To get my 4 yr old a ipad or DS?

[lisaleelu]

My 4 year old loves going on the cbeebies gameson my lap top. But he does struggle a bit with the mouse. I was thinking of getting him and ipad or Nintendo Ds for Christmas.

I dont want any lectures on kids using computers. I have weighed that one up myself. His use will be monitored and limited.

We are going to visit family in Australia at Christmas and I thought an ipad might be worth investing in (obviously the whole family would use it) as I think you can watch DVD on it - so good for the long flight as would games to play.

I am quite an old mum - 44 so out of touch with computer games and stuff - but I have heard people talkign about DS's get the impression they are small hand held games things. Realise much cheaper than ipad but not as only for games- are the games educational - can you get the cbeebies games - dont want him to play games that invovle shooting people if you get what i mean.

Will a 4 year old likely break an ipad - do they break easy? He is not the gentelest of kids.

Any other ideas - the journey to oz and keeping him occupied is a big part of the decision.

My dh think £400ish to spend on a 4 yr old is obscene but I am think we would all use it i think.

What do you think?

(iMessenger being the little elf that runs about delivering iMessages, obviously.)

I bought an iPad for my birthday but DS who is nearly 7 has used it much more than me. It was invaluable on holiday - bought headphones so it didn't disturb anyone. I also use it as a reward for doing homework/ good behaviour.

He's never had a wii or ds, our portable DVD player broke after a very few uses and we don't have a laptop. The iPad covers all of those things so is worth the money.

I think as a family present no worries but spending that amount on a 4 year old is outrageous. Prepares to be flamed!! My little boy got a ds when he was 6 and also has a wi but 4 is I think far too young to be worrying about giving them the lastest gadgets and technology. Unless you are totally minted in which case crack on...