title: What Android device should I buy for Android app development?
body: <p>I'm in the market for a basic Android device.  My main reason for buying one is for learning to develop mobile apps.  While the Eclipse IDE offers a virtual Android device for testing apps, it's not the same thing as a real Android device and won't put me on the same wavelength as Android device users.  (The most obvious example: Visibility is poorer in a bright outdoor environment than indoors.)</p>
  
  <p>Some questions:</p>
  
  <ol>
  <li>Is a tablet PC the type of device I should get?  I get the impression that it's more versatile than other devices.  I don't need a smartphone, because my dumbphone works well for me, and I don't even use it that much.  And I HATE the idea of being locked into a specific wireless provider.  I'm not interested in ebooks, because I still like books on paper better.</li>
  <li>Should I get a device with Android 2.3 or 4.0?  On the one hand, over 90% of current Android users are using version 2.3.3 or earlier.  On the other hand, 4.0 is better and will be gaining market share.  (Would buying an Android 2.3 device now and buying an Android 4.0 device later be my best bet?)</li>
  <li>In addition to wifi, what else should I look for?</li>
  <li>Are there any brands/models I should avoid?  I remember hearing that the Packard Bell PCs were the most unreliable.  The Yugo was a terrible value.  (An old Oldsmobile Cutlass clunker was a better value - at least as reliable but MUCH cheaper to buy.)</li>
  <li>Is there any point in buying used?  The listings on Ebay and Google Shopping don't show the used tablet PCs to be that much cheaper than new ones, and there are more new tablets than used ones available.</li>
  </ol>
  
  <p>Ebay listings currently (5-23-2012) show over 200 Android 2.3 tablets selling for $55-$90:
  <a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/iPads-Tablets-eBook-Readers-/171485/i.html?Operating%2520System=Android%25202%252E3%252Ex%2520Gingerbread&amp;LH_BIN=1&amp;Internet%2520Connectivity=Wi%252DFi%7CWi%252DFi%2520%252B%25203G%7CWi%252DFi%2520%252B%25204G&amp;_nkw=android+2.3&amp;_dmpt=US_Tablets&amp;rt=nc&amp;LH_ItemCondition=1000">http://www.ebay.com/sch/iPads-Tablets-eBook-Readers-/171485/i.html?Operating%2520System=Android%25202%252E3%252Ex%2520Gingerbread&amp;LH_BIN=1&amp;Internet%2520Connectivity=Wi%252DFi%7CWi%252DFi%2520%252B%25203G%7CWi%252DFi%2520%252B%25204G&amp;_nkw=android+2.3&amp;_dmpt=US_Tablets&amp;rt=nc&amp;LH_ItemCondition=1000</a></p>
  
  <p>Ebay listings currently (5-23-2012) show over 200 Android 4.0 tablets selling for $83-$107:
  <a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/iPads-Tablets-eBook-Readers-/171485/i.html?Operating%2520System=Android%25204%252Ex%2520Ice%2520Cream%2520Sandwich&amp;LH_BIN=1&amp;LH_ItemCondition=1000&amp;Type=Tablet&amp;_pppn=r1&amp;_dmpt=US_Tablets&amp;Internet%2520Connectivity=Wi%252DFi%7CWi%252DFi%2520%252B%25203G%7CWi%252DFi%2520%252B%25204G">http://www.ebay.com/sch/iPads-Tablets-eBook-Readers-/171485/i.html?Operating%2520System=Android%25204%252Ex%2520Ice%2520Cream%2520Sandwich&amp;LH_BIN=1&amp;LH_ItemCondition=1000&amp;Type=Tablet&amp;_pppn=r1&amp;_dmpt=US_Tablets&amp;Internet%2520Connectivity=Wi%252DFi%7CWi%252DFi%2520%252B%25203G%7CWi%252DFi%2520%252B%25204G</a></p>
  
  <p>What do you think?</p>