IPad Mini

[SuzySunshine]

So I know we're crazy but we're getting the kids at least one iPad Mini for Christmas. They have an old iPod touch that they use for educational purposes but its no longer supported, most new apps don't work on it.

Anyway as I was watching them during their tech time yesterday, one had the iPod and one had my iPhone I'm now wondering I we should get them each one...

How durable are they? DH has an iPad but I've never even played with it...

[alison]

What's tech time?

I love the mini and want one. The screen isn't as sharp as the iPhone 5 or their computers, so I'm gonna wait until the next generation comes out.

One thing that I notice when dd plays with my iPhone 5 is that the way she holds it, one of her fingers is usually touching the screen, because the screen goes all the way to the edges. It's frustrating for her, because when the phone senses her finger elsewhere on the screen, this means she can't manipulate other buttons and icons. The mini is the same way, from what I could see. You really need to have big enough hands to hold the unit without touching the screen.

[SuzySunshine]

They get screen time/tech time they can play educational games for a certain amount of time/week, same with TV.

[Pollyanna]

Get them each one. Sure, they could share but if it's in your budget go for it. They will likely play side by side with each other and I bet you will have a very quiet and relaxing Christmas. I should note that we are all about technology and we don't do "tech time" or "screen time" or whatever. So far we have good, kind, respectful kids with great grades that still know how to play outside. I think the whole "screen time" thing is over played.

[spotty_dog]

I've heard a lot of praise for Otterbox if you need a case to protect your electronics from harsh conditions (like preschoolers!)

Otherwise no advice.

(My kids have very rough limits on their screen time...they understand and agree if I notice they've been playing for a while and I say, "That's enough screen time for now, you need to do something else for a while," and I often will be more limiting during the day if I know they're likely to watch a couple of hours of movies in the evening. I don't have any requirement that they do educational things on the TV/computer/iPod though.)

[SuzySunshine]

I do have an Otterbox for my phone, LOVE it - I will see if they make them for the iPad mini's - thanks!

I think DH is going to kill me when I suggest we get them each one...too bad! We have really scrimped on their Christmases, they usually get one thing from us because they get so much stuff from the rest of the family - this year we are doing this:

1 thing to read
1 thing to wear
1 thing they need
1 thing they want

Yes, I stole it off of Pinterest but I LOVE it!

[SoonerTexan]

I like that!

[Deebs]

IF they make cases for the iPAD mini already, DH has an otterbox (his second) and I have a lifeproof case. Mine is completely waterproof and seems a lot sturdier. Dh's otterboxes keep breaking where the plug connects.

I also think you should just do it if you can afford to!

[scrub-jay]

So not: spend until your bank starts sending you low-balance alerts? (kidding!!)

[SuzySunshine]

Well we decided to go with the Nabi 2 - Woot had them on a crazy deal this morning and I was able to get them each one for just a little more then I would have spent on one Fire HD with the case, protection, etc. Its also android based and gets good reviews, what I have to remember is they don't know what it compare it to so they aren't old enough to say well Johnny has an ipad mini and I got this piece of crap! Anything will be an upgrade from their near useless ipod touch.

[SuzySunshine]

GRR!! Woot sent an e-mail last night that the nabi on their website was wrong and it was a 1st gen so that order has been cancelled and I'm back to square one.