Consumer Cellular's GrandPad Review and Pricing

The GrandPad, launched in 2014, is an innovative tablet that makes all the best tools available to older adults. It can take the place of a tablet or a cell phone that seniors can use from home to stay connected and entertained. This device offers a simple and safe way for seniors to enjoy all the benefits of a tablet using Consumer Cellular's service. Read on to learn more about the GrandPad and find out if it's right for you or your loved one.

Overview of Consumer Cellular’s GrandPad

The Buying Experience

Consumer Cellular makes purchasing a GrandPad simple and fast. You can call to order or purchase online. I found their website to be helpful, clear, and easy to navigate. If you want to purchase a GrandPad from Consumer Cellular's website, here's how:

1. Under “Choose a Device Type,” select “Factory New.”
2. Choose a payment plan for the GrandPad itself. You can either select “Easypay Financing,” which is $5 per month with $29 down, or click “Full Price Today” and pay the full $149.
3. Click “Add To Cart” and you will be brought to a new webpage.
4. Decide whether you would like to purchase Asurion protection or decline. Asurion is an insurance company for electronic devices. If your tablet breaks or stops working, filing a claim with Asurion will get you a new or refurbished device.
5. Select who you are shopping for.
6. Answer “Yes” or “No” when asked if you are an AARP member. If you are, you'll receive five percent off of your monthly bill.
7. Hit “Add to Cart.”
8. Confirm that the correct plan and device are in your cart, then select “Review Order.”
9. Enter your name, address, email, and payment information. You will also add your AARP Member ID if you have one.
10. Hit “Place Order,” and you are all set! Free priority shipping will have the GrandPad in your hands within three to five business days.

Pricing and Value

Consumer Cellular's prices for the GrandPad are quite affordable, especially given the option to finance. The device itself is $149, or if financed, it's $29 down and $5 per month (with 0 percent interest). Considering an Apple iPad starts at around $449, the GrandPad is quite a steal.

It's important to note that you will also need to purchase the GrandPad service plan, which includes unlimited data usage. This will run you $40 per month, or a discounted $38 per month if you are an AARP member. Additionally, you may consider paying an extra $5 per month for the Asurion protection plan.

Overall, I found the GrandPad to be well worth the total cost. The ability to easily stay in touch with family and friends alone makes it worth its value.

Contracts and Warranty

If you decide to finance, you will owe 24 payments of $5 for the device over 24 months. No contract is required, and if you decide that after 30 days you aren't satisfied, you can cancel and pay nothing. There is also a one-year warranty to cover any defects with the device.

GrandPad Features

The GrandPad is different from your average iPad or Android tablet. Its features are uniquely tailored to seniors who desire a more straightforward way to stay in touch with loved ones. From the wireless charging cradle to video calls, games, and music, the GrandPad is easy for everyone to navigate.

Consumer Cellular GrandPad

Navigating the Grandpad

The GrandPad is very intuitive. The home screen is clean and vibrant with large icons and text that labels each icon. The GrandPad icons include phone/video call, photos, music, games, camera, email, internet, weather, articles, and toolbox icons. They are large and easy to differentiate, making the GrandPad easy to navigate. The touch screen allows you to use the arrows to scroll through or simply swipe.

Family Circle

One of the most innovative features of the GrandPad is the Family Circle. The Family Circle creates a safe and secure way to keep older loved ones connected to all their family and friends. The GrandPad companion mobile app allows the administrator of the account, such as a loved one or caregiver, to add approved contacts. This ensures that only family and friends are able to contact the GrandPad owner.

This feature prevents scammers or spammers from contacting those with a GrandPad. The Family Circle contacts can connect using the phone and video call app, email, and even share photos. Family members can link the GrandPad to loved ones' social media feeds so that posted pictures are automatically shared to the GrandPad.

Making Video Calls

Video calls are an excellent way for older adults to stay connected with family and friends. Whether you live near or far from loved ones, the stressors of work and life can make staying connected challenging. Unfortunately, many seniors face loneliness, and this feeling of social isolation can come with health risks.3 Video calls are a great solution for encouraging regular social connection.

The green phone icon on the GrandPad indicates phone calls. The GrandPad administrator can preload contacts with clear photos of their loved ones to easily click and call. Once you've tapped on a face, you will have the option to either make a video call or a phone call. Loved ones with the GrandPad app on their own devices will be able to answer the call. They will also receive an email notification whenever a call is placed to them.

Other Useful Features

I love the photo-sharing app in particular. When someone sends a photo to the GrandPad, the GrandPad user can record the sound of themselves commenting on the photo, and the response is sent to their loved one. This is especially helpful for older adults who find typing on a tablet challenging or time-consuming.

The internet browser is tailored to keeping the user safe. The GrandPad's administrator can preload websites, such as news outlets. It is also designed to prevent any inappropriate and scam-filled websites from popping up.

There is a “help” icon that I found to be particularly helpful. If an older adult is struggling to find something on the GrandPad, they can contact a support person. These customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day, every day. The icon is a clear, red help button with a large question mark on it. When the icon is selected, the screen shows the name and a photo of a support agent that is designated to you. You can then hit the green call button to reach the representative.

The Bottom Line on the GrandPad

The GrandPad is an innovative tool for communication and entertainment. It allows older adults who struggle with standard tablets and smartphones to access tools that can improve their quality of life. Keep in mind that the GrandPad may not be right for everyone. The icons and tools are very simplistic, and while this is ideal for many older people, others might desire more freedom and advanced features on their devices.