Am I allowed to buy something for me?

[Graphista]

IF I can afford it of course.

My tablet (android) is on its last legs. I've had it a couple years and it's now turning off for no apparent reason, doing weird stuff with updates and as I write (I'm on my phone) the speaker/sound is dodgy too.

So as not to drip feed and to get any flaming out the way -

Yes I'm a lone parent on benefits (and this usually means we're not hardly allowed a choc bar let alone tech according to some on here )

But I'm housebound (agoraphobia plus physical disability) and as well as the usual (streaming, social media) I also use it to manage my finances including online banking (which is a pain to do on the phone), shop (online grocery delivery due to the agoraphobia, communicate via email for various official things including with my mental health team etc).

So...as its Black Friday 'week' I'm wondering whether to get an Amazon Fire.

If I did would I be able to do everything I need to (I like the google play stuff plus would like to basically just do same with same apps on it) plus I have ms office apps (word and excel) that I'm more comfortable using than other products.

It would be nice if I were able to use iplayer/itv hub etc too on the fire as current tablet really doesn't like those apps.

Am I being selfish?

Is the fire right for me?

[Graphista]

Ok now I'm worried I live in flats and post box not secure is it delivered to the door? I've used Amazon before for wee cheap things but would hate to be stolen from.

[RashyMcRasherson]

Does anywhere have an Amazon delivery locker near you?

[Upsetmummy27]

Amazon delivers direct to my flat door.

[Graphista]

Rashy I'm severely agoraphobic currently so a locker not an option.

I've sent an email hopefully get a quick reply.

[ChristmasSeacow]

Just go for it. If you are agoraphobic then you will probably be in when they deliver. In any case, it is for them to prove it was delivered to you - if they don't get you to sign for it and either leave it in a communal area or with a neighbour and you don't receive it, it is their problem as they can't prove delivery. If you don't get your item due to delivery issues they will replace it.

In my experience Amazon customer service is really good.

[ChristmasSeacow]

Grr, just lost a longer post!

Just go for it. If amazon don't deliver it directly to you (with proof of receipt ie your signature) and it goes missing on the way it is their issue and they will replace it.

And yes, it is perfectly reasonable to buy a tablet. Internet access is not self-indulgent nonsense, it is a necessity in the modern world and the govt has targets for it.

And anyway, it is also perfectly reasonable for someone on benefits to buy themself something purely for enjoyment. As long as you are not starving your children /pets then enjoy the things you have saved for!

[ChristmasSeacow]

Oh, it did post! Bloody internet

Did you go for it?

[DragonNoodleCake]

Get it!! You need it!!

[TupsNSups]

I was looking at the fire to replace my dc's tablets this year, I didn't get them in the end as they are not Google play, you have the amazon app store and not all gp apps are available on there. I wouldn't jump to buy one just for the price but look around. I ended up buying acer tablets from tesco for £66 each.

[Graphista]

It's on it's way (following several long phone calls about the delivery ).

Tups I couldn't stretch to £60+ but also not a fan of acer products. Had an acer laptop years ago - no end of problems with it!

Cheap tech makes me nervous as with tech you tend to get what you pay for but Amazon and kindle have good feedback generally. I had/have the first kindle that came out somewhere but of course that was just an ereader but was ok to use when I first got it but I tend to use the tablet now with the kindle app and no idea where my first kindle is (plus it had started to have problems charging but it did get a lot of use and a lot of travel and wasn't very well looked after to be honest ).

I will look after the new one.

To that end what are the recommendations on accessories (case, charging leads?)

[Earthwaalkerz]

I have the Kindle Fire, and have google play downloaded onto it. You just need to make sure that in the Settings, the allow external downloads box is ticked.
It's a brilliant tablet and a steal at £30.

[Graphista]

Thanks earth good to know.

[Graphista]

It's here! I've started a thread asking for tips etc but no replies yet, feeling glad but also pretty guilty (mum crap!)

But I'm looking forward to using.

[MyCatLikesToSitInBoxes]

Enjoy it! I love having a new bit of tech to play with.

[Graphista]

I do too but find I'm getting more nervous of doing something wrong as I get older, I learn less fast than I used to.