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Android tablet for kids
LorenzoUK
Posts: 659
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Hi
We are looking at getting a cheap end Android tablet for our 6 year old towards the end of year, so she can watch tv, play games, read some school books online etc. We have seen the Arnova
http://www.staples.co.uk/technology-promotions/tablets/arnova-7-g3-8gb
link above for about £70 which is fine. However, obviously the speed of it etc is not going to be as good as a galaxy. I am worried that it wont download BBC iplayer, youtube etc, everything she does will be under adult supervision of course.
It also doesnt have a USB input and only a microsd which is a pain load to programmes.
Please can anyone recommend any other makes that is suitable for a child for a similar price.
Many Thanks.
We are looking at getting a cheap end Android tablet for our 6 year old towards the end of year, so she can watch tv, play games, read some school books online etc. We have seen the Arnova
http://www.staples.co.uk/technology-promotions/tablets/arnova-7-g3-8gb
link above for about £70 which is fine. However, obviously the speed of it etc is not going to be as good as a galaxy. I am worried that it wont download BBC iplayer, youtube etc, everything she does will be under adult supervision of course.
It also doesnt have a USB input and only a microsd which is a pain load to programmes.
Please can anyone recommend any other makes that is suitable for a child for a similar price.
Many Thanks.
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I'm not sure this tablet has Google play installed by default. A lot of cheap tablets don't. Someone might be able to confirm. You can install it manually but usually you will find some other app store is installed which often has only a smaller number of apps available.
No, it won't download YouTube as it doesn't have any Google Apps (by default anyway). As Rodney McKay said above there is no Google Play and instead Archos/Arnova decided to install AppsLib (to cut costs) which is lacking in a lot of decent apps. Your best bet is the Asus Nexus 7. The 16GB version should come down in price soon (it's currently £199, while the 8GB is £159) as a 32GB version will be available soon. It's a Google Nexus device by Asus so you will get Google Play and all the official Google Apps (YouTube, GMail etc.)
Hope this helps
That price they are quoting there is excluding VAT, add that on and it’s nearer to £90.
geoff
Did the OP end up getting one and what feedback does he have?
Any more input from other people would be great.
Hi, I am glad this has been reopened actually as I still havent go t one for my 6 year old. I am now debating about the kindle fire. I have seen the galaxy tab 2 but it is about £130 - £150 and I dont want to spend that much really. So I am also interested in whats out there.
Looking for one she can watch bbc iplayer, read childrens books and play games.
Any ideas?
I'm still considering a cheaper alternative as I only wanted to spend £70 and don't mind playing around with custom roms but I may yet pay a little extra for a "known" brand.
where was the £119 samsung tab from?
brilliant thanks
I am very happy with it and got a great deal in John Lewis. £150 with £30 cash back. In comparison to other tabs this is great.
Are there any apps that child proof it, so we can lock down what she does on it, and any apps you can recommend for reading books for her age. Kindle for Android dont have any free books, not does the stock readers hub. Or any other kidy apps that are good and free from Google play you can suggest?
Thanks
Kindle has hundreds of free childrens books and most kids books less then a quid.
I don't have my tablet in front of me but my 5 year old has around 30 apps installed on her tablet, some free, some paid for, again most are less then a quid. Just search on Play and in google.
As for lockdown, you can PIN protect play store so they can't self install apps but there is no subsitute for supervision and educating and safe usage.
Thanks. I tried having a quick look last night and couldnt really find any. What search criteria did you use? we will very carefully watch what she will be doing on it also.
Once you have installed the kindle app for android, you can search amazon for free books, e.g. childrens free books
Once you find a few that you like then it start linking to others
Can they not be interested in both?
Many kids start having hand held consoles about this age. I think a tablet is better value for money than a DS.
With the increased fragmentation of families and children travelling longer distances to see relatives, it is good to have things for long journeys.
CBeebies is an excellent website, my daughter enjoys the alphablocks games which supports her developing phonics skills.
Having access to the vast quantity of online educational resources is a bonus. Things such as ebooks to start with.
My 3 year old currently enjoys a game that helps with his shapes.
It is great when we're in cafes and resturants to keep them busy whilst we wait, because as we all know children should be seen and not heard (if DS General Disscussion forums are anthing to go by):D
You are cleaarly not in contact with any 5/6 year olds. They are already recieving ICT lessons at school and have a great deal of functional knowledge.
My daughter also has a vast quantity of dolls and wants a variety of Playmobil and craft activities for xmas. I don't think she is about to develop square eyes just yet!!:D
If you live in the past, then yes Computers in all forms are part of modern life now and kids are interested in them at a young age...saying that I've had a computer since I was 3 years old and I am 33 now...I still played with traditional toys as well...and even now build model cars so you can have both.