LeapPad vs Ipad (again!)

MirandaHobbes

Sorry, I know this has been asked. I'm in a tough spot. I can get the LeapPad on sale for less than $100 but the games are very $$$. If we sprung for the Ipad, the whole family would use it (currently we don't even own a laptop or smartphones!). I'm drawn to the Ipad because DS (3.5 yo) has autism and I've heard accounts that it is very intuitive for his learning style. He's behind on nearly everything compared to his typical preschool peers like letters, numbers, shapes, drawing, etc. On the other hand, I've heard that it can become an overwelming addiction for kids, especially for kids prone to special interests, like DS. I've heard both accounts- that it's a joy to their kid, and also that it's a parent's worst enemy.

Any advice? Anyone hate their Ipad? If we were to spring for one, is a refurbished first generation okay? We aren't very tech savvy at all so I lean towards getting the base model without bells and whistles.

angelakh

I am probably in the minority here, but I think we "plug" our kids in too much.  I will qualify that I have no experience with autism, so my opinions don't encompass that.  DD works on an iPad at school once a week for 15 minutes and then they can play on the regular desk top computer during center time and free play.  I think that is plenty and will not encourage more at home.

 

But, to answer your question, I would go with the refurbished iPad and use it as a family.  I think it would be easier to control the usage if it was a family item and not a personal item for your DS. 

Angiesmommy

DD is getting an iPad for xmas and I think as long as parents are monitoring and limiting the time a child plays with it, it should be okay. It's the same with TV. DD is allowed to watch a 30min show while I cook dinner.

If you want to save on price.. you should check out pawn shops in your area. My brother works at a pawn shop in San Diego and that is how they are buying DD her iPad. It's a gen 2 iPad for $300(including all the stuff it comes with when you buy from Apple and a keyboard)  They won't take anything in if it's broken. They also have a first gen iPad and that one is even cheaper. You could run across a great bargain! 

Spenjamins

Definately the iPad. The LeapPad is so limited and has a short shelf-life.

The iPad will last much longer and the educational stuff is cheap. 

You will not be sorry.

As for the kid's spending too much time on them.  That is up to the parents, isn't it?

LDQAM516

I hate the iPad for me and my husband (we ended up going ahead and getting a macbook pro because we were so annoyed with it)...but I LOVE it for our kids!  Some of the educational apps are AWESOME and my DD and DS have learned a ton with it!  Plus it is nice just to have something so portable like that.

UsedToBeGoldie

I personally woudln't want my 3.5yo (spectrum or not) to have a computer of any type.  My boys don't have anything like that now... we got Griffin a LeapPad for xmas this year- he'll be just shy of 5yo when he gets it - we think he's ready for it NOW but i didn't want him plugged into anything before... and will still limit the use of the LeapPad.

i know as a family we wouldn't want him using an iPad of ours - way too easy to break, and expensive to replace.

Mrs Manners

I think we are getting ds an iPad for Christmas. Dh and I both have one but I'd prefer he not use ours because we have the most expensive versions. I am fine with him getting a refurbished Gen 1 16gb wifi only which is the lowest model you can get. He currently plays apps and watches videos on ours. ANY technology can become addictive so we would limit time on an iPad just like we would a leappad. Currently, we almost never allow him to use ours at home, only on road trips to watch movies or when waiting somewhere he need to be entertained (doctor office, vet office, while he's getting a haircut). We do not watch tv so this is really his only technology exposure. I put ours in airplane mode (which turns off the Internet) unless I am right with him and helping him select videos from YouTube or Netflix. I HIGHLY recommend getting an Otterbox Defender case for your dc's iPad. If we only had one, we would all fight over it....dh and I are much more obsessed than ds

shopgirl78

We already own two ipads and the kids adore them.  I don't try to  limit them and they don't spend all day on them.  Grandma is purchasing them a leap-pad.  I am glad they get their own to play with in the car but I almost wish she'd but DD the DSi...whatever tho, its a gift.

Some Autism programs (if your DC has Medicaid) will purchase the Ipad for you.  I know they do here in Texas and several other states... 

pea-kay

The boys are getting Leappads for Christmas. There's no way I'm buying three iPads! Ha ha! (And I already have one, so I know how well they "share" it.)

MirandaHobbes

Thanks for the info ladies! I think it is interesting how much it varies person to person. The parents I know IRL are totally against electronics of any kind and don't watch TV. I swear we're the only parents I know who allow DS to watch TV. I feel like DH and I are somewhere in between.