Which portable game system for our kids?

[amsafko]

I have resisted buying my kids portable game systems for quite a while but I think this Christmas is the time. My daughters will be 9 and 6 (almost 7) by then. Our dvd player broke in our minivan so I was wondering if the ones that play video as well might be a good idea. We travel a lot (just got back from Ireland) so I need something that will be good for them on long flights. My oldest is really into games but my younger daughter is not. She'd prefer movies and music with games not as high on her list. Any suggestions? Any types you'd avoid?

We also have a son who just turned 4 and I was thinking of a leapster for him. Is that a good choice for him (he is very good on the computer)?

For all of them, I'd like systems that have some games that are somewhat educational.

I'm really new to this so any help would be really appreciated.

 

[stm61]

I would probably go with Nintendo DS's for your kids. You can find a pretty good variety of games for all ages. You can try the leapster for your ds, but if he's already good on the computer he may want the Nintendo for the better graphics. Another option is buy a DS and a PSP. The PSP will play movies, they can switch off systems when they're bored. Neither system is cheap, but last I checked the DS was priced lower then PSP. There are several versions of DS also, which are all priced differently.

 

[sms]

My DS7 loves his I-Pod Touch. Great for games, movies and music!

 

[zippitydoo]

I would go with the Nintendo DSI

 

[golfgal]

What about laptops for them? That will give you the most flexibility for games, movies, music, etc.? Maybe a netbook?