My 4yo DD would like an innotab - should I get her a DS?

[ThisIsMummyPig]

and if so which one?

I would ideally like something which would help her with her handwriting/mark making. She has just started reception and it is a bit of an issue. (she just doesn't want to write or draw anything). She has seen an innotab and seems quite keen. I have obviously looked on MN and the reviews all seem to say just get a DS, but I can't see which apps would help her with this.

I really want to spend less than £100, but would be willing to go over if I'm going to end up with a good toy that will grow with her.

Thanks for your help.

[olibeansmummy]

I'd personally go for an I pod touch but you're looking at £150. Ds (3) has one and has loads of educational apps that were free or very cheap and due to a few phonics apps his letter formation is perfect and he's learnt to blend sounds to read simple words. Plus there's loads of numeracy apps too. I think the extra cost evens itself out as what you pay more initially, you get back from the cheapness of the apps ( that's really badly worded but it's early and I can't put it better!)

[armani]

We are getting dd age 6 a iPod touch for Christmas, so it would last and wouldn't be outgrown.

[redlac]

iPod touch or andriod tablet - innotabs are rubbish

[lunchbox]

My dd had one last Christmas (she had just turned 5) it's ok, she doesn't play with it that much tbh, and I'm not sure what apps you can get to help handwriting. She likes the Disney princess game where you make a story through picking loads of options (which princess, where does she live, what does she do, etc).

If you do get one, make sure you get the charger as the batteries last about 10 minutes.

[TheWildOnes]

I agree with lunchbox about getting a charger, batteries drain so quickly. Also the games are very expensive.
We got our DS (5) one last christmas and he does like it but I do think hes growing out of it already so we are getting him a tablet this year which is costing about the same price as an innotab but will last him much longer.

[gregssausageroll]

I asked this question a while back. We have bought ds and dsi xl second hand on eBay. Got it with a couple of games in very good condition for £60. Didn't want to buy a new one being only 4 as I don't know if he'd like

I felt he'd grow out of an innotab too quickly. Nintendo can keep going for years with games etc. If he really does like it then we can upgrade the handset.

[pumpkinsweetie]

I have bought my dc a android tablet from littlewoods, it was £114. Think it was called gemini, does the job perfectley at a fraction of the cost of an ipad

[ThisIsMummyPig]

Thanks for all your replies - I am a bit worried about a tablet as she has a 2yo sister who may drop it. I'll have a closer look at getting some sort of an android. ( I wouldn't mind one myself)

Cheers