I picked up a a NextP7 7" android tablet for $200 from one of the one day deal sites.  It seems like a pretty neat device for the money - no camera, but decent screen and OK sound from built-in speakers.  It's running Android 4.0.3.

The advertising blurb on the site said the device does not come with the Google Play store app but you can install it.  After a bit of searching, downloading and shagging around I'm tending to the belief that actually you can't install it.  Does anyone know for sure?

There doesn't seem to be such a thing as an Official Download Link for the Play store .apk from Google.  There are many copies available on dodgy file-sharing sites.  I downloaded one and later found the file was identical to the .apk I was able to extract from my android phone.  But after transferring it to the tablet and installing the .apk, the Play store icon appeared but the app won't launch.  My impression is that the app will only run on devices that Google has "approved".

The GetJar app installer on the device does seem to work.  I installed the Amazon app store app but it only works for US customers. I also managed to install the AppBrain app store app but apparently it's just an alternative frontend for the Google Play store (trying to install an app just pops up a message saying "You do not have the android market app installed").

Angry Birds is available from GetJar so as far as the kids are concerned the device is "feature complete" :-)

I just thought I'd share my experience so far. If anyone has had more luck I be interested to hear.