Help with kids electronics...

[AustinChief]

I'd get the 9 year old a Nexus 7... it beats the iPod in every way unless you just want a smaller/more portable device. (the idea that there are more games/apps for the iPod vs the Nexus is crap.. anything you could want is going to be on both at this point)

[wazu]

Originally Posted by AustinChief

I'd get the 9 year old a Nexus 7... it beats the iPod in every way unless you just want a smaller/more portable device. (the idea that there are more games/apps for the iPod vs the Nexus is crap.. anything you could want is going to be on both at this point)

The main reason we are embracing the iPod idea specifically is that his Mom and I both have iPhones. The iOS texting over wifi is nice, and allows us to stay in contact with him directly when he is over at friends' houses without having to give him a cell phone. (Something which I plan to fight for a long, long, long time.)

[patteeu]

Originally Posted by wazu

The main reason we are embracing the iPod idea specifically is that his Mom and I both have iPhones. The iOS texting over wifi is nice, and allows us to stay in contact with him directly when he is over at friends' houses without having to give him a cell phone. (Something which I plan to fight for a long, long, long time.)

I planned on fighting it until high school for my kids, but their mom was less committed to that plan and she eventually started lobbying on their behalf. We ended up getting them phones when they turned 11. It turned out to be pretty convenient for us to be able to communicate with them when they were over at friends' houses or whatever. It seemed like a decent age in terms of ability to be responsible and convenience for on-the-go kids in retrospect. Of course, cost is a factor too though.

[wazu]

Originally Posted by patteeu

I planned on fighting it until high school for my kids, but their mom was less committed to that plan and she eventually started lobbying on their behalf. We ended up getting them phones when they turned 11. It turned out to be pretty convenient for us to be able to communicate with them when they were over at friends' houses or whatever. It seemed like a decent age in terms of ability to be responsible and convenience for on-the-go kids in retrospect. Of course, cost is a factor too though.

Yeah, we'll see. I like the convenience of it. My thought has been to wait until they are driving age. Like everything, we go into it with a plan but end up playing it by ear.

[patteeu]

Originally Posted by wazu

Yeah, we'll see. I like the convenience of it. My thought has been to wait until they are driving age. Like everything, we go into it with a plan but end up playing it by ear.

Yep. You'll be dealing with a lot of pressure (but dad, everyone else has one!! lol), but I'm sure you'll end up doing what's right for your situation.