My first recommendation is the Nexus 7 (2013) 32 GB.
1 holds in hand easier than an 8”
2 8” windows 8 is small text (among others I use a Dell Venue 8 Pro regularly and more complex (yes as you note, it has the full desktop experience but I wouldn’t sweat than as it’s there if she needs or prefers it, otherwise use the tiles)
3 Google regularly updates Nexus to the latest OS the hardware can run (no old slow OS for her) and it’s nearly transparent - she only has to say go
4 Plenty of apps
5 usb otg is there if she or us need it
6 Very inexpensive
7 fast
If Windows 8 she wants I’d recommend a 10” tablet. There are several, take your pick.
1 If it were me I’d have her try an ASUS T100 32GB version from Best Buy as you can return it in 30 days and it’s $350 (or maybe order the 64 GB version for $30-50 more)
2 It’s light and blazing fast
3 has a keyboard if or when she wants that experience
4 A refurbed HP Envy x2 or discounted new one would work well as it has an 11.6” screen and the tablet undocked it not too heavy plus the battery lasts about 15 plus hours and days on connected standby (email there when she opens it up - never turn it off, just like iPad)
If she wants an iPad, don’t fight it
1 From what you’ve said so far, I’d go with the retina iPad mini
2 Add a Zagg keyboard later if she wants that experience
I’m sure others will have good recommendations too.
-jts
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