Toddlers: 24 Months+

Ipad vs Kindle vs Leap pad

I'm soooooo not technically savvy--so really looking for knowledge and advice from those who know about these items.  I mainly would like a device that my 4 yr old can use with some apps to help him learn (but have fun).  And perhaps at times watch movies.  When I was looking at the leap pad it seemed expensive and you have to buy the apps from the store.

Where do you get apps for the Kindle?

I have an iphone, so I know where the ipad apps will come from.

Seriously--talk to me like I'm in kindergarten--because I feel that way when it comes to technology (only they are probably smarter than me!)

Thanks ladies.

 

Re: Ipad vs Kindle vs Leap pad

  • I have the kindle fire hd and its very nice, I really want an iPad but the expense is just ridiculous. But the kindle fire hd is similar to your iPhone because you buy apps thru the App Store at amazon. It does have a learning curve cuz it's an android product so diff then our iPhones but still a great product. However I heard apple is supposed to be releasing an iPad mini soon so that would be bigger than your iPhone but smaller than the iPad and u coukd then be able to help him with the apps. I'm hoping that they are cheaper. It might be a great option for your 4 yr old. My 3 yr old can work my kindle now with just a little teaching and really likes to play on it. Good luck
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  • I say Mini iPad once it is released for sure (or an iPod Touch). Leap Pad is a waste because you have to keep buying batteries and expensive apps and it wont grow with the kid nearly as well as the iPad. (I don't know much about the Kindle but I don't think they have as many kids apps... I could be wrong there.)
  • My issue in giving a child a traditional tablet is that there are no parental controls. I am a very sensible person, but that's also a big deal to me. You never know what LO will end up finding online accidentally. DS has come across some awful music videos when watching nursery rhyme videos on DH's iPad.
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  • Good point about the parental controls but I'd still go with an ipad (mini if the purpose is for the LO not for you). Leappad seems like a huge ripoff too me & if you already have an iphone, ipad makes the most sense in my book, but we're an apple family, 2 macbooks, 2 ipods, 2 iphones & an ipad so I'm clearly biased.

    For parental controls- my kids are 3 and already very clearly know how to locate the "kids" folder on my ipad that is full of their apps. The only other thing they really mess with is the video icon (which is our videos, not online videos) b/c they like to watch videos I have in itunes from xmas & summer & whatnot.  If we put on youtube or something, I have full control, I don't let them mess around w/t hat on their own. Of course that will change as they get older... I wonder if there are ways to lock folders on there, hmmmm

  • Also just an FYI you can only watch movies that you stream or download from the internet--- you can't just load a DVD onto any of those devices (well, there is some crazy convoluted way to do it onto an ipad apparently but I'm not totally tech unsavvy & it seemed complicated & a pain to me).  But if you get netflix streaming & you're out somewhere w/ free wifi you can have tons of stuff for LO that way. (but if you connect via paid wifi service through verizon or at&t, video eats up your plan very very quickly).
  • Have you looked into a specific kids tablet? There are tons coming out right now. Nabi is the best in my opinion. They have a Facebook page or you could google it. ITs pretty legit, and about $200
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  • We have a Kindle Fire and DS loves it. Not sure why people think there aren't many apps, just have a look at the Amazon Appstore. We use an app that has a "kids mode" and I can set up what apps DS has access to and it prohibits him from getting on the internet, buying apps and books etc. He even recognizes the icon and puts himself into kids mode without even realizing it. I've heard the newer Kindle Fire HDs have better built in controls but I haven't researched that.

    Apple should be making their announcement on the mini before the end of the month so I would say wait and see what their pricepoint will be. I would guess $249-$299 if they really want to compete with other 7" tablets. The original Fire is now $159.

    Personally, I'm thinking of giving my Fire to DS and getting myself a Fire HD. I previously considered getting DS a "kid" tablet but after having the Fire for 10 months I don't see any reason for it.

     

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  • The Kindle Fire HD has parental control. I am thinking about buying it for my 5 1/2-year-old. By the time I buy a few apps, carrying case, gel cover, and charger, I could have bought the Kindle Fire HD, which is sure to last longer, AND my husband and I can use it.
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