Originally Posted by
ohliuw
Get a cheapo Android from China sub $100. Chances are ot won't last long. Good starting point
My friend got one for his 7 yrs old boy, and he cracked the screen in a couple of months. People who spend $600-700 on tablets for their kids should be examined IMHO.
Agree that $600 tablet for a kid is overkill, but too cheap a device, and it's more breakable, ironically. I'd rather spend $200 and it last twice as long (admittedly no guarantee that it will). Also, lack of google play on Chinese tablets is an issue for a non-techie like me.
Originally Posted by
ibecowtippin
For a kid, I would try to find something used. I know I gave someone my original ipad free (basic model w/wifi only), and sold my ipad 2 to someone for 150 a few months ago. I am sure folks are selling android devices as well as the new ones come out. Talk to those friends that have to have the latest and greatest and see if you can get a used one, especially for a young one. Then tell them you will give them $100 for the old device if they go buy a new one if they are teetering on the edge of getting a new one.
Used market here in Beijing is not so great -- lots of rich (unlike us!) ex-pats and Chinese who don't do the whole second hand thing.
Originally Posted by
skofarrell
As stated in my OP, I'm really anti this whole subscription model thing -- I know that's the business model, but I'd like to resist if possible.
Originally Posted by
Free Falling
My boy is three years old. I picked up the iPad mini for him and the 7" form factor works very well. He is also trilingual so using this to help with his English has been very useful.
The unit is 16 GB which has been plenty for us. Every couple months we change the movies to the flavor of the month which keeps him amused on long flights (12 - 14 hours ).
Value for money most reviews list the Nexus 7 as the tablet of choice. What ever tablet you choose, a good quality cover and screen protector is essential. Even when my boy is trying to be careful the tablet gets it freefalling time.
Thanks. The 7" form factor seems to be the one to go for from all the replies, so that's really helpful. Have you got any apps you want to recommend?
Looks like the nexus 7 (despite lack of SD slot) might be the one to go for...
tb