Want to get ds a nexus, ipad or similar but he has history in breaking laptops!

[PicturesofParadise]

We want to get ds a handheld computer type thingy for his b'day.
He is nearly 12 and severely autistic. He is very heavy handed and has broken goodness knows how many other laptops,3ds etc.
I know he would love an ipad or similar and we have no problems with this but would love to get something that is reasonably robust, so it lasts more than a few weeks. Normally he cracks the screen by either biting it or smacking it.
Does anyone have any experience of getting an item like this under similar circumstances?
I would be hugely grateful for any suggestions :)

While they are not inexpensive, there are some very robust cases ( Otterbox , Griffin etc) that will help to protect it.

The LifeProof case is waterproof, dirt/dustproof and drop reisistant. The one downfall with all of these is that the screen has to be exposed (well, it can be covered by a membrane, of course) in order for the tablet to work - if he smacks the screen or bites the tablet, there is a fair chance he'll still destroy it.

With that said, Bee's original iPad has been in an Otterbox case since we got it for her (used). It has taken innumerable short falls and a few trips down a flight of stairs onto ceramic tiles and is still pristine. It has also been covered in all manners of ick, and the case cleans beautifully.

Hope that helps a bit.

Although I wouldn't normally advise purchasing from there, Currys/PCWorld does a "Whatever Happens" warranty and, if an item has to be replaced, it runs from when the new item is supplied, not from the original date of purchase (unlike Argos for instance). I have heard of discounts for disabled people, so that's always worth asking about, and don't forget the massive reductions for software and hardware that are available to students.

What's his learning age like, Pictures? Is he into typical 12 year old things or are his tastes less mature? I'm wondering if he'd appreciate one of the tablets aimed specifically at children, if he's so hard on his hardware?

Our iPad's survived a few drops of a few feet onto carpet, too. They seem pretty robust.

All the same, I've taken it away when he's put it down on the sofa and started wildly jumping and slapping the sofa while watching videos on it :o

thank you all so much for the advise and links, very much appreciated.
ouryve, it will be mainly used to watch clips of peppa pig and trains endlessly and repeatedly :)

I've heard that the Fisher Price version is good and very strong. Might be worth a look? I'm not joking btw!

I think you can watch clips on the innotab. If it's as tough as the leapster, it would survive a lot!

My dd loves the ipad, I bought a griffin survivor case for it from amazon for around £25 but worth every penny, it has been dropped countless times+had food+drink spilt on it with no damage at all. I chose this case over the others as it also has a plastic screen that covers the screen so its all completely covered, the only downside I would say is that it makes it a lot heavier

I recently got an ipad for my 8 year with language difficulties. I also bought a griffins survivor case for it. it does slow the ipad down a little but adds weight to it and it feels very secure. The saleman said he wouldn't let a child near an ipad without one ( eventhough that particular shop didn't sell them). I tracked one down and its had a couple of small falls with no damage. hope this helps x

sorry oso just saw your reply.....should have just said I agree with you