Best Tablet for kids

davyk31 · 02-12-2013, 03:01 AM

Following on from my Ipad / Ipad Mini thread for my wife I'm not wanting some advice on the best tablet for kids to use.

I'm thinking something cheaper than the Apple items thus keeping the dear items for mummy and daddy and the kids having their own tablet. They are 8 and 6 very soon so its birthday time.

Youngest has been talking about a Nintendo DS but I'm thinking a tablet maybe offers more options without having to buy the overpriced games. Not sure yet if its a tablet each or one to share.

Whats the best options, something like the Kindle Fire perhaps or any other better routes to go ........ or is it best to stick all the cash into a full size Ipad4 and let everyone share/fight over it ??

mowflow · 02-12-2013, 03:18 AM

My 10 year old niece has one of the Nexus tablets which she seems to be almost permanently glued to along with her iPod touch.

My boss gave his kids his old iPad2 and bought himself a new one. They seem to be pretty sturdy as they are only about 4 years old and haven't broken it yet.

4x4 · 02-12-2013, 03:37 AM

Something cheap and with android.

briers · 02-12-2013, 04:35 AM

A cheap Android with plenty of space and you can put their dvd videos on and some games

When you get a new ipad give her the old one. Our 4 year old has our old ipad 2 and she loves it.

davyk31 · 02-12-2013, 04:44 AM

Is the Kindle Fire, not HD version, a decent option as price seems keen? Or should we pay a bit more to get the HD model?

Don't have any old ipads to pass down sadly, still just using iphones and laptop but planning on an Ipad soon for our use only.

willhollin · 02-12-2013, 04:46 AM

I like to give them Rohypnol.

briers · 02-12-2013, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willhollin

I like to give them Rohypnol.

I swear to god its only a matter of time before you become a registered sex offender

Sir_Pigley · 02-12-2013, 05:34 AM

I wouldn't go too cheap on the Android tablets because a lot of them are of dubious quality in build and spec.

I would go for a Google Nexus 7.

I would not go for a Kindle Fire HD because it is a bit too Amazon flavour, whereas there's probably no real benefit over the more "open" Nexus 7

Richardlkay · 02-12-2013, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sir_Pigley

I wouldn't go too cheap on the Android tablets because a lot of them are of dubious quality in build and spec.

I would go for a Google Nexus 7.

I would not go for a Kindle Fire HD because it is a bit too Amazon flavour, whereas there's probably no real benefit over the more "open" Nexus 7

+1 for the Nexus 7. My 3 year old is never off mine!

davyk31 · 02-12-2013, 07:25 AM

Are games generally free on the Android devices and what does your 3 yr old play on the Nexus.

Richardlkay · 02-12-2013, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davyk31

Are games generally free on the Android devices and what does your 3 yr old play on the Nexus.

I've downloaded some "educational" games such as matching pairs games, drawing, counting and maths games etc. Some were free and others cost a couple of quid.

She mainly plays Angry Birds though! She especially like the "blue" birds.

There are so many apps to choose from.

Reggie-g75 · 02-12-2013, 03:07 PM

Ipad!

davyk31 · 02-12-2013, 03:46 PM

Ipad too expensive for the kids to drop !!

parapaul · 02-12-2013, 10:07 PM

One of these: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Capacitive-A...0728314&sr=8-5

I have them for my kids, aged 6 and 8, and they're excellent. Filled up with music and films and games like Angry Birds and Temple Run, they love them! And at less then £50 each, virtually disposable when they inevitably get dropped/broken/covered in jam...

davyk31 · 02-13-2013, 04:47 AM

Any votes for the Samsung Galazy Tab 2, seems a pretty decent price.

That one above from amazon is a decent price, still quite tempted by Kindle Fire or Fire HD.

How easy it it to lock these down so the little darlings can't access stuff they shouldn't or spend a pack of Daddy's cash?

parapaul · 02-13-2013, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davyk31

Any votes for the Samsung Galazy Tab 2, seems a pretty decent price.

They're very nice. Probably wasted on kids though TBH until they're a bit older.

Quote:

Originally Posted by davyk31

That one above from amazon is a decent price, still quite tempted by Kindle Fire or Fire HD.

Same applies, really. Kids won't be careful with them, not at that age. Plus the Kindle tablets are really geared towards Amazon, I'm not sure what the availability of apps is like for them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by davyk31

How easy it it to lock these down so the little darlings can't access stuff they shouldn't or spend a pack of Daddy's cash?

On my kids' tablets I've uninstalled the internet browser, and set the Youtube app to strict safesearch so no worries there. I set each of them up with a GMail account - which they don't have the pasword for - and as there's no credit card linked to their account, the only apps they can get are the free ones.

davyk31 · 02-14-2013, 02:54 AM

I wouldn't be too worried about them damaging a tablet to be honest, especially the 8 year old will be extremely careful with her things. And I would like it to last a while which is why I am thinking of the Kindle or Samsung brands.

Without an internet browser do they just basically use apps? Think some Net access would be attractive although it needs to be strictly controlled as its too easy to go wrong.

Is the Kindle being tied to amazon a big problem, any users able to comment? Also any advice between the Fire and Fire HD?

Currently it looks like the Kindle Fire at £129, Kindle Fire HD at about £159 or Samsung Galazy Tab 2 around £155.

davyk31 · 02-15-2013, 04:33 AM

Another question - I'm thinking the Wifi only version is just fine for the use it will get which will mostly be at home. Forgive my ignorance but does the 3G option just let you internet browse outside of home where you don't get Wifi, ie. in a restaurant without wifi will the kids still be able to play angry birds apps and the like without either wifi present or 3g?

Are there any strong reasons that I should get one with 3g option as can't really see the cost is worth it in this instance.

briers · 02-15-2013, 04:43 AM

Yes 3G just allows you to browse the Internet, youtube, iplayer, netflix outside the house / wifi signals. You also get GPS on 3G.

You can still play games and use the apps on the iPad but anything needing an Internet connection won't work obviously.

3G can be useful if you travel a lot, on trains to commute or in business if you move around a lot.

I only got the wifi version as you do get wifi in quite a lot of places now, even trains but its shockingly bad so I just tether to my phone.

02-12-2013, 03:01 AM	#1
davyk31 Major General 1041 Rep 6,946 Posts Drives: Macan GTS :-) & F40 M135i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Northern Ireland iTrader: (0)	Best Tablet for kids Following on from my Ipad / Ipad Mini thread for my wife I'm not wanting some advice on the best tablet for kids to use. I'm thinking something cheaper than the Apple items thus keeping the dear items for mummy and daddy and the kids having their own tablet. They are 8 and 6 very soon so its birthday time. Youngest has been talking about a Nintendo DS but I'm thinking a tablet maybe offers more options without having to buy the overpriced games. Not sure yet if its a tablet each or one to share. Whats the best options, something like the Kindle Fire perhaps or any other better routes to go ........ or is it best to stick all the cash into a full size Ipad4 and let everyone share/fight over it ??
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02-12-2013, 03:18 AM	#2
mowflow Colonel 62 Rep 2,472 Posts Drives: Golf 7R Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (2)	My 10 year old niece has one of the Nexus tablets which she seems to be almost permanently glued to along with her iPod touch. My boss gave his kids his old iPad2 and bought himself a new one. They seem to be pretty sturdy as they are only about 4 years old and haven't broken it yet. __________________ Daily Golf R Project Peugeot 205 1.6 GTi
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02-12-2013, 03:37 AM	#3
4x4 Enthusiast 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 07 e91 318i Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Europe iTrader: (0)	Something cheap and with android.
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02-12-2013, 04:35 AM	#4
briers Ben 62 Rep 1,992 Posts Drives: Tesla p85d Join Date: May 2010 Location: Midlands,UK iTrader: (0)	A cheap Android with plenty of space and you can put their dvd videos on and some games When you get a new ipad give her the old one. Our 4 year old has our old ipad 2 and she loves it.
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02-12-2013, 04:44 AM	#5
davyk31 Major General 1041 Rep 6,946 Posts Drives: Macan GTS :-) & F40 M135i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Northern Ireland iTrader: (0)	Is the Kindle Fire, not HD version, a decent option as price seems keen? Or should we pay a bit more to get the HD model? Don't have any old ipads to pass down sadly, still just using iphones and laptop but planning on an Ipad soon for our use only.
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02-12-2013, 04:46 AM	#6
willhollin Major General 268 Rep 9,915 Posts Drives: VW T5 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Worcestershire iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW E92 330d SE [10.00] 2010 Transporter T5 ... [0.00]	I like to give them Rohypnol. __________________
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02-12-2013, 05:34 AM	#8
Sir_Pigley Captain 32 Rep 848 Posts Drives: 640d GC / 420i XDrive Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Banbury iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW 420i XDrive [0.00] 2015 BMW 640d Gran ... [0.00]	I wouldn't go too cheap on the Android tablets because a lot of them are of dubious quality in build and spec. I would go for a Google Nexus 7. I would not go for a Kindle Fire HD because it is a bit too Amazon flavour, whereas there's probably no real benefit over the more "open" Nexus 7
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02-12-2013, 07:25 AM	#10
davyk31 Major General 1041 Rep 6,946 Posts Drives: Macan GTS :-) & F40 M135i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Northern Ireland iTrader: (0)	Are games generally free on the Android devices and what does your 3 yr old play on the Nexus.
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02-12-2013, 03:07 PM	#12
Reggie-g75 First Lieutenant 10 Rep 321 Posts Drives: X6 40d Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Bristol iTrader: (0)	Ipad!
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02-12-2013, 03:46 PM	#13
davyk31 Major General 1041 Rep 6,946 Posts Drives: Macan GTS :-) & F40 M135i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Northern Ireland iTrader: (0)	Ipad too expensive for the kids to drop !!
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02-12-2013, 10:07 PM	#14
parapaul Colonel 118 Rep 2,216 Posts Drives: E91 330d M Sport Join Date: May 2010 Location: Stoke on Trent iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 E91 330D MSport [0.00]	One of these: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Capacitive-A...0728314&sr=8-5 I have them for my kids, aged 6 and 8, and they're excellent. Filled up with music and films and games like Angry Birds and Temple Run, they love them! And at less then £50 each, virtually disposable when they inevitably get dropped/broken/covered in jam... __________________ Just how many Yorkshire sheep can you fit inside one exhaust?
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02-13-2013, 04:47 AM	#15
davyk31 Major General 1041 Rep 6,946 Posts Drives: Macan GTS :-) & F40 M135i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Northern Ireland iTrader: (0)	Any votes for the Samsung Galazy Tab 2, seems a pretty decent price. That one above from amazon is a decent price, still quite tempted by Kindle Fire or Fire HD. How easy it it to lock these down so the little darlings can't access stuff they shouldn't or spend a pack of Daddy's cash?
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02-14-2013, 02:54 AM	#17
davyk31 Major General 1041 Rep 6,946 Posts Drives: Macan GTS :-) & F40 M135i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Northern Ireland iTrader: (0)	I wouldn't be too worried about them damaging a tablet to be honest, especially the 8 year old will be extremely careful with her things. And I would like it to last a while which is why I am thinking of the Kindle or Samsung brands. Without an internet browser do they just basically use apps? Think some Net access would be attractive although it needs to be strictly controlled as its too easy to go wrong. Is the Kindle being tied to amazon a big problem, any users able to comment? Also any advice between the Fire and Fire HD? Currently it looks like the Kindle Fire at £129, Kindle Fire HD at about £159 or Samsung Galazy Tab 2 around £155.
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02-15-2013, 04:33 AM	#18
davyk31 Major General 1041 Rep 6,946 Posts Drives: Macan GTS :-) & F40 M135i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Northern Ireland iTrader: (0)	Another question - I'm thinking the Wifi only version is just fine for the use it will get which will mostly be at home. Forgive my ignorance but does the 3G option just let you internet browse outside of home where you don't get Wifi, ie. in a restaurant without wifi will the kids still be able to play angry birds apps and the like without either wifi present or 3g? Are there any strong reasons that I should get one with 3g option as can't really see the cost is worth it in this instance.
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02-15-2013, 04:43 AM	#19
briers Ben 62 Rep 1,992 Posts Drives: Tesla p85d Join Date: May 2010 Location: Midlands,UK iTrader: (0)	Yes 3G just allows you to browse the Internet, youtube, iplayer, netflix outside the house / wifi signals. You also get GPS on 3G. You can still play games and use the apps on the iPad but anything needing an Internet connection won't work obviously. 3G can be useful if you travel a lot, on trains to commute or in business if you move around a lot. I only got the wifi version as you do get wifi in quite a lot of places now, even trains but its shockingly bad so I just tether to my phone.
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