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Christmas gift for 10 year old -- 16GB iPad or 64GB iPod Touch?
- Thread starter Hammie
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After discussing this with my wife again this morning and sharing all your ideas. She came up with an option sort of based on Shadyriley.
We should get the iPod Touch for him. When the iPad 3 gets released, I buy it for myself and let him use/have my iPad 1. It's a win-win for everyone then.
Thanks again for everyone taking time to give their input.
I don't know if you've already paid for stuff yet, but I would _not_ hand-down your iPad 1. By the time the iPad 3 is available, the iPad 1 will be fairly long in the tooth. I too have an iPad 1 and am waiting for an iPad 3 before I upgrade (at this point in time, might as well, right?), but my iPad 1 is already feeling a bit sluggish.
More importantly, the iPad 1 does NOT have any cameras, which I think for a kid will be about the hugest deal you can imagine. Being able to use Photobooth or any of the undoubtedly upcoming AR (augmented reality) programs could be a big deal. Presumably, you're not letting them use Facebook or social networking yet, but at some point, they will be, and the camera will be the primary way they post pictures. And heaven forbid that they are the only one among their friends with an iOS device that can't do FaceTime! Imagine the shame!
Anyway, food for thought. In terms of value, I would also pick the ipad2. For one thing, it's a fresher device. The iPod Touch was expected to get a refresh this fall alongside the new iPhones, but it didn't. It's still rocking last year's tech. The iPad 2 remains the flagship of the iOS line, in terms of power.
I don't know if you've already paid for stuff yet, but I would _not_ hand-down your iPad 1. By the time the iPad 3 is available, the iPad 1 will be fairly long in the tooth. I too have an iPad 1 and am waiting for an iPad 3 before I upgrade (at this point in time, might as well, right?), but my iPad 1 is already feeling a bit sluggish.
More importantly, the iPad 1 does NOT have any cameras, which I think for a kid will be about the hugest deal you can imagine. Being able to use Photobooth or any of the undoubtedly upcoming AR (augmented reality) programs could be a big deal. Presumably, you're not letting them use Facebook or social networking yet, but at some point, they will be, and the camera will be the primary way they post pictures. And heaven forbid that they are the only one among their friends with an iOS device that can't do FaceTime! Imagine the shame!
Anyway, food for thought. In terms of value, I would also pick the ipad2. For one thing, it's a fresher device. The iPod Touch was expected to get a refresh this fall alongside the new iPhones, but it didn't. It's still rocking last year's tech. The iPad 2 remains the flagship of the iOS line, in terms of power.
i'm going to slightly disagree here the ipad 1 was a hand me down to my kids & they love it. they don't know the difference with the lack of cameras. I think the ipad 1 is still very capable in serving the needs of children. still sooooo many great apps out there for them to play and learn with.
I love our first world problems.
Which luxury device do I buy my child?
I think the iPad 1 is a great choice if necessary. Or they could just actually go learn how to play a real instrument. The iPad should be used to augment certain learning learning not replace the real thing like learning an instrument.
Plus it also depends on how spoiled they are already. They may just throw it around after a few weeks. Kids are a tricky bunch.
You know. I work hard for my money and they way I want to spend it is my decision. My kids are not totally spoiled (yes, they do have a bunch of material items). They know how to respect things AND people. They are the ones who go out of their way to help other kids who are getting picked on or bullied at school. How many 8 and 10 year olds do you know that would go against the grain like that?
As far as music goes, this will augment and not be a learning tool. My son plays piano and alto sax. He is also at the point where he is considering trying to teach himself guitar. Having taken piano lessons, he understands the concept of chords and it should be an easy transition. He has already taken songs he has learned on the piano and translated them to sax. Additionally, he has been asked to be in one of his friend's father's bands so they can dabble more into Bruce Springsteen. I did not feel that was a good idea even though they don't play clubs or bars.
I guess your post just offended me because I feel my kids are good and not some spoiled snot with no respect for anything. There are enough of those kids around...
I don't know if you've already paid for stuff yet, but I would _not_ hand-down your iPad 1. By the time the iPad 3 is available, the iPad 1 will be fairly long in the tooth. I too have an iPad 1 and am waiting for an iPad 3 before I upgrade (at this point in time, might as well, right?), but my iPad 1 is already feeling a bit sluggish.
More importantly, the iPad 1 does NOT have any cameras, which I think for a kid will be about the hugest deal you can imagine. Being able to use Photobooth or any of the undoubtedly upcoming AR (augmented reality) programs could be a big deal. Presumably, you're not letting them use Facebook or social networking yet, but at some point, they will be, and the camera will be the primary way they post pictures. And heaven forbid that they are the only one among their friends with an iOS device that can't do FaceTime! Imagine the shame!
Anyway, food for thought. In terms of value, I would also pick the ipad2. For one thing, it's a fresher device. The iPod Touch was expected to get a refresh this fall alongside the new iPhones, but it didn't. It's still rocking last year's tech. The iPad 2 remains the flagship of the iOS line, in terms of power.
I responded with an update that we decided on getting our 10 year old the iPad 2 and our 8 eight year old an iPod Touch.
I agree that it is capable and what they don't know they never need or want. It should still be a very capable device for the various apps they will use. I'm not too worried about that.
Anyway, we decided to get the iPad 2 instead.
I have an 11 year old who is also an incredible musician (song writer). The new version of Garageband on the iPad is pretty cool, with much more room than on a touch. Although he uses Logic Express on the mac, he likes to play around on the iPad a lot. Your wife is right, if he wants to take it everywhere (restaurants) then the touch is a better size, but for normal home use, the iPad is fantastic. Kids take to this technology very well. Good luck with your decision. He should be happy to get either one!
I don't know why this post was voted down at least three times?
It's great to start kids out as young as possible with technology! Just make sure they use the iPad for educational as well as fun.
More often on these devices, educational activities are fun!
I say to the OP to get your kids the iPad.
I just bought my 11 year old daughter a 32GB White iPhone 4s. She gets straight A's in school and is the sweetest girl ever!
It's OK to be spoiled, just not a spoiled brat!
I responded with an update that we decided on getting our 10 year old the iPad 2 and our 8 eight year old an iPod Touch.
mixed feelings about this.
I think two ipad2 would have bee under the tree
I was not trying to offend, just making a "what if" statement. Having worked at Apple in the past, I have seen huge amounts of spoiled brats that have pushover parents.
I'm glad you clarified your situation and think its great that your son has musical talent. Please continue to encourage it. Creativity opens up all new possibilities, not to mention its just plain fun. I played clarinet for 9 years in school and it was a blast. I respect the fact that you have instilled your kids with values and that they are helpful to others. Sounds like some good parenting.
I would get him an iPad 1 for Garageband. Plus it runs tons of other great apps.
Enjoy!
When I was a kid my parents bought a set of children's encyclopedias through some kind of monthly mail order program (you get volume A first, then volume B shows up next month, etc., etc.) I remember being very excited every time a new volume showed up.
I'm sure when you put the costs together that this was an investment of several hundred dollars, equivalent to the cost of an iPad today.
My point is that nobody blinked about buying your kid an encyclopedia set back then. Today it's an iPad or a laptop or whatever. It sounds like an extravagant gift to those of us who are old enough to have had the encylopedias, but really it's the modern equivalent.
I have a friend whose teenager is similar. He has an iPod Touch now and is a musician. He could use an iPad to do GarageBand stuff, but he does survive right now with some music software he found that works on the Touch.
I did not see anyone address this following point explicitly:
Young Folk nowadays are all about texting each other and doing things on the fly. A portable device that they can communicate with is a vital component of this lifestyle. Without such a device, they are left out of certain spontaneous activities and dialog in their peer group.
An iPod Touch is an excellent portable device for texting and email, considering that the user can communicate as long as he/she is in range of a wifi router.
If your child has a cell phone already, then an iPad would be an even more obvious choice. If not, and you are not ready yet to set your child up with a phone, then a Touch is still worthy of consideration.
I'm leaning towards trying to find out more what would suit him, or even ask him.
I did not see anyone address this following point explicitly:
Young Folk nowadays are all about texting each other and doing things on the fly. A portable device that they can communicate with is a vital component of this lifestyle. Without such a device, they are left out of certain spontaneous activities and dialog in their peer group.
An iPod Touch is an excellent portable device for texting and email, considering that the user can communicate as long as he/she is in range of a wifi router.
If your child has a cell phone already, then an iPad would be an even more obvious choice. If not, and you are not ready yet to set your child up with a phone, then a Touch is still worthy of consideration.
I'm leaning towards trying to find out more what would suit him, or even ask him.
Yeah. I don't like it, and I'm being dragged kicking and screaming into the world of texting, but it's a reality. I think mine was the last generation to grow up without it (I was 22 when everyone and their mother started buying cell phones).
If he is a musician then definitely get him an iPad. There are lots of awesome music creation apps that he would probably really enjoy.
We just got our 9 year old daughter and 11 year old son iPad 1's, refurbished from apple, 32GB with wifi and 3G for $399.
We originally were going to get Kindle Fires but kept comparing it to the iPad and just weren't happy with it. Better off just getting the best and not settling for something that you'll end up not being happy with.
We originally were going to get Kindle Fires but kept comparing it to the iPad and just weren't happy with it. Better off just getting the best and not settling for something that you'll end up not being happy with.
Now I just gotta deal with the "you got your 9 year old an iPad?!?!"
She's had both a cell phone and touch for over a year with no issues, so yes I'm buying her an iPad...shut up.
Actually it's a birthday/Christmas present and it's really her only gift, but she's ok with it.
She's had both a cell phone and touch for over a year with no issues, so yes I'm buying her an iPad...shut up.
Actually it's a birthday/Christmas present and it's really her only gift, but she's ok with it.
There is a crucial difference between spoiling a child and spoiling a child rotten.
First of all spoiling is a relative concept based on your economic status. To someone who is very poor giving a child a new iPod Touch is akin to someone in the middle class giving a child an iPad. And to someone who is wealthy an iPad doesn't even register as an expensive gift.
Its amazing how people, even those without kids, fancy themselves as parenting experts.
Someone I know was deciding on a MacBook that would be shared between her and her daughter. I suggested two iPads instead and she's going with that. Her daughter consistently gets top grades in school so its a nice reward for her. She is also going to ask her daughter if she wants the iPad as the big present for Christmas and birthday or would she like something smaller for both occasions. Not only is this a good reward for all her hard work, but its also a lesson in choosing something large now at the sacrifice of two smaller but still very nice things now and later. I know many parents who ak their child if they want one larger xmas present or several smaller ones.
Offer the child a choice and let them decide.
I don't see anything wrong with this.
First of all spoiling is a relative concept based on your economic status. To someone who is very poor giving a child a new iPod Touch is akin to someone in the middle class giving a child an iPad. And to someone who is wealthy an iPad doesn't even register as an expensive gift.
Its amazing how people, even those without kids, fancy themselves as parenting experts.
Someone I know was deciding on a MacBook that would be shared between her and her daughter. I suggested two iPads instead and she's going with that. Her daughter consistently gets top grades in school so its a nice reward for her. She is also going to ask her daughter if she wants the iPad as the big present for Christmas and birthday or would she like something smaller for both occasions. Not only is this a good reward for all her hard work, but its also a lesson in choosing something large now at the sacrifice of two smaller but still very nice things now and later. I know many parents who ak their child if they want one larger xmas present or several smaller ones.
Offer the child a choice and let them decide.
I don't see anything wrong with this.
Funny you mention that. I was just discussing appreciating things versus feeling entitled to things with my son last night. He got straight A's all last year and the first quarter this year. So I told him he could pick out some sort of reward for himself. But he got this sort of I got all A's so I deserve this attitude. I had to gently remind him that he didn't deserve anything as A's are expected, and we are rewarding him for his efforts. I tried to explain the difference being the attitude he should have regarding the reward...appreciation versus entitlement. I don't want him to think I did this so I deserve that. Funny thing is the reward be picked was all of us going to Red Lobster...ok kiddo whatever you want...lol.
I told him he has an iPhone for the same reason, we see his effort and reward him accordingly.
I told him he has an iPhone for the same reason, we see his effort and reward him accordingly.
I think an ipad is a little much for a 10 year old. We bought my daughter a 32 gb ipod for her birthday this year. We will probably get her a nook tablet for xmas.
Based on what? Cost? Technology? If you'd get her a nook, an iPad isn't that far of a stretch.
We were right there, we tried both the nook tablet and kindle fire. I just wasn't impressed. And for $150 extra you get so much more. I can't see spending $275 ($249 plus tax) for an iPad wanna be that comes no where close.
I would seriously consider the iPad over the iPod Touch
He'll be overjoyed, could you post a video when he gets it? I love people's reaction when discovering an iPad box!
He'll be overjoyed, could you post a video when he gets it? I love people's reaction when discovering an iPad box!
They are both 1st gen iPads, not that it makes a difference.
One iPad is mine but mostly my son uses it for the educational games and carting it along on long trips. So while technically I bought it for myself, he is getting more use from it.
We bought a 2nd iPad because the kids were fighting over using the first iPad.
Bought the 2nd iPad when there was that price drop near the release of iPad 2.
Never ever thought my kids at that age would be into something like an iPad.
I was wrong. iPads are beyond well taken care of by them. Both iPads are always being used either for typing practice, learning how to surf the web (return button, refresh, etc...), and the countless of educational apps we have.
We are doing this as well -- the nook tablet part. The size seems better for my daughter, and it "seems" a little tougher than an iPad. We were going to go the kindle fire route, but the lack of parental controls prevented us from doing that. Considered a 16 gb iPad 2, because it would be in the same Eco system as our apple devices thought the house, but decided she wasn't as ready for the device, and it being half as much made us feel a little better about the possibility of it being inadvertently damaged by her or her little brother.