IPAD? Ipod Touch?

[Mickey'snewestfan]

I think I want to get my son one of these two things for Christmas, but I'm not sure which, I hope someone can help me sort out the difference in what they do.

He's not particularly into music, but he's very into movies, and audiobooks, how do they work for those? Can he use one or the other for netflix? How's the volume -- if he uses it for movies and audiobooks in his room would he need speakers or earphones?

What about games? I'd like for him to have a selection of games, but ones that are age appropriate (he's 11 and would love to play "M" games, but I don't allow him to buy it).

Do I need to buy software? Are there other costs I'm not aware of?

What about word processing? I know you can buy an add on keyboard -- if I get that will it be decent for doing homework, or will he still need a computer?

Thanks!

 

[Passionada]

I think I want to get my son one of these two things for Christmas, but I'm not sure which, I hope someone can help me sort out the difference in what they do.

He's not particularly into music, but he's very into movies, and audiobooks, how do they work for those? Can he use one or the other for netflix? How's the volume -- if he uses it for movies and audiobooks in his room would he need speakers or earphones?

What about games? I'd like for him to have a selection of games, but ones that are age appropriate (he's 11 and would love to play "M" games, but I don't allow him to buy it).

Do I need to buy software? Are there other costs I'm not aware of?

What about word processing? I know you can buy an add on keyboard -- if I get that will it be decent for doing homework, or will he still need a computer?

Thanks!

To be honest with you, I feel that the iPad is just a larger version of the iPhone and iPod Touch. I would recommend getting the iPod Touch, as it is much lighter in weight and fits in a standard pocket. Your 11 year old doesn't spend all his time trotting the globe, which is why he wouldn't need an iPad. I think it's more useful for people, who travel often. Both of those devices are good for watching movies, playing games, applications. I don't think it would be comfortable to do homework on the iPad, so it's best to do it on the computer. You will spend more money on an iPad that has similar functions and on top of that, you must pay a monthly fee for internet use/browsing for either device. You will probably need to sign up to an unlimited data plan to avoid any extra costs. Also, it's better to have Wi-Fi at home, as the video quality in 3G is not that great. I think the iPad is more prone to being dropped, as it may not fit in the hands of an 11 year old and eventually slip out. If you compare their capacity, both the Touch and the iPad can carry up to 64 GB of storage space. There's no camera on the iPad, and there are 2 on the touch with the option of recording. Volume is best in headphones. Just remember that there are other associated costs apart from the price you will pay for the item. Monthly service is a must if you want him to be able to download games and movies. Check this guide out, it should help you immensely.

ipod.about.c o m/od/ipadcomparisons/a/ipad-iphone-3gs-ipod-touch.h t m (take out the spaces as I can't post links for some reason)
Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[Geoff_M]

I think it probably boils down to how you want to carry around the device. If you want something that you can slip in your pocket and take with you, then an iPod Touch is what you want. If you don't mind carrying around a "notepad" under your arm or in a shoulder bag, then I'd probably recommend an iPad. I will say that I have a 3rd gen Touch, and I have yet to really desire an iPad.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

Thanks,

A few things. We don't have a TV, and the only computer we have is a laptop that comes from my work. He likes to watch movies on that, especially when friends come over, but of course that means I can't use the computer. I'm not sure how much fun it would be to watch a movie on a Itouch screen with a couple of other kids, which is why I thought the IPAD would make sense. I'd also love for him to be able to work on homework while I'm doing work on the computer, so I'd love to know if that's an option.

We have a wireless hotspot in the house, which is portable (works in the car, for example), so I'm thinking we don't need the 3G, just the wireless one.

He's already got a good camera on his phone. I don't want to get him an iphone because the phone goes to school with him, and I'd rather he didn't have 24/7 access to all that stuff.

Knowing that, do you still think it's a bad idea?

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

I should add that I've never used a touch or iphone so knowing that an ipad is just a bigger one doesn't tell me much.

 

[Geoff_M]

The Touch is fine for personal viewing, but if you have an audience with you and will primarily use it at home, then I'd probably go with the iPad.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

I think it probably boils down to how you want to carry around the device. If you want something that you can slip in your pocket and take with you, then an iPod Touch is what you want. If you don't mind carrying around a "notepad" under your arm or in a shoulder bag, then I'd probably recommend an iPad. I will say that I have a 3rd gen Touch, and I have yet to really desire an iPad.

I don't actually want him carrying it around. I don't want him to have access when we're in a restaurant or a store or he's at school. Long car trips, boring waiting rooms, airplanes -- sure, but I don't think the big size is such a hardship there. Mostly, though I envision it as something to use in our apartment.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Get him the ITouch....
Get a TV...
Two very different applications, Two very different things.

I will refrain from comment about the conditions/limits of usage.

 

[Avalon_toon]

If he is into movies but not into music, an ipad seems to make the most sense to me. I love mine, and watch movies on it all the time, the difference between a 9" screen and a 3.5" screen really is huge.

For homework, he could surf the net to research topics, use a calculator, create slide show presentations, etc., but if he needs to type out assignments or essays, you really need a computer. The ipad CAN do that, but it is awkward without a real keyboard to type with.

 

[Bell30012]

The iPad and iPod Touch are made by Apple. That's where the similarity ends. I have both plus an iPhone. The iPad is so much more than an overgrown iPod. After buying my iPad, I found myself rarely reaching for my MacBook but rather just using the iPad to answer emails, surf the internet and much more. There's a version of Pages (Word) and Numbers (Excel) on the iPad. There's Netflix which is great. My daughter watches movies when we are driving.

At work, I flip over the ipad case making it a desktop picture frame and a background radio using Pandora. I have a Bluetooth keyboard that I use to answer quick personal emails or work on spreadsheets/documents. There are apps to check your bank account, keep up on eBay auctions, pay bills... You can read books using iBooks, Nook or Kindle. Of course, there are social media sites.

I have Disney apps loaded for use in the parks such as WDW Dining, WDW Maps, WDW Waits, TWiz and of course eTicket WDW. When I'm driving I sometimes use the Maps application as a GPS.

Calendars, newspapers, shopping apps... Try one before you knock it. I love mine and can't imagine going without it again.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

I will refrain from comment about the conditions/limits of usage.

I will assume that you think in some way I'm harming my child by not letting him carry around an item that costs hundreds of dollars, and wanting him to actually talk to me.

Go ahead and comment, I'd love to hear your thinking.

 

[golfgal]

I would say that for what he uses it for you are much better off getting a laptop for him. I know that I anything is "cool" but an I touch has what, a 4" screen, the Ipad is about 9", neither would be good for watching movies with a bunch of friends. The IPad isn't all that great for hooking up peripherals like a keyboard and a printer (at the same time). You can download, for free, a Nook app or Kindle app to the laptop and he can read on that as well. I also have to say that the more you "restrict" things, the more he is just going to sneak behind your back to see what he is missing .

 

[136368]

Remember that with an iPad you can attach a physical keyboard, use Apple's version of Microsoft Office and print wirelessly.

Oh, and for movies the iPad is infinitely superior to the iTouch.

 

[Bell30012]

I use a Bluetooth keyboard with my iPad and the new version 4.2 supports WiFi printing. No wires to hook up.

 

[MushyMushy]

Personally, if I were to choose one for myself, hands down it would be the iPad. But for an 11 year old? Not so much. I'd definitely look into the Touch for a kid.

I also agree with Golfgal, if you want it for home work and things of that nature, then I'd go with a laptop, even a netbook. How much computing will he actually be doing for school? If a lot, he might be better off using Windows products since that's what most schools use.

 

[chamonix]

I love my iPad and use it pretty much exclusively now! I would vote for iPad. Bigger screen....and IF you wanted to, you can hook it up to a tv to play a movie on an even bigger screen...I don't have any trouble with the keyboard, but when I have to do real work, I do break out the wireless keyboard (they're a pretty cheap add-on).

As mentioned above, if you just want him to have something that fits in his pocket, get the touch, but the iPad is pretty much the touch with a larger screen and a more typical keyboard. I love watching videos on mine. (I do mostly YouTube though)

If cost is not a factor, get the iPad, and get 3G if you can afford it, simply for the convenience. If you use wireless there is no monthly charge to use the iPad, you only pay if you sign up and use the 3G.

From what you described, I would get an iPad. Why limit him if you can afford not to do so?

 

[momrek06]

iPad!

DH bought me an Ipad in June! Ohhhh, I cannot begin to tell you how much I love everything about the Ipad!

Everyone should try this sweet little device out and you will love it!!!

 

[orbrian]

I go with the iPad.

 

[txSleepingBeauty]

To be honest with you, I feel that the iPad is just a larger version of the iPhone and iPod Touch. I would recommend getting the iPod Touch, as it is much lighter in weight and fits in a standard pocket. Your 11 year old doesn't spend all his time trotting the globe, which is why he wouldn't need an iPad. I think it's more useful for people, who travel often. Both of those devices are good for watching movies, playing games, applications. I don't think it would be comfortable to do homework on the iPad, so it's best to do it on the computer. You will spend more money on an iPad that has similar functions and on top of that, you must pay a monthly fee for internet use/browsing for either device. You will probably need to sign up to an unlimited data plan to avoid any extra costs. Also, it's better to have Wi-Fi at home, as the video quality in 3G is not that great. I think the iPad is more prone to being dropped, as it may not fit in the hands of an 11 year old and eventually slip out. If you compare their capacity, both the Touch and the iPad can carry up to 64 GB of storage space. There's no camera on the iPad, and there are 2 on the touch with the option of recording. Volume is best in headphones. Just remember that there are other associated costs apart from the price you will pay for the item. Monthly service is a must if you want him to be able to download games and movies. Check this guide out, it should help you immensely.

ipod.about.c o m/od/ipadcomparisons/a/ipad-iphone-3gs-ipod-touch.h t m (take out the spaces as I can't post links for some reason)
Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving!

there's no monthly data charge for an Itouch. You just connect via wi-fi. I have one and love it!

 

[ksjayhawks]

I would get him a netbook considering what you think he will use it for. I would not give an 11 year old an ipad--too much chance for something to go wrong and once dropped and screen cracked, it is not usable.

Or buy a portable dvd player for watching movies and an itouch for personal use.