Do you need a google account if you want to use an android smartphone/tablet?

No..

You can side load apps you want, and install an appstore you are happy to use.

I believe most tablet makers install their own appstore alongside googles... Samsung have their own.

plus you can install opera or amazon which both provide an app store.

Cool, i think i will buy a samsung tablet, hope GLP runs well on it.

Thanks

I tend to now lean towards Samsung products and spend most of my time on the tablet reading GLP rather that my laptop.. hope you find the right one that suits you OP, I would try them out first, my partner can only use Samsung tablets as her finger inputs don't always register on other devices (cheaper or more expensive)

Don't buy samsung.

Are Samsung tablets around $300 any good?

Just for surfing, youtube, and maybe playing some Angry Birds?

Why not?

Apple is too expensive for me.

Please explain.

I got a reconditioned Note 10.1 for around that price, and it is pretty great.. love the Pen, not sure if you'll be able to get a reconditioned one where you are, but it is worth looking.