Kindle Ebook Reader Comparisons for Kids

When you are making ebook reader comparisons for kids needs, you inevitably have to think about Kindle ereaders for your children.  The company has a pattern of making significant changes every year, upgrading and improving the service delivered by their ebook readers to people of all ages.  The latest updates are no different, and there are two major ebook reader choices, along with an older version. 

Amazon’s Kindle E-reader devices have really evolved in recent years, and the latest version is proving to be an exciting choice for those who love to read.  The KindlePaperwhite provides readers with access to the massive library of material available for Kindle products and apps while improving the experience from a visual standpoint.  Whether you already have experience with Kindle E-readers or whether you are entertaining the idea of buying your first E-reader, there are many positive design and use elements to explore with the Kindle Paperwhite.

Ebook Reader Comparisons for Kids
There are several choices in Kindle ebook readers,
depending on your pricing needs and the additional features you want
to have available.

 

The Kindle Paperwhite provides a six inch display that includes a built-in light, making it possible to read at any time and in any conditions.  The white background makes the reading experience more like working with an actual book, reducing eye strain.  Weighing 7.5 ounces, the device is lightweight and easy to take with you.  2 GB of storage on the device allows you to download more than 1,000 books, but with Amazon cloud storage, you have access to even more content.  Touchscreen interaction makes this E-reader much like a tablet in terms of use.  The battery life of the new Kindle device is as much as eight weeks, depending on settings.  Wireless and light usage can reduce this time, but the device provides extended reading time between charges.

 

Amazon Prime members are able to rent bestselling books from popular authors on a monthly basis.  There is plenty of content available in the Amazon library, ranging from magazines to blogs to short stories.  Audio features make it possible to engage in multi-modal reading, using audio features to enhance your experience.  If your child is an auditory learner, the Paperwhite Kindle is an excellent way to enhance his or her reading experience. 

With the Wi-Fi version of the device, you can easily access new material when you have a connection.  The 3G design provides the ability to access your reading material or look for new titles without having to track down a Wi-Fi hot spot.  Prices start at $119, making this version of the line of ebook readers excellent in comparison to many handheld gaming systems and tablet computers.

The basic Kindle is a button navigation device, affordable for many at $69.  When it comes to ebook reader comparisons for kids, the Kobo undercuts the Kindle by about $10, but the massive library and services available to the Kindle user promises to grow along with your young ereader, making the Kindle a more lasting investment.

If you want a bit of entertainment to intertwine with your childs ebook reader, the Kindle Fire is priced at $159 and the Kindle Fire HD provides a more enriched tablet experience at $199.  The models get more elaborate from there if you are willing to be more spendy, but it's really nice that there are so many quality options.

Meep Learning Tablet for Kids

Meep Learning Tablet for Kids

If you are looking for something educational and fun, more of a real tablet than a toy, then you will be pleasantly surprised by Meep Tablet from Oregon Scientific. It's only $149 in cost, a price that's a bargain when compared with low end but high quality tablets, new release video game systems and other electronic devices. It's built tougher for kids, it's got parental controls, and it provides a more kid-friendly interface without being overly young. There are many high quality electronic learning devices to consider this year, some of which are developmentally aimed at the elementary school level. LeapPad Explorer acts like a tablet, but it is more in line with the pre-school and early elementary end of the spectrum. Upper elementary, meanwhile, may be a bit harsh on upper end tablets. Middle schoolers tend to love interactive games, and Meep has lots of the popular apps available like Angry Birds and others. It's an Android Tablet, it's a little more mature than the toy tablets, and it's more durable than some of the delicate tablet designs. Great option for 2012 holiday season giving!

Perplexus 3D Puzzle Games

Perplexus 3D Puzzle Ball

One of my daughters picked up a Perplexus ball as a Christmas gift for her brothers last year. It spanned the ages, working as a gift that suited all kids from ages 6 to 15, and while they occasionally challenged each other about whose turn it was, it proved to be a lot of fun. The goal in maneuvering the tiny ball through the maze is not a novel idea, but it is more challenging in the 3D environment of working this puzzle. Occasional successes made it clear that success could be achieved in solving this puzzle, but there's enough challenge to keep it fun for everyone, including the adults in the house.

Dominoes for Kids: Fun and Learning

Double Six Dominoes:  Educational Games for Kids

One of my favorite educational game choices is dominoes. A simple set of double-six dominoes is perfect for provoking kids to use their mental math skills. Cooperative skills come into play as people challenge each other. In our large household, the fact is that there have to be teams for everyone to be able to participate, adding to the learning experience. While there are lots of game choices for kids, the simple and standard choices can be among the most pleasurable. Add a set of double six dominoes to a holiday or birthday gift, or make it a standard family game night choice!

LeapPad Explorer 2: A New Version of The Popular Touchscreen Toy for Kids

LeapPad Explorer 2 is now available for preorder
and is an updated version of the popular kids touchscreen tablet toy.

If you are thinking about a touchscreen toy for your elementary or pre-school aged child this year, you will be excited about the updated version of the LeapFrog tablet toy. Beginning Aug. 1, 2012 the iPad like toy will be available, though preordering is already in progress. With slightly updated case design, the colors are more pronounced. Front and back cameras are particularly fun for your youngsters and more apps and activities than before will make this an exceptional choice in children's electronic learning gadgets. Find the LeapPad Tablet online.

Toy Tablets for Kids: Touchscreen Toys and Tablet Computers vie for a Share of the Market

When you are thinking ahead to birthdays and holiday gifts for your kids, the tech world can't be avoided.  Touchscreen toys are hot, and the market is ever more competitive.  Last year's LeapPad Explorer tablet for kids was nearly impossible to find by Christmas, and only recently has it regained a spot on my local Walmart's shelf.  Likewise, the InnoTab from VTech was a hot item, a little less rich in features and a little easier on the budget.  Both companies are introducing updated versions of their tablets for children with LeapPad Explorer 2 due to hit the shelves in mid-August and with the InnoTab 2 due out in the fall.

LeapPad Explorer 2 and InnoTab 2 are due out in coming months,
making it possible to obtain older versions at a discount through various sources. 
Even now, InnoTab prices have dropped at Amazon.

This is excellent news on many fronts.  First, LeapPad will include lots of new free content.  In my previous assessments, I felt that there was almost as much value in tablets like Kindle Fire for older kids because of the content costs associated with toy tablets.  LeapFrog provides more value in its coming edition.  InnoTab 2, meanwhile, will include added features and memory.  A camera was lacking in the first model and that plus video cam are part of the new version.  The older models may see some price reductions as releases near for new toy tablet games for kids, so if your budget is crimped, you should watch with eagle eyes for deals. 

Both companies have a tendency to appear as Black Friday doorbusters.  I've picked up things from both brands in the post-Thanksgiving shopping deals and loved the products.  Keep your eyes open and plan now if you need to budget.  Watch eBay, too, as the older versions are likely to be sold second hand to make room for new items.  Excellent if new isn't a priority in your home.

Keep your eyes open for the Meep Tablet for kids, coming later this year from Oregon Scientific.  This tablet may change the landscape dramatically as it includes parental controls and is specifically crafted for kids.


Keep your kids' interests in mind.  A toy that pretends to be a tablet may not suit older children in spite of the claims of companies that they are great for the age group.  My 8 year old distinctly rejected this idea for his birthday and preferred Legos.  If you are looking at the 8-9 year old age range, real tablets may be a better choice.

Dealing with the possibility of touchscreen toys for youngsters, keep your eyes out and be ready to act when items release, especially if you are intent on having these quality toys for the holiday season.  You can keep up with LeapPad products and InnoTab devices for kids at Amazon, among other retailers.

Kindle Touch as an Educational Gift

Kindle Touch is an Excellent Electronic Educational Gift

Ereaders have really provided an interesting opportunity to encourage our kids to read, and my daughter's receiving a Kindle Touch for her birthday seals my approval. I like Kindle in terms of it's usability across different devices and apps, making it possible to access a book on your smartphone or pc.


The Kindle Touch was easy to setup, easy to operate, and I am particularly thrilled with the clarity. I use my own smartphone app to access my Kindle downloads, but the sharpness and contrast on my daughter's new ereader really captured my attention. I can't say enough how much I love the clarity and sharpness. My younger children also found it exciting.


While I recognize that my youngsters can get excited about anything for a short time, I think this is an excellent tool for the child that enjoys reading. With my youngest children, I spend a lot of time reading and misplacing material. I see much value in having one device to manage. There is a lot of free reading material for Kindle. Amazon's Kindle Publishers often place their materials in promotional offers for short periods, making it worthwhile to keep an eye out for inexpensive reading options.


Text to speech and audio books add to the attractiveness of this device. As we get more opportunity to enjoy the new tool in the house, I'm sure that there will be more discoveries. If you select a Kindle for a child, it's important to consider an accident protection plan, offered with Kindles sold through Amazon. It's also wise to invest in a cover so that the device is protected.


Instruct your youngsters in proper care and storage, and help them to understand the costs associated with the system. (Read more about Kindle Touch, including customer reviews)