Tablets for Tots

I was recently invited for a Tablets for Tots luncheon (hosted by Best Buy, the Geek Squad and reps from RIM) to munch and meander the opportunities for kids and tablet devices. 

Confession:  I have a tablet – a Samsung Galaxy Tablet and no I do NOT let my kids touch it (thems got sticky fingers)

Take-away: the Geek Squad is solution based so if it takes them 10 minutes or 10 hours they will work dedicated to your problem until its solved.  (recommend bookmarking the online support feature)

During that Tablets for Tots discussion, my opinion of kids and tabs did open up.  We talked about how mobile tabs are family friendly (one device = your library, camera, movie player, social network, e-mail and game system).  We talked about how tech savvy kids are and that learning how to manipulate a tab can be part of their education.  We also talked about the cool apps (not Angry Birds…despite the fact that my kids think it’s pretty cool) out in the free and paid markets which can keep kids entertained (and bonus if they have educational quality).

We also discussed “screen time” and most of the invitees agreed that screen time should not be limitless.  (chez nous it’s 30 minutes) Nor do screens replace books.

On our lunch table was every tablet imaginable and I thought it might be prudent to share a quick run-down for you dear readers.

ipad

The ipad was the biggest tablet on the table (PlayBook and Samsung are half the size).  The biggest fail on the ipad is that it can’t play flash (which means when there is a video on a website – it just shows a blank area).  Amazing amount of apps.  Good video quality.  My research tells me ipad does not have a built in camera – can anyone confirm this?

PlayBook

The picture quality of the PlayBook* is fantastic! From pictures to games to video the imagery is the top amongst this tablet listing.  It’s a smart device with easy one finger swiping.  With this, dad can check e-mail using the blackberry bridge, mom can surf the internet and kids can watch videos and play movies (think of it one vacation, one device and only one cable to pack!).  Yes, it has a built in camera.  And it plays flash.

Samsung Galaxy Tablet

I received the galaxy tab for my birthday and at first I thought it was just a toy.  But after extensive testing (ok daily use really) I have found it’s a really COOL tool.  It is my hand-held go-to for twitter, facebook, web searching and camera (do you notice a trend of the importance of camera to me? multi-purpose devices are my thang).  Android operating system.  Plays flash.  Extensive app market (my new fav is talk-to-tape where I can audio record interviews – great for a writer-type like me).

Disclosure: I received a PlayBook at this luncheon for hands-on experience.  Moment it came into the house the family was all “Can I have it?” “Can I have it?” “Me!”