Why You Can Trust CNET Get an LG G Pad tablet and free Internet for $49.99
From the Cheapskate: The free plan affords you 500MB of 4G LTE data per month. Plus: two bonus deals priced under $10 each!
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A couple years back, during the more Wild West-y stage of the tablet market's evolution, LG introduced the G Pad 7.0 -- a budget model with a then-spectacular starting price of $150.
There was also a 4G LTE-capable model starting at $250 -- a nice option considering how few tablets have that option at all.
Enough backstory: Let's get to the deal. For a limited time, and while supplies last, Tanga has the refurbished LG G Pad 7.0 with 4G LTE for $49.99 shipped, a price that includes free cellular Internet service. (Thanks to reader Leonard for sharing this deal!)
Quick disclaimer: This deal is already at least a day old, so I don't know how much longer it'll run or how much inventory Tanga has.
Let's start with the tablet. As noted above, it's a 7-inch model with entry-level hardware: 1.2GHz Snapdragon 410 processor, 8GB of internal storage (expandable, thank goodness), a 1,280x800-pixel native resolution and Android 5.0.
But it has a few unexpected perks as well, including an IR blaster, an IPS display and support for 4G LTE.
Speaking of which, purchasing this tablet entitles you to 500MB of 4G LTE data per month, courtesy of FreedomPop. There's no charge for this and no contract. Just make absolutely sure that when you activate the tablet (i.e. sign up for service), you opt out of the many extras and upgrades FreedomPop will try to sell you. (They are in the business of making money, after all.)
Also, coverage is fairly comprehensive, but it's not available everywhere -- so check the coverage map before buying.
Here's what I don't know: Can you upgrade the G Pad to a newer version of Android? And is there a hotspot feature for sharing that sweet, sweet free Internet with other devices? (I believe there are third-party apps that can if there's no built-in option.)
Everything else looks pretty sweet to me, including the rigorous refurbishment process (outlined in the product listing), 30-day return policy and 90-day warranty. I definitely encourage you to read CNET's review of the G Pad 7.0 to help you make up your mind.
In the meantime...your thoughts?
$8.99 shipped!
Bonus deal: If you routinely use your smartphone to capture photos or video -- and who doesn't? -- it's a good idea to add a flexible tripod to your mobile toolbox. You may not need it every day, but when you do -- man, is it handy. For a limited time, StackSocial has the Center Link Media Flexible Tripod for Smartphones for just $8.99 shipped -- one of the better prices I've seen for one of these. It includes not only the bendy-legged tripod, but also the adjustable holster for your phone. Just take note that delivery will take 1-2 weeks.
Bonus deal 2: Speaking of mobility, I'm no fan of touchpads -- when I work on my laptop, I need a mouse. Like this one: For a limited time, and while supplies last, Startop (via Amazon) has the Habor 2.4GHz 6-button wireless wheel mouse for $6.99 when you apply coupon code Z45QX499 at checkout. The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, even if some of them were "in exchange for product." That really doesn't bother me, and I'm in the market for a mouse -- so put me down for one!