Ipod Touch-What do I need to know?

[kkandaj]

DD has saved her money and wants an Ipod Touch. We aren't big on buying our kiddos expensive electronics, but since it is her money--and I've heard there are lots of educational games/reading she can do on it, DH and I have decided to let her buy it. What costs do I need to know about? I know the initial cost of the item, but what hidden costs are there? I will be purchasing an otterbox case.

Can we add music that isn't from itunes--for example the music we already have on our computer?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Jay2009]

In the box you'll find the ipod touch, a set of earbuds, and the usb cord that connects the ipod to a computer so you can load songs onto it and charge the ipod. A protective case is a good idea, especially for a child.

You can add music that wasn't purchased through itunes onto the ipod, but itunes is the gateway to get music from your computer to the ipod, so you'll need to import that music into itunes, and then from there it's a quick drag and drop onto the ipod.

Here's a link on how to enable parental controls just in case you want to look into that:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4213

 

[mrodgers]

You can add your own music to iTunes. Now b-day and Christmas gifts will be easy for everyone, all she'll want is iTunes gift cards.

There's billions (?) of free games. My kids play all kinds of things. The only thing they've bought was their obsession with Angry Birds.

Google how to create an iTunes account without needing to submit a credit card payment option. I can't remember exactly but something about try to download a free game before creating an account. It will ask you to either log in or create an account. If you create it now, you will be able to create it with "NONE" as a payment option since you are trying to download something that is free. Just creating an account by itself without trying to download a free game, there is no "NONE" option and you have to attach a CC account.

Without a CC account attached, all she would be able to use is a gift card or free downloads. You have to enter a user name and password every time you download, so if you don't let her know what it is, you can review anything before she can download.

That's the gist of it. Prepare to not see your daughter's face for some time as she will be face planted in her ipod non-stop for quite a while before the novelty of it wears off.

 

[kkandaj]

The parental controls and payment suggestions are exactly the types of tips I'm looking for! Thank you!

 

[dzorn]

Yes you should be able to add the music you already have on the computer. You can also download audiobook and regular books if they are available through your library through overdrive for no cost. We listened to Rick Riordan on the way to florida.

You can check out itunes each week for free apps though many of those come with advertisments. You can get a lot of others for $.99 cents

We have gotten gift card deals at christmas so we buy a few extra.

Some of their current favorites
Smurfs
temple run
temple run brave
any angry birds
mini pets
where's my water

Also our kids do not do facebook so we did connect them to game center so they can have friends on some of the games. (If she wants a smurf buddy PM me)

We do not have CC on file with Itunes and only use gift card added to the account so kind of self regulating if the buy something not realizing it is costing real money. Example smurfberries on the smurfs game (they are very clear some apps aren't) Our family does do smurfs Our DDs do not have their own but use DH and mine though Santa may be generous this year. We have not had a problem with this but our DDs do not have the password for itunes.

Some educational games Stack the States, Stack the countries Not sure of the age of your DD.

I would try and get one with 32GB of memoryif possible. Mine like to have a few movies on mine and they take up a lot of space. itunes will occasionally have free tv episodes they like. Also if they like to take pics and video it takes us some room though you can download them to the computer.

You can get a refurbished one from apple that will come with the same warranty as new and save a few dollars. I would get the current generation as our kids like to facetime each other and a few of their friends.

 

[powellrj]

Check your local library and see if they have Overdrive for free downloads. Thats what I use and its great!

We also use a gift card so it limits how much the kids can buy. I usually keep around $10 or $15 on the account.

My DD uses Pandora and loves it on hers and its free!

 

[Kathryn Merteuil]

Buy an OtterBox! I don't know how many times that has saved the life of my iPhone.

 

[Fire14]

I'd also suggest a screen protector. THey are in same area as Ipod assoc.

 

[vicki_c]

I think the best accessory is a Square Trade warranty, including Accidental Damage (an extra cost rider). We just got DD's iPod Touch back from a repair - the screen had slightly cracked long ago, but was being held together by a screen protector and we decided not to use the warranty. But recently, her power button got stuck and wasn't working right (the Touch is about 15 months old and gets a lot of use - not all so careful). So we sent it back and they repaired both items and sent it back good as new. Well worth the $$ for the warranty, since her Touch cost $299.

My DD bought the Touch and mom & dad bought the case, screen protector & warranty.

 

[tina.tina]

Buy the warranty!!!!!!!

 

[DOOM1001]

It's basically like a mini computer,I've had mine like over 2 years and I use it more than my desktop or laptop.My brother got an IPAD and I've been thinking of getting one as well or at least maybe the lower priced Kindle Fire,but I just don't see the need as I love my IPOD Touch,maybe if it were to start malfunctioning I would get a tablet,but as now it works like when it was new.I got the 32gb,by the way,which I will never come close to filling.

 

[StephMK]

I agree completely w/the suggestion not to give out the itunes password. My DS has to check w/me & have me log in before he can get any games. I can only imagine the trouble he could cause if he had access to ordering whatever catches his eye!

 

[cjnix29]

did you see that they have one on woot.com today. Pretty good deal. Wish they would have had this deal a month ago when we got DS his!