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

[pinkoos]

The $30 price difference is negligible so it really comes down to more storage space but with a smaller screen vs less storage space with a bigger screen vs more pocketable and less pocketable.

I think the waters are muddied....

[mrbigstuff]

are you buying one for the kids? I would buy whatever is most durable.

...but, honestly, I would not buy one at all until they have some kind of demonstrated need for one. they are computers for surfing content on the interwebs, after all, and all that signifies.

[LaserKun]

Aw, just go ahead and get both:quotes:

[onthedownlow]

There are iPad-specific apps that aren't on the iPod/iPhone and vice versa - so you might check into that, as well - especially educational games, etc.

I think the Mini would be the preference for the versatility of use.

[pinkoos]

mrbigstuff wrote:
are you buying one for the kids? I would buy whatever is most durable.

...but, honestly, I would not buy one at all until they have some kind of demonstrated need for one. they are computers for surfing content on the interwebs, after all, and all that signifies.

My kids are savvy iOS users. We lock down the things that are lockdown-able and educate them on the things that are not. We monitor their usage, limit the time they get to use the iOS devices and mix in enough of "other" types of play and educational activities, so I think we're cool with establishing a good balance for them and also making sure that they are not getting into anything they shouldn't be.

Now, back to the question at hand....

[space-time]

I want to know too. My first grader would probably have fun with some math and reading apps on an iPad mini or iPod Touch.

[SDGuy]

space-time wrote:
...My first grader would probably have fun with some math and reading apps on an iPad mini or iPod Touch.

Be sure to get some sort of armored casing for the thing for WHEN (not if) it gets dropped...

[magicmikey]

It depends on how they like to use it. For instance, my 14 year old son likes to take his iPod Touch everywhere he goes. He listens to music on it and plays games. He even watches videos through Netflix. On the other hand, I keep a Kindle Fire with me because my eyes aren't what they used to be. (I've been waiting impatiently for the iPad Mini!) When I'm not using it, my son will borrow it to watch movies on because of the larger screen but he wouldn't carry a 7" tablet with him so the iPod Touch is better for his needs.

If transporting it around isn't an issue, an iPad Mini is probably more versatile and easier to use. (Clinking on links on an iPod Touch when Web surfing can be really frustrating.)

[rjmacs]

iPad mini, but check pricing on LifeProof cases....

[edgarbc1]

i would go iPad Mini

the point of this is that there are some iPad apps which
may be more use/educational than just the iPhone side.

my 3 yo plays games on my iphone all the time
(without deleting my emails! knock on wood!)
and i have seen several iPad only type educational apps
which had me budgeting for an iPad refurb for her own.

the iPad mini fits the bill and will probably serve her needs
for a long time...

thats my opinion on your dilemma...