iPad options - help please....

[NWJocko]

Looking for some help on people in the know to hopefully save me some time.

I'm looking to get an iPad, primarily for my older daughter to use to help her communication (you can get specific apps/software etc, a long story!) but inevitably the good lady and myself will use it also.

I know you can get wi-fi only versions and also 3g type ones through a mobile contract, which would you recommend?

Was swaying towards the wi-fi only version as likely to be used at home in the main for my daughter and she's not really going to need 3G connection given she's only 4! However, not sure if the differences in cost/structure of contracts is worth it for the 3G capability?

Any experiences and/or pointers appreciated. Apologies for asking such a simple question but, as mentioned, hoping I can tap the fountain of knowledge on here to save me some time!

Thanks in advance.

 

[Val]

No need for a 3G or mobile version IMO unless you are a business user, there is enough free wi-fi around, add to that the offline apps that your daughter could and would use is a no brainer, no need to spend the extra.

As for buying one, consider buying from the apple refurb store, all ipads on there are fully refurbished and come with a 1 year warranty and other than a different box they genuinely look brand new, I got mine there 2 years ago and saved £60 at the time.

 

[NWJocko]

No need for a 3G or mobile version IMO unless you are a business user, there is enough free wi-fi around, add to that the offline apps that your daughter could and would use is a no brainer, no need to spend the extra.

As for buying one, consider buying from the apple refurb store, all ipads on there are fully refurbished and come with a 1 year warranty and other than a different box they genuinely look brand new, I got mine there 2 years ago and saved £60 at the time.

Perfect, thanks for the quick feedback Val. Didn't know about the refurb store, will look into it as it may take some punishment, even with the big protective cover we're going to get for it!

Thanks again, not had a tablet before so has certainly saved me some time :thup:

 

[Pin-seeker]

Yeah probably best to go with the WI-FI only option. Got my son one a couple of yr back for his 3rd birthday,crazy how quick kids get on with technology. Loads of apps for kids & they can watch their favourite cartoons on YouTube.

 

[Val]

Perfect, thanks for the quick feedback Val. Didn't know about the refurb store, will look into it as it may take some punishment, even with the big protective cover we're going to get for it!

Thanks again, not had a tablet before so has certainly saved me some time :thup:

Be aware though a tablet gives internet and more importantly ebay access in under 5 seconds so forum usage and ebay spot buys may increase

 

[brendy]

Having three young daughters myself the best advice I can give you is not to get her an ipad but an ipod touch 4th gen instead, they bounce better and only cost £140 instead and can still run the multitude of apps released for apple products.

 

[NWJocko]

Having three young daughters myself the best advice I can give you is not to get her an ipad but an ipod touch 4th gen instead, they bounce better and only cost £140 instead and can still run the multitude of apps released for apple products.

Thanks Brendy, unfortunately need the size of a "full" iPad for what we want/need to use it for. There are specific cases that protect the iPad I've found online specifically designed for autistic children so will be getting one of those.

 

[brendy]

Thanks Brendy, unfortunately need the size of a "full" iPad for what we want/need to use it for. There are specific cases that protect the iPad I've found online specifically designed for autistic children so will be getting one of those.

Fair enough but don't say you weren't warned

 

[Odvan]

Definitely stay away from the 3g. £100 extra for it (or was when i bought mine), no chance.

If you're with Sky/BT broadband there's a huge number of free wifi spots. I even have one in my house if I disconnected from the router and turned it off, for example.

 

[Rooter]

Definitely stay away from the 3g. £100 extra for it (or was when i bought mine), no chance.

If you're with Sky/BT broadband there's a huge number of free wifi spots. I even have one in my house if I disconnected from the router and turned it off, for example.

Or if you are an iphone (or maybe other smartphone) user, you can create a personal hotspot, thats what i do with my ipad (wifi), basically join the ipad to the phone and use the phones 3G connection..

 

[Coatsy79]

If its for your daughter get the wifi only ipad mini

I've got one and its brilliant and the cheapest ipad they do at £269

 

[NWJocko]

Thanks all.

Need a full sized iPad so got one at lunchtime and typing on it now

Thanks again for the help.