iPad desktop vs ipad

[foe84]

Hi,

I am casually searching for a desktop (or mini pc) for a toddler to use for learning games (like abc mouse)...Future consideration is for when he needs to do work (research, typing, etc) in school.

I wasn't looking to spend a lot, but now seeing how most desktops actually cost $500 or more..that's alot considering what it will be used for. I don't want a laptop because I would prefer a bigger screen/or at least a mouse which would be easier for him.

Or should i just look at an older ipad and get a mouse and key board combo?

 

[rui no onna]

For someone that young, a 32-128GB iPad 10.2" on discount for $249-329 seems like a better choice.

Wouldn't even bother with keyboard yet although I would get a Logitech Crayon (feels sturdier and more kiddie-proof than the Apple Pencil).

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

Yeah, at this point I would say just an iPad. And-- you would be surprised at how little need the next generation feels for a physical keyboard. My daughter got her first iPad when she was 4. She's going into 4th grade now, and her school issues the students iPads to do their work on. No keyboard, no Logitech crayon-- just the iPad. And there is plenty she does with it, especially since coronavirus, with all of her assignments on it instead of just some. They started the kids on iPads in the classroom in Kindergarten and then starting in third grade, the issue the kids iPads that they carry back and forth to school every day. She's in public school-- a very highly rated public school, but still-- we aren't talking about a fancy place.

I've asked my daughter if she would like to have a keyboard, and she has no desire for it-- she is completely comfortable with typing on the iPad itself.

She does have a Mac desktop at her dad's house, which she uses for learning to code, which is something she is really into. But that's pretty much her only use for it. On the iPad she does schoolwork, makes a LOT of art, makes movies, watches TV, etc. etc.

 

[AutomaticApple]

On the iPad she does schoolwork, makes a LOT of art, makes movies, watches TV, etc. etc.

The school allows students to watch television on the iPads?

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

The school allows students to watch television on the iPads?

No, she has a personal iPad as well as a school iPad.

 

[ApfelKuchen]

A toddler doesn't need a mouse or keyboard. That's something an adult "trained" on a PC would want.

Ask yourself this; What is easier to understand - reaching out and touching what you want to do (hand-eye coordination that has already been learned), or learning to steer some funny looking object around which then moves a pointer on the screen, and then requires clicking a button on that weird thing so that a button on the screen is "pushed"?

I remember training an office full of DOS PC users how to use a mouse when they were upgraded to Windows 3.1 PCs. "Here's a nice Solitaire game. Spend a few hours playing this, that'll teach you the hand-eye coordination necessary to use that mouse."

 

[Magoo1979]

For someone that young, a 32-128GB iPad 10.2" on discount for $249-329 seems like a better choice.

Wouldn't even bother with keyboard yet although I would get a Logitech Crayon (feels sturdier and more kiddie-proof than the Apple Pencil).

My son has been in Bring Your Own iPad class for 3 years. This year his teacher recommended all students Buy a blue tooth keyboard to increase typing. Not sure how much use his keyboard is getting, but the crayon is great. I highly recommend this option.

The latest model iPad will last longer and be more use then an older model in my opinion. Just put a good screen guard and case to make sure it lasts!