[fran123]

For the 2nd year in a row my DS7 has requested something electronic for Xmas. Last year it was a DS or XBOX. This year its and XBOX or IPAD. We haven't bought anything like that for him yet as he uses the laptop whenever he wants to play games. I am not sure if I should ignore his requests for another year or go ahead and finally get him what he actually wants for XMas. I could easily spend lots of $$$ on bits and bobs or just get him one big pressie. Can you tell me what your children around this age use electronic wise and if you have any recommendations on what to get/what not to get. By the way we are heading out on an overseas holiday next year so am wondering if an IPAD is the answer (although I shriek at the cost - $500?) Thanks

[Carmen02]

an ipad would be fantastic especially with an overseas holiday coming up. my DD is 10 and DS is 8, they have an ipod, a 3D DS, a wii and a laptop to use. They would love an ipad. If you can afford it go ahead it defiently would come in handy

[SlinkyMalinki]

My 4 year old got an iPod Touch last Christmas, it's been great. I'll upgrade her to an iPad in a few years.

She uses it to listen to music on a dock in her room, and we take it out when we're stuck waiting places. She sometimes takes photos on it too.

[SoxyMama]

We have a family ipad. That is most popular. Then they each have a ds probably second. We do have an xbox kinect, but no-one uses it much. Only ever few months.

[lsolaBella]

We like ipad/ ipad mini/iPod touch.

DS 1 is 7 yrs. he has no concept of x box or DS though.

[fran123]

Just putting this out there again for at least a couple more responses. I'm suspecting IPAD is the way to go.......

[3mummy3]

If i had my time over i would avoid all electronics for my kids like the plague!!!
My boys are 13 and 12 and spend 99% of their free time (after school and sporting commitments) glued to one screen or another. 13yo is generally xbox or iphone and 12yo is samsung galaxy tab or ipod touch. Unfortunately i havent been very good at restricting there use and really dont want to deal with the fallout if i did start now.

But in answer to your question if you really want to get something id go ipad if you can afford it.

[fran123]

If i had my time over i would avoid all electronics for my kids like the plague!!!
My boys are 13 and 12 and spend 99% of their free time (after school and sporting commitments) glued to one screen or another. 13yo is generally xbox or iphone and 12yo is samsung galaxy tab or ipod touch. Unfortunately i havent been very good at restricting there use and really dont want to deal with the fallout if i did start now.

But in answer to your question if you really want to get something id go ipad if you can afford it.

Yes, this is a big concern from me. I am wondering if it is even possible to fight technology? I have bought my son an age appropriate jigsaw puzzle and a solitaire type board game in the hope of keeping him amused for short periods over the school holidays but suspect he will scoff a bit at these and still wish for the technology.

[Jacoby28]

DD is 9yrs old and in the house we have 2 x desk top computers, a laptop, 3 tablets of some sort, Xbox 360, Ipod touch,DS3 and 2 tv's. She goes through her stages of what she is playing with but the only thing she is on weekly is the laptop (which is her's), Oh and watch Tv.

[sophiasmum]

Whatever you do don't buy a Nintendo DS because we bought one for DS who was 6 & 1/2 last christmas, well DH insisted but I wasn't convinced, turns out I was right because he hardly plays with it anymore because he's bored of the games & new ones are so expensive.

Same christmas we bought DD who was 8 & 1/2 an iPod and it was the best thing ever, she loves it & until I recently got my iPhone, DS was on it all the time too (now he's on my iPhone every day).

There is no way I would spend $500 on an ipad for the children, I would spend less & get the ipod.

We also bought the Wii last christmas, but it hardly gets played anymore. He wants the xbox now, which aint gonna happen!