Tablet for 8 Years Old Kid for Christmas

Nuclearvodka on 05/11/2022 - 16:10
Last edited 05/11/2022 - 16:27 by 1 other user

Hi forum.

We're considering getting the kid a tablet for Christmas and would love to hear any recommendations / advice.

We have Android phones and Windows computer so I guess we would stick to the Android OS but we're not against iPads.

It's mainly going to be used for educational apps, watching videos (if you know any parental lock apps, I'd love to know them too).

I don't think she needs the latest and best tablet, but hopefully something that will last a few years.

Ideally keeping budget under $500

Computing Tablet

Comments

  • DiLs on 05/11/2022 - 16:30
    +12

    try syrup, eight year old may find it difficult to swallow a tablet

    • jv on 05/11/2022 - 20:10

      I was just going to suggest Panadol.

  • uwuwu on 05/11/2022 - 16:36
    +2

    entry level iPad 64gb wifi for about $449 when on sale?

    • Nuclearvodka on 05/11/2022 - 17:09

      Yeah, so far this is the one I'm leaning toward.
      But if anyone has a better idea, I'm all hear.
      I mean how much does a kid need in a tablet?

  • ESEMCE on 05/11/2022 - 16:44
    +4

    We run both, despite being a predominantly Android house.
    The built in "digital wellbeing" controls are pretty good these days on either platform.

    Android is slightly better in that you can set a kids account and block access to the App Store which you can't do on iOS (least not as far as I can work out anyway).
    But on both you can at least block installation of apps without parental approval.

    I disable YouTube Kids cause it at least used to be a literal horror show.

  • ESEMCE on 05/11/2022 - 16:48

    Get an EVA foam case.

    Despite ours, I do note that the iPad mysteriously got a cracked screen within the first 6 months of ownership yet the Samsung Tab S4 (now the device of my youngest) and the Original Nexus 7 that both used to be my son's remain to this day with uncracked screens.

    Could be coincidence, could be that Apple products seem to crack easily (so many iOS friends carry cracked screen phones, I can't recall my Android owning friends living with a cracked screen for long).

    • Quantumcat on 05/11/2022 - 18:15

      so many iOS friends carry cracked screen phones, I can't recall my Android owning friends living with a cracked screen for long

      Probably because you can use ios devices for many more years than android devices

      • dcep on 06/11/2022 - 00:24

        More likely that apple screen replacement costs an arm and can't afford to buy another one, yet no choice for cheaper alternatives whilst getting stuck on apple ecosystem.

        Funny how those cracked screen owners can afford apple devices but not apple care.

        As for android device cracked screens, you just bin it and grab a new one same day.

        • ESEMCE on 06/11/2022 - 09:59

          I don't think it's that simple.
          Most of my friends use top end devices.
          So replacement cost is similar.
          I don't see as many cracked iPhones as I used to either.
          Maybe they're using the same glass strength and thickness these days?

  • AndyC1 on 05/11/2022 - 16:59
    +2

    You can search using the search area on the top right for previous posts like this to see what was discussed and what people recommended.

  • GourmetFoodie on 05/11/2022 - 20:49
    +8

    Mate don’t do it.
    Your kids deserves better than that. It’s not good for their brain. Less screen time the better. I used to work in tech and I can tell you all the top bosses at Facebook etc don’t let their kids touch any of it! They are total hypocrites but they know what’s good for their kids..,

    • Nuclearvodka on 05/11/2022 - 20:57
      +5

      Yeah we don't have TVs (but we do have computers) and we have tried keeping her screen free for as long as possible.
      But we need to find a balance between no technology whatsoever and allowing some educational screen time.
      (She's allowed some series/movies but only in French for example)

    • [Deactivated] on 05/11/2022 - 23:55
      +2

      Yup. Worked in tech for nearly a decade. Nearly every dev I've know follows this mantra for younger kids. Most kids in my family circle got personal tablets/high end smartphones and they went from social well adjusted kids to introverted screen addicts in a matter of months. Though should be fine with an 8yo with limits.

      • dcep on 06/11/2022 - 00:58
        +2

        I want my kids to play games on PC, but not consoles / mobile / tablet.

        I would like them to be PC literate / tech savvy and teach them building PC for problem solving skill.

      • ESEMCE on 06/11/2022 - 10:01

        Parental control is all that's required.
        Barely any parental control required these days with easy to use screen time restriction features built in.

    • foxmulder on 06/11/2022 - 01:28
      -1

      Plus not good for eyes. Heard most of those young ones are short sighted.

  • deme on 05/11/2022 - 20:55
    +2

    The outdoors

  • bargaino on 05/11/2022 - 23:53
    +3

    First, kids don't care about IOS vs Android. They quickly learn whichever.

    An 8yo has small fingers. I recommend buying a big-screen network-locked phone, and don't put a SIM in.
    Cheap, around $200 for a good one, so you won't get angry when the kid inevitably cracks the screen. Just look for one with a good-quality display and sufficient RAM.

    I see zero benefit for anything bigger than those 6.5" display for an 8yo.

    https://www.telstra.com.au/mobile-phones/prepaid-mobiles/pre…

  • Geoff01 on 06/11/2022 - 10:33

    You can get a lenovo tab m8 or similar for $150 from Amazon or kidoz for less. Absolutely no need to spend more.

  • ozbob on 07/11/2022 - 14:21

    Been in this situation last year and bought the kids the Lenovo Tab M10 from the Lenovo EDU store (if you have an edu.au address you get some discount there).
    I use it with the Google Family Link app which allows me to monitor what they do and restrict the time they can use it etc. but first and foremost I talk to them about what they can and can't do and why I restrict the time etc.
    The tablet is on the large side but it's good for longer road trips etc so they can watch a movie etc. An 8" would probably be enough though.

    Be sure to get a proper case as any drop will surely break the screen…

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