 and hasn't a clue about computers, but has found his Android tablet really easy to use. He's got really into video calls, and, since he has friends who live overseas, he's enjoyed being able to talk for free.

Call it a mini tablet. A mablet ? Or just a handheld computer - a personal digital assistant ?

Kindke fire with Alexa? Echo Dot ?

Kindle fire 7inch are £30 at the moment - that's a great price. But it's not that big, screen wise if his eyes are not so good...

OP yes the amazon firestick is like a chrome cast -ie it plugs into the tv and can stream tv etc from a tablet. Maybe if you're on Google, and you think you'd be his IT helpdesk,keep him on googley things too? The new kindle fires are on Fire OS and can download the Playstore so should be fully Google compatible. So perhaps a kindle fire and then if you want add ons, maybe a Google home or chrome cast
?

Nb there are good offers on now are black Friday etc but do idea if those prices will be back nearer Xmas.

Oops. I meant no idea...

I'd go for an echo dot. He has a pc and can browse already. With a echo dot he can just ask it to play whatever he wishes. Music or podcasts. Plus if you get one, they are only twenty quid each, you can call each other on them just by asking it.

I gave my 90 year old dad a firestick linked to my amazon prime account two years ago and it's given him many many hours of pleasure. He's discovered binge watching TV programmes as well as you tube. It's easy to use and virtually unbreakable.

Aw thanks for all the great ideas! Really appreciate them.