Monthly Archives: January 2025

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The 99 dollar Walmart tablet.

As my relatives age, I have become increasingly aware of the importance of seniors having internet access. It is how we communicate, entertain ourselves, do business activities, and shop. Most of us have some sort of smartphone, but if you are a senior, it can be challenging to view a tiny screen or to press tiny on-screen buttons.

My oldest sister is in her 80s and no longer chooses to deal with the hassle of a laptop.  Yet, she wants to stay current with social media and news outlets. She switched to an iPad some years ago and hasn’t looked back. 

The advantage of a tablet computer, like an iPad, is that it is very hands-on and graphical. Open a program? Press an icon. Turn the page when reading an e-book?  Swipe.  Fill in a form?  Touch a text box and tap in your answer using the sizeable on-screen keyboard.  Watch a YouTube video? Press and go!  There is no need to type commands or even navigate a mouse.

In a recent post, I wrote extensively about laptops and tablets for seniors. A tablet is the way to go for those who are technologically challenged. The basic iPad is my number one tablet recommendation for seniors; it retails for around $350. It is very intuitive and a pleasure to use. However, $350 can be out-of-range for some, so I also listed (and tested) a couple of sub-two hundred dollar tablets that ran the Android operating system.  Although not quite as nice as the iPad, they were still very useable.

While researching the topic, I found several favorable reviews of Walmart’s Onn 10.1 tablet (2024 version). This tablet intrigued me because it was less than $100.  Some seniors have minimal incomes, but many can afford $100. Additionally, a $100 gifted tablet from a friend or loved one would not be out of the question.  Lastly, at the other end of the age spectrum, a $100 tablet could be a reasonable choice for a child who always wants to play with mom’s smartphone.  Would such a device be useable or an exercise in frustration? That is what I decided to test.

For those interested in the bottom line, the Walmart Onn 10.1 tablet (2024 version) is a viable solution for those on a budget. If you can afford a basic iPad, go with that. Even a sub-two hundred dollar Android table will give you a better experience than the Onn 10.1. However, after testing the Onn for several weeks, it is entirely usable and would serve the needs of most seniors. Please note that I’m reviewing the 2024 version. Walmart sells a 2022 version for less than $60, but its 2 GB of RAM is inadequate. In addition, that tablet is running an outdated version of Android. 

Let’s dig into the weeds.

The Walmart Onn 10.1 (2024 edition) tablet is available in several colors for a low price of $99.00.  Various cases can be had for an additional $10-20. It is highly recommended that you purchase a protective case, preferably one with a way to stand the tablet up for movie watching.

Hardware

The Onn 10.1, 2024 edition features 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of memory/storage.  This is the bare minimum needed for a modern tablet. Running a single app at a time (like Facebook) takes a few seconds to load, but once loaded, it runs well.  This tablet is not suited to run multiple programs at once.  The 32 GB of memory/storage is sufficient for most casual users who want to play simple games, check in to Facebook, watch Netflix, etc.  This tablet has a micro-SD expansion slot, so you can inexpensively add additional storage. This extra storage would be helpful for those who have significant storage needs—for instance, those wanting many movies stored directly on their tablet. 

Memory/Storage

The Onn comes preloaded with a lot of useful software, including:

Gmail (email program) 

Google Maps (mapping program) 

Google Drive (cloud storage)

Google TV (TV-watching app, subscription needed)

Play Books (e-books similar to Amazon Kindle. Some books are free, others purchased) 

Google Wallet (e-wallet to pay for things, use e-hotel keys, carry an e-driver license and more)

Google Contacts (e-address book)

Google Photos (photo storage in the cloud and photo editing)

YouTube (video-watching site)

Google Meet (video conferencing similar to ZOOM)

Google Calendar (e-calendar)

A calculator 

An alarm clock/timer

And more

I loaded some additional apps that seniors might use, including simple games. Your app needs could be different.  I was primarily interested in seeing how much storage would be left on the tablet after loading a “typical” number of apps.  It is very easy to add apps using the included Google Play store.  These are the apps that I added:

Netflix (for movie and TV watching)

Facebook (social media app)

Facebook Messenger (a texting app).

WhatsApp (a texting, voice calling, and video chat program).

Google Chat  (texting and video chat program).

The Weather Channel (weather information).

Jewel/Osco (a grocery/pharmacy app for online shopping and prescription renewal).

Amazon (shopping app).

eBay (shopping app).

State Farm (car/home insurance app).

Solitaire (game).

Candy Crush (game).

Chess (game).

Docs (Google’s free word processor).

Sheets (Google’s free spreadsheet program).

My Chart (Portal to healthcare providers).

Spotify (streaming music app).

Epson Print (print and document scanning for Epson printers)

Note: I use a nation-wide bank which has an app.  However, the Onn was incompatible with that app (although other bank apps were compatible).  However, I could still easily access my bank using its website via the included Chrome Internet browser. 

After adding these programs, 10 GB of the 32 GB of initial storage remained. That is plenty to store a bunch of photos or documents. A 128 GB micro-SD card can be purchased for around $10 if more storage is needed.  

Display

The 10” display is the perfect size for most. It is large yet easy to hold. The Onn 10.1 tablet (2024) has a screen resolution of 1280 x 800, less than many tablets. Photos and videos look fine. Print is OK but not as crisp as on tablets with higher pixel counts. I was initially very aware of the softer-looking text, but I adjusted to it over time. However, it may be tiring to read very long documents.  

Watching Videos/Video Calls

I had no problems watching videos on this tablet.  The images were sharp and clear.  

I tried several video chat programs, including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Google Chat, and I could make video calls.  The 2 MP front-facing camera was not the greatest, but it did the job well enough. 

Video calls worked pretty well.

Texting

I tried texting using several apps, including WhatsApp, Google Chat, and Facebook Messenger.  They all worked well.  You can also link your phone and send standard text messages from this tablet, but I didn’t try that function.

Using the included Chrome browser

Tablets from years past used inferior browsers, but newer tablets, like the Onn 10.1 (2024), have browsers that look similar to their PC counterparts. I had no problem viewing websites, filling out forms, or checking bank balances.

Email

You need a free Google Gmail account to log into any Android device, including this tablet. It is easy to sign up for one.  If you already use a non-Google email address, add that account to the Gmail mail client or use a separate dedicated app or website client. 

Logging in

To open this tablet, you must enter an eight-number digital password. The Onn does not have sophisticated security functions like face or fingerprint recognition. 

Operating speed

My iPad instantly opens apps, while the Onn takes a few seconds. My iPad can run multiple programs simultaneously, while the Onn is best at running just one program at a time.  Scrolling on my iPad was smooth as butter but a bit less smooth on the Onn. However, none of these are deal breakers.  I would have been pleased with its performance if I hadn’t directly compared the Onn to my iPad.

Battery life/charging speed

Battery life was excellent.  I used the Onn extensively for two days and still had a battery to spare. However, charging times are slow. It is best to plug in the Onn overnight to prepare for the next day.

Speakers

The Onn’s on-board speaker is loud but lacks bass and is a bit harsh.  However, it was perfectly useable.

Ports/headphone jack

The Onn lacks a headphone jack, a trend in many newer tablets. However, you can still connect headphones, dramatically improving the tablet’s sound. 

The only port on the Onn is a multi-function USB C port. This port allows you to charge the Onn and connect it to many things. You can connect wired USB-C headphones, which can be purchased inexpensively, and other peripherals, like a keyboard or hub. 

WiFi/Bluetooth

I found it easy to connect the Onn to my WiFi network, and the connection was stable.  The Onn has Bluetooth capabilities that can connect many things, from wireless keyboards to wireless headphones/earbuds. 

Cameras

The Onn has a front-facing 2 MP and a rear-facing 5 MP camera. The photo quality is barely acceptable. It is good enough to send a friend a photo of an outfit you bought or have a video call with the grand-kids. Better tablets have better cameras.

The 2 MP front camera is usable for video calls.
The 5 MP rear camera was pretty poor with terrible dynamic range and detail.

Build

The build quality is surprisingly good with an aluminum case.  However, the case is a bit slippery.

Accessories to consider

A case is a must, as the Onn is slippery.  I bought a cheap $10 case, which is fine, but it could not prop up the Onn.  I would spend a few dollars more and buy a case that props up the Onn for movie-watching. 

Headphones are also nice, providing much better audio quality and private listening. USB-C headphones can be plugged in, and the Onn can also use wireless headphones and earbuds via Bluetooth. 

Bluetooth keyboards come in a variety of sizes and styles.  Some are full-sized, others are part of a case, and still others can be folded for travel.  They are handy if the user plans on doing a lot of keyboard work on their tablet, such as writing long emails. 

Bottom line

Yes, there are better tablets, my favorite being the iPad. However, for less than $100, the Onn 10.1 (2024 edition) provides excellent value and can do almost any basic task that an average senior needs. If money is tight, I recommend the Onn 10.1 (2024 edition), available only at Walmart or Walmart.com.

Cell phone vs. camera, iPhone, technology

I Just Got An iPhone 16 Pro Max! My Impression? Meh

I remember when one of my training supervisors got a car phone.  He told me, “You wouldn’t believe how much time it saves me, Mike.  I return all my calls while I’m driving home!”  I was pretty stoked about the technology.  How amazing it would be not to have to hunt for a slimy public phone when I needed to return a page.  “When I get a real job, the first thing I’m going to do is have a car phone installed,”  I said to myself. 

That opportunity came during my first year as an attending physician. A Christmas bonus from my boss covered the high $2000 price, not for a car phone but for an even more fantastic phone I could carry.  

I recall the excitement that I felt when I purchased it in 1988.  It was a Panasonic and roughly the size of a box of cigars.  The phone had a separate handset and was powered by a lead acid camcorder battery.  It was so heavy that its strap would hurt my shoulder if I had to carry it more than a block, and its only abilities were making and receiving phone calls.  Yet, people would stop me on the street and ask, “Is that a phone?”  When I nodded, they sometimes gasped and uttered, “Wow,” under their breath.  It was incredible, and I felt cool having it.

I thought I was pretty cook carrying around my Panasonic “mobile phone.”

After a few years of breaking my back, it was time to upgrade, but I can’t remember to what. I’m sure it was one of those candy bar-style phones, as they were much smaller and lighter. Sometime during the mid-1990s, I got a Motorola StarTec flip phone, one of the skinny ones that easily could slip into my pants pocket. I felt that I was riding on the cutting edge of technology.

This flip phone was state-of-the-art when I bought it in the late ’90s. Mine was a cool “putty” color.

I had a few other phones in the 2000s, but their memory has faded. 

During that same period, I used electronic organizers called PDAs (Pocket Digital Assistants) and went through a series of them, including several from Sharp. I eventually landed on a Handspring Visor that used the Palm operating system. That device was terrific, as it easily synced to my computer and could run useful programs, many of which were free. What would it be like to combine the features of my PDA with a phone in one little box? I pondered. Others obviously thought the same thing, and a few years later, smartphones hit the market. 

I had a few Sharp PDA-style organizers. They looked pretty cool, but you lost all of your data if the battery went dead. Plus, they were a pain to backup on a computer.
One of the doctors I knew told me about his Palm Pilot, and I bought a Handspring Visor, which ran Palm OS. Wow, that was a great device. It was small, efficient, could run programs, and had a matching app for my computer. I enjoyed using it.

You may think Apple invented the smartphone, but that is untrue. Apple was late to the game, introducing its first iPhone in 2007. Before that time, most smartphones had physical keyboards, and Apple’s keyboardless design was so unique that then-CEO of Microsoft Steve Ballmer ridiculed it, saying, “There’s no chance that the iPhone is going to get any significant market share.” He was obviously wrong.

I had a primitive and clunky Windows CE smartphone and then an early Android phone from HTC. The latter would spontaneously reboot itself right during a phone call. The HTC was so terrible that I started to refer to it as a dumbphone. 

I had a Windows CE Smartphone similar to this one. It looked cool, but its software was super clunky. I thought the phone used a light version of Windows, but that was in name only. It ran its own OS which was pretty terrible.
I upgraded to this HTC phone, which used an early version of Android. I researched the phone, and its initial reviews were great. However, it had hardware problems and would constantly crash, often in the middle of a phone conversation.

Patients would come into my office and show me their new iPhones.  They were as proud as if they were telling me about a fabulous trip abroad or their new Mercedes.  Even the early iterations of the iPhone were spectacular.  Where my dumbphone took grainy photos, their iPhones did a decent job.  Things we now take for granted, like watching a YouTube video on a phone, were utterly unique and impressive. During that time, Apple had an ad campaign emphasizing what an iPhone could do.  For every problem, there’s an app for that, the commercials said.  Many other smartphones of the day seemed to be works in progress, but the iPhone had its act together.  It was a next-generation device. 

People were so proud of their new iPhones that they would pull them out and show them to me.

I eventually gave up on my dumbphone and bought an iPhone.  I can’t remember which version, possibly an iPhone 3 or 4.  I was already using a Mac, and purchasing an iPhone solidly transformed me into an Apple fanboy. I followed iPhone news and rumors the way that some follow sports teams. I was not alone, as people would wait overnight in line to get their hands on the latest model.  It seemed like every version was more impressive than the last.

My first iPhone looked something like this.

I joined with the others, buying a new phone every 2-4 years, and each time, I was amazed at the model’s meaningful advances. I’m a photographer, and the cameras got better and better.  Newer phones worked on updated cell frequencies, allowing me to call from more remote places. The phones seamlessly integrated with my Mac, permitting me to start a project on one device and finish it on another.  The phones had ever-improving GPS to get me to my destination despite my poor sense of direction.  Video calling was available on other devices, but it was pretty awful.  Apple’s FaceTime worked well. An iPhone could record excellent video, so I could leave my camcorder behind when attending my kids’ events. The advantages continued; I felt like I was carrying a miracle in my pocket. 

Although many of the advances were software-based, they were fueled by ever more powerful and sophisticated hardware.

I traded in my iPhone 10 for an iPhone 12 Pro Max. The new phone had three rear cameras, giving me regular, wide-angle, and telephoto lenses. That flexibility allowed me to leave my pro camera behind, even when traveling. It was a significant advancement.  However, there was something concerning about that phone. It was of a lower build quality than my previous iPhones. At one point, the battery swelled for no reason and cracked the screen. Then, the lightning connector failed, causing me to upgrade to an iPhone 14 Pro Max. A phone that I have used until last week. The iPhone 14 also had significant improvements over previous versions.  Notably, It could connect to satellite emergency services if it was out of cell coverage range.  I travel to remote places that lack cell coverage, making that feature highly desirable. 

I did not intend to replace my iPhone 14 Pro Max; however, I noticed its lightning connector was starting to fail. I was also aware that my battery was degrading faster than the batteries on previous models. I pondered if Apple was practicing a little planned obsolescence. 

My 14 Pro Max had an excellent trade-in value, so I decided to upgrade my phone before the port worsened or other things started to break, as they would lessen the amount of trade-in cash I would get. I now have an iPhone 16 Pro Max. Is it the game-changer that previous generations were? I would say no.  This phone is two generations beyond my last phone; it is more advanced on paper. It has better hardware, a bigger screen, extra buttons, and Apple Intelligence.  The camera is also different, and the faster processor allows for a few more software tricks.  However, with this iteration, the advancements don’t translate into performance differences that impact me in any way.  Additionally, the software changes, like Apple Intelligence, seem more like novelties I had already used via other AI outlets. I’m sure that at some point in the future, Apple Intelligence will be the bomb, but by then, my 16 Pro Max will be outdated. 

My new iPhone works great, but its new features don’t wow me like past versions of iPhones.

In the US, around 60% of phone users have an iPhone.  Yes, new iPhones continue to offer new capabilities, but for most, they are unnecessary or unwanted. We generally text, call, FaceTime, use GPS, take photos, and do other things that have been available for generations of phones.  

I don’t need AI to summarize a three-sentence text message or make a more adorable emoji, and having an extra camera button won’t improve my life.  I don’t think I’m alone in my apathy.  When was the last time you saw a news report of people waiting all night for the Apple store to open so they could be the first to get a new iPhone?  

I’m sure Apple knows this reality, so they have moved towards subscription services. Now, you can rent your news, music, health app, TV shows, and cloud storage by paying Apple’s never-ending monthly subscriptions.  

I wonder if they are cheaping on their parts, as my last two phones had major failures within a few years.  That would be a shame, as one of Apple’s hallmarks is the quality of its products. Android phones are now very sophisticated, and decent Android phones can be bought at reasonable prices.  Switching to Android would be inconvenient, but it would hardly be impossible.

With all of the above, you have probably guessed that my opinion of my upgrade is “Meh.”  I’m sure that there are things that I will eventually appreciate, like changing the Lightning port to USB C, and I may even like Apple Intelligence if it can subsequently improve Siri’s responses. However, it offered nothing that my old phone couldn’t deliver. 

Should you update your old iPhone for a new one?  If you are happy with the functionality of your old phone, no.  If it isn’t holding a charge, you may want to consider replacing the battery to give it new life.  Phones are expensive, and now that they have become commonplace, there is no longer any status to have the latest one on the block. Will all of this impact Apple’s market share?  I don’t know, and I’m not too concerned. I’m sure Tim Cook is working on options for Apple. Monthly subscription to rent your iPhone?  Oh wait, that is already being done; it is called a cell phone plan.

Peace

Mike

Images from various websites are being used for educational purposes only.  The above post is my personal opinion.