There seems to be loads of them. I'm tempted to buy one & realise that its not going to be an iPad. I'm just after something for very basic stuff. Can anyone recommend one?

Try some of these bad boys..
Sorry I cant help it :-)

Clicky if you don't have an account, I can order you one

Thanks Willo, I'll take a look

It seems all the cheaper ones are not in stock at that site.

And your point being? Approximate delivery from 26th May 14 onwards.

I have ordered lots of items from that site, and never had a problem.

As English is my first language.. my point IS stated.

"It seems all the cheaper ones are not in stock at that site"
I don't see any point in sending someone to a site where they MAY get some in at an approximate delivery date.

Thanks for all your help, however as I stated in the OP I would like some personal recommendations i.e - features & benefits, experiences, etc. I realise that there's no shortage of places to buy them from.

Ok, I have an Archos 80 Cobalt. I paid about £80 but I have seen them go for about £50 on Ebay. The WiFi works well with a range of about 30 foot, but depends on your router/modem etc. I`m no expert on Tablets but mine does everything it should at a good speed.
Specs here..
http://www.archos.com/gb/products/elements/cobalt/archos_80cobalt/specs.html?#menu

Nice one - thanks

Just make sure it has a capacitive touch screen, not a resistive one. At £50 some of them still have old fashioned resistive screens that are unresponsive.

Just to let you know I bought one of these for £50. First impressions are it's great value for money & everything I wanted. Cheers for the recommendation

I have just bought a HP slate 10 and its great you can get 7 version for £99 but the good thing is you get small amount of mobile data each month for free OK its not £50 but good value