Apple Stores Replace Kids' Table iMacs With iPads

[MacRumors]

Apple has replaced the iMacs that were previously on the kids' table at its retail stores with iPads, as first noticed by iMore. The switch is a clear sign of the direction the company is going, particularly with regards to its younger customer base.

The kids' table has been a staple of the Apple Retail Store since it the first locations opened more than 10 years ago. The original tables featured CRT iMacs surrounded by black balls from the Baleri Italia company for children to sit on. Apple, as is typical, spares no expense when it comes to its retail stores -- the chairs cost more than $500 each.

Over the years, as the iMacs themselves have been updated, Apple has replaced the machines with newer models, but this is the first time that a product other than a Mac has been featured.

(Image of old kids table courtesy Flickr/Ralph and Jenny)

Article Link: Apple Stores Replace Kids' Table iMacs With iPads

 

[ghostface147]

Yeah I noticed this yesterday as I was getting my phone swapped out. No one was using them.

 

[Liquinn]

This says it all...

 

[xionxiox]

sexy

 

[neiltc13]

Just what we need. I am in my mid 20s and my IT education was primarily word processing and office applications. I pity those kids these days who won't even get the level I got, and instead spend their time consuming videos and pictures on these devices.

The goal of teaching kids how to code (as IT classes in schools should be) seems further and further away with each story like this

 

[LimeiBook86]

The iPads are cheaper to replace then the iMacs I'm sure. No breaking of keyboards or mice either!

Either way it makes sense on a few levels. Get them hooked on an iPad early! Plus there's a ton of educational software and books on the iPad, not to mention games. But it is sad to see the Macs go. I remember seeing G3 iMacs, eMacs, and of course G5 & Intel iMacs in the kids corner.

 

[Gav2k]

Great move!

 

[chilly willy]

Ruh-roh. Hopefully not some harbinger of the demise of iMacs and Macs in general......

 

[jontech]

Lol


Good call though since my little ones head the way of the iPads anyways since they can't use mine at home

 

[GSPice]

Just what we need. I am in my mid 20s and my IT education was primarily word processing and office applications. I pity those kids these days who won't even get the level I got, and instead spend their time consuming videos and pictures on these devices.

The goal of teaching kids how to code (as IT classes in schools should be) seems further and further away with each story like this

I'm pretty sure kids who want an IT education won't be stopped by the iPad.

 

[Bluehinder]

This is news worthy? Rolls eyes

 

[KPOM]

It makes sense. Apple is pushing textbooks on the iPad. Plus, an iPad is more durable and affordable than their portable Macs, so I'm guessing they want to encourage the idea of parents purchasing iPads for their children.

 

[QCassidy352]

Pretty telling that they want the next generation learning iOS instead of OS X. I do think kids will like it better.

 

[Consultant]

Just what we need. I am in my mid 20s and my IT education was primarily word processing and office applications. I pity those kids these days who won't even get the level I got, and instead spend their time consuming videos and pictures on these devices.

The goal of teaching kids how to code (as IT classes in schools should be) seems further and further away with each story like this

Why would everybody learn how to code?
Do doctors have to know how to code?
Do cab drivers have to know how to code?
Etc.

 

[Eriden]

While I must confess that I prefer the Apple Computer of the 2001-2007 era to the modern Apple Inc with its gradual shift to all things iOS, I must say that my 5 and 2 year old sons much prefer using my iPad to sitting in front of the iMac. My 5 year old has learned to read using my iPad from the ABC apps to the Ruckus Reader apps, it feels to me like tablet learning has a secure place in society going forward.

 

[macmastersam]

Those lil' kids on those iMacs in the second picture...

remember going in the apple store when i was 10 to play lego indiana jones on those things, aaaw!

 

[Eric S.]

No surprise, since Apple has been going to kiddie toys for years.

 

[Shrink]

A lot easier to nag mom and dad for an iPad than an iMac.

Get them while they're young, and you own them for life!

 

[OdinPoe]

My goodness what I wouldn't give for at least one semi-substantial iMac rumor...

This does seem like a good move, the iPad tends to be a more intuitive experience from what I've seen with my own kids.

 

[Boisv]

This is a good move in some respects, but IMO Apple is once again forcing change too soon.

It makes sense to have iPads at the kids table. Kids take to iPads very easily, and tablets are the future of the home PC. But it isn't certain yet that tablets are the future of the workplace PC. I think it would benefit children to be exposed to both tablets and PCs.

My own daughter loves to use my iPad. At just 6 years old, she navigates it just fine. She knows where all of her apps are and how to use them. She navigates Netflix like a true American. But you'd better believe that I'm exposing her to more traditional PCs as well.

On a side note, my daughter started Kindergarden this year. I was delighted to see two eMacs in her classroom. I remember growing up in the 80s and 90s, we always used Apple computers in schoool. It's good to see some things haven't changed.

 

[l.w41sh]

Can I have one of the iMacs?

 

[Small White Car]

Just what we need. I am in my mid 20s and my IT education was primarily word processing and office applications. I pity those kids these days who won't even get the level I got, and instead spend their time consuming videos and pictures on these devices.

The goal of teaching kids how to code (as IT classes in schools should be) seems further and further away with each story like this

Which is why all console game systems died out in the 1990's...because kids who grew up playing SNES and Genisis couldn't program on it none of them grew up to be video game designers.

That is what happened, isn't it? Maybe I'm misremembering.

 

[Theclamshell]

I believe it is a marketing plan. I don't think many people will buy their little kid an iMac? But they sure might but them an iPad.

 

[Eriden]

Why would everybody learn how to code?
Do doctors have to know how to code?
Do cab drivers have to know how to code?
Etc.

I think the concern here is the potential creation of a generation of media consumers who barely know how to read, write, solve equations, etc... With parents who use their iDevices as mere babysitting tools with all the games available on iOS, it certainly seems like a valid concern.

 

[Peace]

Those lil' kids on those iMacs in the second picture...

remember going in the apple store when i was 10 to play lego indiana jones on those things, aaaw!

Perfect example of what the average kid does with an Apple device in a store. Play. And that's what they should do. Play. If parents want them to code they can take their children over to a Mac. Otherwise kids will be kids and play and what better thing to play with than an iPad.