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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To buy my DS an iPad for his birthday?

323 replies

ziggiestardust · 27/08/2014 15:49

He's going to be 4, and I think it's be a great idea for him to have his own. He watches movies on mine at the weekend, we take it in the car for long trips, and it's got some games and stories on there too. I'd love to be able to free up space on my iPad by giving him his own.

It's just a posh LeapPad isn't it really?

My mum is getting all incredulous and puffy cheeked about it, but I had a Sega Megadrive when I was about his age and played on it after school with my friends. At least this would get more use! She seems to have forgotten that bit though Grin

AIBU?

OP posts:
SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 27/08/2014 17:10

All I can say is that, in my experience of raising three children, they played with their bikes far more in the summer than the winter.

And at the moment he can borrow the OP's iPad, so a bike woild be something new, something he doesn't already have access to, wouldn't it?

ICanSeeTheSun · 27/08/2014 17:11

My experience is neither like bikes, no matter what the weather :)

CiderwithBuda · 27/08/2014 17:13

It sounds like you have already bought him a lot for his birthday or did I read that wrong?

DS got an iPad mini for his birthday (he was 13) but that was his main present. He had it early as I had bought it in May in New York and his birthday was August so he just got lots of little bits on his actual birthday.

OhYouBadBadKrillitane · 27/08/2014 17:18

But you are getting him something he hasn't asked for on top of the stuff he has and it will take the shine away from the other things you buy him.

Elvish · 27/08/2014 17:20

Just on the cost apple/android thing. I got DD (who was 4 at the time) a 7 inch android tab for Christmas as I wanted my iPad back and I thought the smaller size would be better for her little hands and that she wouldn't notice the difference between brands etc.

Turns out the android is now what I use when she is on my iPad Hmm

Whether it's because she was already used to the iPad, or she prefers the larger screen or whether it's the operating system I don't know, but if I had the choice over what to buy again I think I would spend the extra and get another iPad.

Or even just not bother and keep on sharing...

petitdonkey · 27/08/2014 17:20

I like someone else's suggestion of upgrading your iPad and giving him the slightly older one. If you can afford one, then get one. All three of my children have them but they are heavily restricted, not allowed upstairs etc. There has never been any damage (touch wood!) and we have not allowed them to get addicted. My DDs use it for apps and watching whatever they want on Netflix (can only access children's content) - DS could be more addicted if we let him but he follows our rules of usage and knows we can take it away whenever.

We actually gave them to the children a month before christmas on the basis that they belong to DH and I therefore we are in charge of their usage. We bought them just as the new iPad was released so they were cheaper than they could've been.

I find them invaluable on long journeys.

curiousgeorgie · 27/08/2014 17:23

LatteLover seems to have heard a great joke Grin

curiousgeorgie · 27/08/2014 17:24

If it makes you feel better about it OP, I think we're getting one for our 4 year old and one for our will be 18 month old Wink

(They're fab! And I need mine back!)

Original poster
ziggiestardust · 27/08/2014 17:26

Oh yes! I remember you from the pram thread! Are you getting your DD her own one as well then? Have a lovely holiday Smile

OP posts:
Hensfunny · 27/08/2014 17:28

My DC had one each when they were 4! Naughty me hey

As long as you have restrictions on them, half an hour max per day and ours are always kept in the living room, the den or kitchen I really don't see the problem with them having one. I personally would go with an iPad rather than mini as they seem much smaller.

curiousgeorgie · 27/08/2014 17:28

Not in time for holiday... But we're going to get her one for Christmas. My DD1 started using one regularly at that age in restaurants and stuff and I couldn't love them more as an educational tool. ( I know people don't agree... )

pictish · 27/08/2014 17:35

Hmmm...I can understand why you want to buy your son a tablet, but why does it have to be an ipad?
For what a 4 yr old does on one, one at less than half the price would be more than sufficient for him. My two have Tesco Hudl each, at a far more appropriate cost of £115 each. It does everything they need and want and much more besides.

Why are you so desperate to needlessly throw money away on a high spec tablet that isn't needed?

pictish · 27/08/2014 17:36

Plus android is much better anyway - you're not forced to go along with Apple then.

pictish · 27/08/2014 17:37

This reply has been deleted

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curiousgeorgie · 27/08/2014 17:39

You don't have to worry too much about a 4 year old dropping a tablet in a brilliant cover though... They're pretty indestructible.

curiousgeorgie · 27/08/2014 17:40

Also, is 'Tesco Hudl' sponsered by mumsnet in some way? They seem to be the most recommended thing in the world, and yet I don't know a soul who actually has one.

pictish · 27/08/2014 17:43

The case OP is talking about retails for in the region of £80. So add that on to the already inflated, unnecessary price of this four year old's gift.

It's just a massive spendfest really isn't it?

pictish · 27/08/2014 17:45

Do you not? We know loads of people who have bought them for their kids too.

ICanSeeTheSun · 27/08/2014 17:47

I tried the Hudl in tesco store, my DC would get frustrated with it as it's slow and not responsive the few I tried in store.

Ididntseeitsoitdidnthappen · 27/08/2014 17:48

Hudl's and the one in Aldi are brilliant cheap indestructible easy to use tablets. I say this as someone with an iPad and an Aldi tablet in the house. iPads are over priced status symbols

pictish · 27/08/2014 17:49

I find the Hudl perfectly ok for loading up. Plus, a four year old won't care will he?

curiousgeorgie · 27/08/2014 17:52

My four year old would definitely care if it made the films slower by constantly buffering, or apps took ages to load.

It's about what you're used to.

Mariposa10 · 27/08/2014 17:52

Wow you must have money to burn. Be careful about giving your children everything they ask for- spoilt children do not make nice adults in my experience.

InculKate · 27/08/2014 17:56

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ilovesooty · 27/08/2014 17:56

Sounds as though the OP's already made up her mind to me.