Leap Frog or VTech ereader/tablet for 4 yr old?

[midwestdee]

I'd welcome any opinions on Leap Frog versus a VTech e-reader/tablet for a 4 year boy. He uses his mom's Ipad all the time and she has lots of apps/programs for him on it. She would like to use her Ipad herself, so she is considering something just for him. It seems like both options require lots of other add ons ($$$). Would she be better off just getting another Ipad? Thanks so much for any input.

 

[wenrob]

From my experience he will grow out of either FAST, especially if he knows his way around an iPad. The books and games for them are outrageously expensive and in the end cost as much if not more than an iPad/tablet. Been there, done that. There are so many sales happening for the iPads right now and the original Mini is very affordable. If I had it to do over again I would have just gone with iPod Touches (the mini was not out then.) IMO she'd be ahead with an iPad Mini.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I agree; go with an iPad. A refurbished model would save money. I would recommend going with a third generation iPad or newer.

 

[midwestdee]

Thanks so much for the input! That is kind of what I thought too - but I'm totally out of the loop with educational toys.

 

[tomeaine]

In a house with both a 7yr old and 4yr old we have a vtech , explorer and another game tablet. They are nice units with decent games..however they are nothing compared to a real tablet. The cost per game is not cheap and downfall is if the kid doesn't like it or not what you expected your out 20+ dollars on the game. With and iPad or android unit games are typically free to just a hand full of dollars. I would recommend something like the amazon fire kid edition which is a steal considering it comes with a 2yr warranty, solid bumper and amazon free time.. It does have several set backs and small drive space but much better than a vtech. My kids love the nabi2 which is at a good price and has sdcard port. Also check out cowboom for refurb units from best buy..nice way to introduce your child into a tablet...just get a decent bumper/case

 

[midwestdee]

thanks! good points to consider

 

[MSSANDRA]

Ipad all the way. I made the mistake of buying leapfrog for our then 4 year and it was a complete waste of money. He told me that was not what he wanted and never enjoyed it. Choose ipad or ipad mini that suits your budget.

 

[NYEmomma]

I echo everyone's sentiments. Go with an actual tablet. We're an anti-Apple household so we got Kindle Fires. My oldest got hers for her 4th birthday and my 2yo twins are getting a pair for Christmas this year.

 

[midwestdee]

Thanks everyone! They are on a budget - so they need to make the right choice. I'm sure lots of parents are wondering about this too.

 

[kristinlynn]

Check out the Little Scholar. It's $130, but has more than 200 aps and videos already loaded on it -- all with an educational theme.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/inde...19172561:TRUS&eESource=CAPLA_DF:42448666:TRUS

 

[sherry7]

I have a 4.5 year old daughter. We have a ton of tech gadgets in the house that she is allowed to use with my permission...iPad mini, an Android tablet, and a LeapPad Ultra with at least 15 cartridges. If given the choice, she prefers the iPad mini about 90% of the time. The rest of the time she chooses her LeapPad Ultra. (She actually preferred my iPad4 due to the larger screen, until I removed all of the kid games from it.)

The nice thing about the LeapPad is that all of the games are educational, even though kids don't usually realize it. The cartridges/downloads aren't cheap. The iPad has thousands of free and cheap apps available, but you have to be more selective on choosing them, since a lot aren't educational at all. I've had a difficult time finding quality educational apps on the Android platform. Maybe I haven't looked hard enough though. The Apple Refurb store sells iPads and iPad minis at a discounted rate, with a full warranty. I haven't bought one from there, but I've read excellent reports from people who have.

 

[midwestdee]

We are all kind of an Apple family. I did check out Little Scholar. The best thing is it all loaded and ready to go - plus he does have a baby brother to grow into it - so I'm passing that info along too.

 

[dsneprincess]

DS4 has a VTech Innotab 3s. He enjoys using it & that it is his with games. He has 2 cartridges & 3 downloads that were bought on an Easter sale for under $6. He will get 2 more games for Christmas. My inlaws bought last Christmas for about $75 with a case and game. We have an itouch, iPad, DS and tablets that he uses for other stuff, but that is "his" and I am pleased with it. His big brother will use if he doesn't have HS own for one reason or another. I am pleased with it.