Leapad v's tablet

[shirleycat1]

I'm wondering what would be best for ds who's 4. If we got a tablet it would be the cheapest you can get, not an ipad or anything like that. Dp and I are pretty much luddites and just about know our way around a laptop. But we figured it would be good to get ds a bit more savvy with a computer. Or course it's mostly about having fun as well. We don't have any sort of console and I don't anticipate getting one for quite some time.

Ds is 4 and starts school tomorrow. I'm thinking this for a Christmas present, which I know is ridiculously organised, but I just want a plan and then I can search for bargains.

So leapad - supposedly age appropriate, educational, fun? Is it really fun? Would he get much use out of it in the longer term. I guesg it's pretty solid and can be dropped and stuff.

Tablet - more grown up. Can do more on it I would have thought. Can get aps (whatever they are) which would be age appropriate, but would also be able to use for other stuff (what?). A cheap one wouldn't be up to much dropping.

Anyone any ideas/experience?

I think you should get her a tablet (iPad) they are worth the money and they have unlimited free apps.

Ive just got a reconditioned acer ionica tablet off ebay for christmas for one of the kids, i tried it out an just as good as my samsung tablet and only £40 definately would get real tablet over a leappad etc

I'm watching this too with interest

There's no way on earth he's getting an actual ipad. But a reconditioned something or other sounds like it could be a good idea.

How much setting up does a tablet require? Is it easy to get parental settings so he can't accidentally get any dodgy stuff? Are aps readily available?

Thanks a lot. It seems that a tablet is getting stronger recommendations than leapad thingy.

Cheers...

Leapad is a great thing. Especially for younger dcs but it does get very very expensive. When dds leappad broke just before her 4th birthday we had this debate and settled on an archos tablet from tesco. It worked out at 80 and have spent next to nothing on apps (we did buy a google play voucher so we didnt have to add a credit card too it so dd couldnt spend without us knowing) we got her peppa pig reading books and the rest of the apps were free. She loves it. We have to rationher time with it she loves it so much.

Ooh also watching this with interest as had the same idea for ds (also 4) as he's obsessed with Mr Tumbles Tumble tap and tapping computers un general! Also considered getting him the vtech Kiddizoom camera or similar to compliment it but need to know whether you can actually use it together to upload photos etc. (complete technophobe here)

Dd can and does downlad apps it is that easy. Only free ones as the voucher is password protected. You can also change the settings on google play so only chikd friendly apps are available. The only thing I would look out for is you tube access as some innocent looking stuff is not actually innocent. You can get around that by disaing wifi access unless you are there.

iPod touch.

Masses of apps, books, films etc plus music and camera.

Loads of free apps available.

Loads of cheap apps too. All the characters you can buy stuff for the Leapad / Innotab for you can buy through appstore too.

Smaller screen but easier to hold and handle so less chance of dropping.

Really easy to set the restrictions, no internet, no in app purchases, no installing or deleting.

Much more longevity and variety of media available.

DD has a leappad and loves it! we got it when she was 4 last christmas - and she really does still use it - most mornings, she draws, or takes photo's, listens to music etc.
The games can be expensive, but we've never spent more than £7.50 on a game, and she has about 15 games or so now - some were free, most were £5.
We decided on a leappad over a tablet due to hardiness, and control (no internet, no added costs for added bits in apps etc).

Thanks everyone. I am erring toward a tablet but all the other opinions are making the decision more difficult. It's good to hear people's experiences. I never even thought of an ipod touch.

I am still mainly thinking a tablet. Now which (cheap) one to go for...

Thnaks again.

We opted for a Leappad for ds (who is 4). He loves it and the games are educational and fun. It also includes a camera.
It has games for every interest from making your own cartoons to blowing up buildings (the latter includes identifying numbers and completing sums so still educational!).
I know lots of children have tablets but we opted for the leappad because I knew the games would be educational; it seemed easier to control the content and it's sturdier (ds can be a bit clumsy). I haven't regretted it for a second

Yes. To be honest you cant go wrong either is a good option.