32gb $299 iPod touch vs 16gb $329 iPad mini for kids?

[mlfrank]

For kids under 12/13 I like the idea of a used iPad1 or 2 along with something like the otterbox. They don't need the latest.

[edgarbc1]

mlfrank wrote:
For kids under 12/13 I like the idea of a used iPad1 or 2 along with something like the otterbox. They don't need the latest.

:agree:

[Acer]

I force my kids to make due with the $149 refurb iPod touch 8 GB. With their fresh, young eyes screen size does not matter, and it's less money at risk. They learn how to manage the space.

[rgG]

I think the mini would be better for smaller kids. Older kids might want to stick an iPod in their pocket, but younger kids would still probably be carrying whatever in a backpack, if they are carrying it outside the house at all, and I think the larger screen would be better for games and such, even educational games.

[Sam3]

My 9 y.o. daughter easily goes from one to the other. She likes playing games on the Touch, but does games and some creative stuff on the iPad. She really likes playing with iPad Garageband (thank you Apple Camp!) but has just now discovered listening to music through headphones, so likes using the Touch more now.

So I'd say it's a toss-up, you could go either way and they would be happy and find the device useful.

Interestingly enough, she is not using her B&N Nook anymore, she likes borrowing our iPads or iPod Touch.

[sekker]

These are totally different devices.

iPod touch is a pocketable, always-with-you device. Many kids carry it instead of a phone because of the often-present wifi and cool messaging apps (lets them text for free).

The iPad mini is an iPad, and not a phone-less iPhone. This is a smaller device than the larger iPad, but think hardback vs pocketbook. Both are too large to be instant-access. But they are MUCH better as ereaders for color textbooks, etc.

The two devices excel at different uses. Many good iPad apps are pretty terrible on the smaller screen, for example.

[pinkoos]

Thanks for all of the replies. Here's an interesting perspective, though the conclusion is kinda silly.

One other thing is that the touch has retina and the mini does not. And, like I've mentioned in previous threads, once you go retina, it's very hard to go back to non-retina. In fact, it's painful. Granted, I think the mini is supposed to have a better screen than the iPad 2, but it's still not retina.

http://dealmac.com/features/Why-Buy-the-...27253.html

[Speedy]

Send the kids over to the neighbors to test out both.

[pinkoos]

I think I'm going to stick with touches for the kids for now. Ages 7 and 5...I think touches are more appropriate for them for some of the reasons listed in this thread.

However, I'm contemplating selling off my 32gb iPad 3 to fund a purchase of a 32gb iPad mini for the family. The thing that's giving me pause, though, is the lack of retina. I just _love_ the retina display, but I like the smaller, lighter form factor of the iPad mini.