Use Phone / iPod As Cheap Game Device For Kids?

[Planet13]

Hi there, Everyone:

Looking for a cheap game device for my 6 year old son for car trips.

Will a used smartphone / tab / iPod be a good option if I am looking for FREE games (or at east inexpensive games)? (I wouldn't have actual phone service for it. Just want to use it to play games.)

I am trying to avoid dedicated game players (like nintendo DS or whatever) due to the cost of buying games.

My son likes the things that a typical six year old likes - you know, plants versus zombies, minecraft, etc.,

Would be great to have some educational games, too.

Thanks in advance.

[engine]

There are a number of low cost Android-powered tablets coming on the market, and even designed-for-kids devices.

Perhaps a second user tablet might be cost-effective?

[Planet13]

Thanks for the suggestion, engine.

I started looking at some of the 7 inch tablets last night, particularly the Nexus 7 and the Galaxy Tab 7 version 2. (not many of them available second-hand on craigslist yet though.)

I know that most of the free apps usually show ads. Is it possible to still play those games if I put the tablet in airplane mode so that my son can't accidentally hit the links in those games?

Or will putting it in airplane mode prevent certain games from running?

Also, does anyone have any suggestions for free games or learning apps for 6 year old boys? He's a pretty good reader, even though he PRETENDS that he hates reading.

Thanks again in advance.

[engine]

Oh, do look around for the no-brand tablets, if you want new; they are basic, but very affordable.

[Planet13]

Thank you, engine.

Oh, do look around for the no-brand tablets, if you want new; they are basic, but very affordable.

Can you recommend a place where I should look for them? A particular site? Or just search ebay / amazon for "android tablets"?

Also, if I look at the no-brand tablets, could you kindly tell me what minimum features it should have? (Like, what processor, or what the minimum version of software should be, or minimum amount of memory, is it ok if it DOESN'T have a micro SD card slot, etc...)?

Thanks again.

[engine]

Oh, now you've got me. I've seen these no-name brands being marketed around an about. I've not taken much notice as it's not really of interest, but it would seem to me that a basic device would be great as a starter for kids.

Yes, do a search, as you've indicated, but watch out for the Android version and the processor speed. Probably the most important aspects for gaming. Video resolution and memory being the next aspects.

You do get what you pay for, but then, will the kids be doing much more than games. And it it's cheap enough, you can upgrade without worrying too much about how much you've invested.

[SevenCubed]

Do you have kids that have a tendency toward motion sickness? If yes maybe a cheap used one from a garage sale might be better :)

[Planet13]

Thank you, engine and SevenCubed:

No, no motion sickness. He plays games on my Huawei Ascend in the car all the time, and if he can stomach my Huawei Ascend, then he can probably stomach anything!

One question about no-name tablets: I read that some are "not certified by google for the Google Play Store."

How much of a barrier will that be to getting apps?

BTW: This one looks like it might be a decent tablet for under $150. Any thoughts?

[zdnet.com...]

[lucy24]

Is it possible to still play those games if I put the tablet in airplane mode so that my son can't accidentally hit the links in those games?

If you're offline, hitting links-- whether accidentally or on purpose-- wouldn't do anything would it? If you're in "airplane" mode the machine knows it's offline. If you're simply not within reach of a phone service or router, the machine doesn't know until it tries.

:: rigorously suppressing "for a given definition of 'cheap'" line of thought ::

[Planet13]

:: rigorously suppressing "for a given definition of 'cheap'" line of thought ::

Glad you mentioned that ;)

My wife came up with the idea after one of her friends had mentioned that they got one for their kid.

Of course, my wife had no idea which device they bought. When I asked my wife if she could kindly find out from her friend which device they bought, my wife said to me, "Why does everything have to be so complicated with you?"

Despite my sharp wit and years of wisdom, I didn't really have a response for her.

My wife DID tell me that her friend mentioned that the one they got was about $250.

However, knowing my wife, she would probably be furious at me if I didn't get it for significantly less than that.

So, that is about the best I can give.

And since I am hoping to maybe get a new flash gun for my digital camera, I am hoping to keep it WAY under $250 so that when I borrow her credit card, I might be able to get a flash as well without her freaking out.

[Rugles]

due to the cost of buying games.

The games for tablets are usually just a few dollars. At least the ones I have purchased.

It is a relatively cheap game device when compared to the other options.

[onlineleben]

If you're in "airplane" mode the machine knows it's offline. If you're simply not within reach of a phone service or router, the machine doesn't know until it tries.

This could also have an influence on how long the batteries last. Trying to establish a connection costs energy. In flightmode all radio related stuff on the pad/phone is switched off.

my wife said to me, "Why does everything have to be so complicated with you?"

You could start one of the most viewed and commented posts on Webmastrworld with this topic. :)