iTouch or DSi for dd7

[sluggozmom]

I am at a loss........... and not very technically savvy.
DD is about to turn 7 and would like a DSi. DH thinks it's a waste of money. Then I look at the Itouch. and all the apps you can get for much less than the DSi games..
I need some help here. Pleease!

 

[fatuhiva]

I'd go with the DSi for a 7 yo. I think it's a bit more durable than a iTouch - especially with a nerf case. It also seems to me that the games for a DSi would be more suitable/interesting for a 7yo. Do they have Mario or Pokemon games for the iTouch??

My 11yo and 8 yo both have a DS. My 11yo also has an iTouch and the 8yo says he wants one, but in reality I don't think he'd play with it all that much. When I first got mine he'd ask to play with it, but now he rarely asks. You can also use a DSi to play music - and you can make cool effects with it - ie sounding like the chipmunks - which is cool for a kid.

 

[ttfn3]

I would go with the DSi for a 7 year old. First, and very important, that is what she's asking for. It's a really nice mobile gaming device for kids. Very handy to take on car trips and vacations. The screen is a nice size, and easy on kids eyes. The charge also lasts a decent time. It's also pretty durable for those inevitable drops by kids.

The ITouch is more powerful. It's basically a small mobile computer. In addition to the apps, if you have wireless internet (in your home, and from "free" hot spots), it has access to the internet. It has a direct icon that takes you to YouTube. Pretty powerful stuff for a 7 year. I also find it a bit tiring on my eyes if I play with it too long.

Maybe think you should get the DSi for your daughter, and the Ipod Touch for your husband

 

[lovesmurfs]

Seven seems a little young for either. Does DD have a regular DS or any other portable game system already? If not, maybe you want to look at the DS Lite?

I gave DD10 an iPod Nano when she was 7 -- she still has it, it wasn't too expensive, and she can watch her favorite TV shows, etc. It was a good starter (and still is!). She's had her regular DS for 2-3 years, but we worked up to it from a GameBoy color.

This year we're giving DD a netbook (she really wants a DSi--but didn't realize a computer would be possible). It obviously doesn't have the camera capabilities of the DSi, the netbook has Office on it, and she'll be able to do schoolwork on it and play on her Club Penguin/Webkinz with it.

Best wishes as you decide. It's really tough, isn't it?

 

[jrmasm]

Dsi

 

[solfan68]

Although DS7 plays on my iTouch from time to time, I'm not sure I'd be ready to get him one of his own quite yet. He's very responsible and plays only when supervised. I can totally understand your thoughts about inexpensive and varied apps on iTunes. We have even downloaded some educational games, though he plays those less frequently than the "fun games".

In the end, even this tech geek would be more inclined to go with the Nintendo for a kiddo about 7yo.

 

[Blue.Fairy2]

DSi between the choices you gave it is more forgiving and has more games directed to younger children.

I disagree that 7 is too young for either but then as I said before I am a tech geek and DS has had his own computer since his was 4.

It really depends on your child, my DS is very responsible and even having said that at 7 I think that a touch would have been too fragile. I would have been very hesitant to let him play unsupervised and the whole idea behind a portable device is to have fun.

 

[QueenGoblin]

My DD loves to play with my DH's iTouch, but we are going with the DSi for Christmas for her. Even I find the iTouch frustrating sometimes, especially when web-browsing, because it is too easy to hit the wrong link, etc. and you end up pulling up advertisements.

Maybe your DH secretly wants an iTouch

 

[sluggozmom]

Thanks everyone... I will go with the DSi.
I appreciate all the advice!