I am hoping for some good advice and some information. I have decided to buy my 8 y/o daughter a tablet for Christmas. The problem is I am so clueless on the devices. She really wants an Ipod touch, but I have decided against that because I think it is too small that she will want to carry it everywhere and lose it or drop it and break it. I am hoping the bigger tablet will be a better idea. So I am thinking the Samsung Galaxy or the Kindle. If I buy one, do I just buy the device and can start downloading things right away, or do I need to buy a data plan. I am just looking for her to be able to download some games, videos, music and possibly some movies. Also, I have been looking at the ads and what the heck is the Android Ice cream sandwich? I am so confused. I want so basic information before I go into a store and start asking the teenager working at the store. I don't want to look like a total old person who doesn;t know anything. Any advice on which device is better, things to think about before buying, etc.
Depends on your 8 yr old. Is she mature enough to care for a tablet?? I know our kids say they want this or that, but can she handle the responsibility of it. This is not a toy and it is expensive. If you are sure this is something for her, any tablet is fine, they all come with plans. The Samsung tablets are really amazing if you want to research those.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung---Galaxy-Tab-2-10.1-w...
iPad.
Call it the FAMILY iPad.
We have an iPad, that our kids use too.
But it is not ONLY theirs.
It is the family's.
But they are 6 and 10 and responsible about it.
But again, that is an expensive item/gift, for ONLY them.
It is the family's... gadget.
We do not let our kids carry it around when out.
It stays, home.
We have rules, about it.
Even if it was only theirs, there would still be rules about it.
You can research tablets on the Internet. I learned quite a bit doing that.
I just bought a refurbished Nook Color from Barnes and Noble. It was only $99 and is an e-reader as well as a tablet. Seems like a better price than the $250-$500 for a full sized tablet for an 8 yo.
I would look into the new ipad mini. You only need a data plan if you want to be able to access the internet in the car or somewhere outside of a free wifi range. I do believe you will need it if you want to stream videos while in the car or away from a wifi spot. Get a good case and screen shield and you should do well.
My hubby is in technology and he likes the Nexus. We are thinking of buying one for our almost 5 year old. My kids love my Ipad, but no way are we spending that kind of money on them.
If you have a wireless connection in your house, you do not need a data plan. My Ipad does not have a data plan, adn I don't need it. Most places I go have free wireless anyway.
I have a Kindle and I love it! No data plan, you just need wifi access to download things and an Amazon account and you are good to go!
I have a Kindle Fire and like it a lot. It does NOT need a data plan, just a wireless network to download things. Mine connects to the wireless network we have in our home. I mainly use mine for books, e-mail, and words with friends. Our nephew has the same thing and he uses his for video games that have lots of graphics and likes it too.
