The hardware isn't so much of a problem as there are companies who can make or source compatible tablets like the PineTab2 and the PineNote.
It's making the software compatible with a lower power mobile device and learning what needs to fixed.
It would have been much easier to deal with getting a tablet up and running before dealing with getting a mobile device functional.
Making the small steps from laptop to tablet then to phone would have saved them a lot of grief and software mistakes.
Have a look at your local pet shop for a heat pad.