To IPad or Not, That is The Question
Are you trying to decide between a gaming system like one from LeapFrog or VTech versus an Android or IPad for your child? While I am all for active play, there are some advantages to introducing your child to a tablet even at an early age. Since they will never remember a time without the Internet or computer, and they will most likely work with these as they get further in school, now is the time to invest in a system. Plus, you may be able to get a load of laundry done uninterrupted or make a trip to the grocery store easier on you with a device in hand! With that said, how do you make your decision? I think the three main points to consider are:
Cost: The initial cost of a kid gaming system is a lot lower than a more traditional tablet. Expect to pay around a 100 dollars where some tablets can be twice as much or more.
Cartridges versus App Store: These kid-friendly gaming systems usually come with some built-in apps. You can either buy cartridges that plug into the system for around 20 dollars and/or purchase apps from their own store. Their app stores do not have nearly as many apps as Google Play or the Apple Store, but are all kid-friendly and made specially for children. On the other side, they tend to cost more per app than on Google Play or in the Apple Store.
Kid-Proof: These gaming systems are built to be handled by kids so they are fairly rugged. I have heard several stories of more traditional tablets being broken by kids.
My opinion owning LeapFrogs, VTechs and now Ipads, is go with the Ipad. I can not speak for Android-based tablets, but owning just about all the other systems out there, Ipads are the best in my experience.
Getting around the cost: Get an Ipad mini versus a full Ipad, buy a refurbished model, get an Ipad with the lowest memory. We purchased one of our Ipads after seeing an older model at a great price on Groupon.com.
Apple Store and ICloud Storage: While you pay more upfront for an Ipad, the apps are generally fairly inexpensive. And with an endless library available, you are sure to find something both your child and you can agree on.
My favorite feature is the ICloud. We have three Ipads. (two of which were given as gifts for my husband and myself and taken over by our children) We download a game once and store it on the Icloud. All our Ipads are linked through the ICloud so for 99 cents a game, it really comes out to around 33 cents a game since they can all download that game from the ICloud. Plus, if your child is bored of a game, they can delete it and grab another one from the ICloud.
Kid-Proof I-Pad Cover: Since my children are not gentle on toys and we have reminded them that we are not getting another Ipad if it gets broken, we have invested in some sturdy covers. Knock on wood we have not broken one yet. These covers come in different colors with a carrying handle. Each of our children has a different color so there is no fighting as to who has which one. I have been asked by several parents where we have gotten these covers so here is a link via Amazon if you are interested in buying a cover.
Feel free to share your experience on which tablet or gaming system works best for your child. I would love to hear your thoughts!
