We have a 3 year old iPad which was a gift, to be used to Facetime the grandparents who use Apple devices exclusively. Other than the iPad we have android phones and a windows computer.
We use the iPad to facetime a couple times a week, extensive web browsing, watching TV shows while doing all manner of boring household chores (dishes, laundry folding, etc), and kids entertainment. It is heavily abused, dropped, stepped on, etc, but with a super good case it has been fine. It actually quit spontaneously with no abuse today.
Obviously we can switch to skype or similar, but an ipad might get a slight edge for convenience to old people.
I just got off the phone with apple, and the cost to repair will be $250. A new ipad mini can be had for $299, a full size Air for $399. Older models are presumably cheaper, but I don't want to go too old since they get obsolete so fast. Plus presumably we can look for sales/GC deals at Target and the like.
Thoughts? What else is out there that is good? Can I just watch my laundry TV on our old netbook? Have I become a slave to this device? (yes).