Tablets-which is better (non-techy minded, old woman post)

[hellhasnofurylikeahungrywoman]

My lovely daughter has requested a tablet for Christmas, I am completely non tech minded so need some help. She'd love an iPad but fully understands that ain't happening.

Requirements: Apps, she uses Google Play apps on my Archos tablet and likes them.

Wants it for Facebook.

Possibly wants to use it instead of her laptop for internet browsing.

She has her laptop for her uni work so the tablet is purely for portability and fun.

I'm currently browsing and have seen an Archos Arnova 9 but am unsure if she can use Play apps with it? Or there is the Blackberry Playbook.

Which is better? My top budget is £150, is there something else we should be looking at? Many thanks.

Can you stretch to an extra £9? In that price bracket I'd probably be looking at the Nexus 7. If it's just for browsing and fun she doesn't need the more expensive one with larger storage, and the Nexus 7 is a very solid device, well supported (re: app access and such.)

Blackberry Playbook would not be compatible with Google Play app store so that's out.

I'd certainly back the idea of the Nexus 7 for the extra few pounds, if at all possible. There was a *> CNET USA

Stay away from the BlackBerry. Apps are limited and that is not likely to change. The operating system isn't that popular so few developers program apps for it.

kindle fire? £129!! am thinking of getting one for myself... anyone have any views?

iPad Mini supposed to be released today. Maybe that will be in the right price bracket? If she really wants an iPad, is she old enough / earning enough to share the costs with you? Or is there someone else (such as an uncle) who could chip in as well?