There isn’t a right or wrong time to get your child a tablet. The moment you consider them ready, you should buy them one. This way, your child can develop important computer skills and use it as a source of entertainment. However, deciding what tablet to get can be quite a minefield as there are so many options.
If you aren’t into technical terms, then the choice is that much harder. First you should consider how the tablet will be used and go from there. To make things easier, here are some tips to consider before buying a tablet.
Operating System
You have two options for operating systems, either Apple or Android. Each has its unique features and a different app store. You can access the app store via the tablet, and there you can purchase and download apps.
When deciding which tablet to buy, consider opting for an operating system similar to what you already own. It means all your devices will be compatible, and you can synchronize them. Also, some Apple apps will not be available on Android and vice versa, so you should consider what your child needs and wants for their device.
Battery Life
The battery life is a crucial element to take into account. Nobody wants their device to turn off just after an hour of usage. Small kids will possibly throw tantrums when things aren’t working. You don’t want a screaming kid on your hands.
Always check the battery life before making a purchase. Tablets with wider screens have less battery lifespan than smaller ones. In general, a kid’s tablet lasts between seven to nine hours after a single charge. Some brands only last four hours, then they shut down.
Internal Storage
Another major factor to consider is internal storage. You want a tablet that can handle a few games, applications, and maybe movies. Do not go for a tablet with less storage just because it’s cheaper because you will constantly need to delete things to make room for other apps.
Small tablets have 16 GB of space, which means up to 123 average-sized apps and three movies. The latest models of tablets have between 64GB and 128GB of storage. The ideal tablet is the 64GB one because it offers a good balance between storage and price.
Screen Size
Kids’ tablets usually have a small screen, so they can easily fit in their hands. A mini tablet can have a screen between six to ten inches. The advantage of a small screen tablet is that it will also be cheaper. Consider your child’s age when you decide on screen size. An older child might prefer a bigger screen.
The screen size drastically improves the watching experience. For younger kids, this might not matter, but elementary children might want a better-quality tablet. The Lenovo Small Tablet for Kids is specially designed for children, so the tablet is not too big and can be easily carried around.
Weight
The tablet should be lightweight enough to take outside without too much effort. If your child needs to take it to school with them, the tablets shouldn’t be more than one pound. Some devices barely weigh anything, but these are more expensive than your average-weight ones.
Water-Resistant
Kids are clumsy, so they are bound to ruin their tablet in one way or another. To extend the tablet’s life, you should get a sturdy model that can handle some water spillage. Some devices have a two-year warranty, so if your child ruins them, you can replace them for free. Even if your child is responsible, accidents can happen anytime. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
It costs more to buy a new one than to take preventive measures to prolong the life of the current one. You can also opt-in for accidental breakage cover. If anything happens to the device, you can easily replace it, no questions asked.
Protective Case
It is always wise to opt for a protective case. These cases aren’t expensive and can protect the device if it falls or water gets spilled on them. There are plenty of creative and beautiful case models to buy that your child will definitely like. Before getting one, you should check if it is the proper size and model for your tablet.
Always ensure that the case won’t cover the tablet’s buttons and that the charging point is easily accessible. There are many types of protective cases, and some are more heavy-duty than others.
Giving your child their first tablet is a big step. It means you consider them responsible enough to own one. Choosing the right one depends on many factors but having an idea of what to look for gives you the ability to make a wise choice.