iPad for Kids: iPad Mini Review

The iPad Mini is Apple’s iPad for kids. I know a lot of people were delightfully surprised when Apple came out with a smaller and cheaper version of its iPad. Parents who experienced having tug of war with their kids with their iPads are seriously asking themselves if it’s time to let their kids have their own tablet. Moreover, to most kid’s eyes, adult tablets are iPads.

iPad Mini Technical Specs

Below is the technical specification of the iPad Mini

The iPad Mini runs on dual-core Apple A5 CPU, 512MB RAM and has 768 x 1024 pixels screen resolution. The iPad Mini has a 5 MP rear camera and a 1.3 MP front camera for taking  photos and videos.

The iPad Mini looks like a smaller version of its iPad predecessor only that it comes with a smaller 7.9‑inch (diagonal) screen, weighs only around and 11 ounces and it’s 0.28 inch thin. It has a Wifi-only and Wifi and 3G versions which both come with a 16GB, 32GB and 64GB storage options.

The iPad Mini is the iPad for kids specifically because its small and light enough for the kids to handle. However, since iPad Mini was not made especially for kids, it looks so fragile, so a protective casing is a must if you are going to hand it over to the kids, to avoid breaking the iPad Mini in case they drop of bump it.

Unfortunately, the iPad Mini uses a proprietary lightning connector which is not compatible with most devises if you’re not into the Apple system.

Sturdiness and Durability

Kids would probably  not care about this, but its metal chassis gives the iPad Mini a more luxurious feel compared to other tablets.  It feels solid when held and feels incredibly sturdy. However, you need to invest in a good iPad Mini protective case to protect it from bumps and drops.

iPad Mini Software and Apps

The iPad Mini’s operating system is iOS 6 out-of-the-box. Just like the iPad, the iPad Mini comes with pre-installed apps for browsing, messaging, and multimedia.

When it comes to educational apps for kids, Apple App Store has the most comprehensive collection. With an iPad Mini, you have access to thousands of educational apps for kids of all ages .

Click Here to Read Ratings and Reviews on iPad Mini at Amazon.com

Parental Controls on iPad Mini

A major concern for parents in letting their kids handle digital devices is parental controls. In iPad, you can activate arental control through the Restrictions int he General Settings. Here you can set the passcode and choose the apps you wan to enable to allow kids to access. However, you can’t set multiple accounts in iPad Mini.

Just make sure you set the restrictions first before handing over the iPad to your kids. We’ve heard enough horror stories from parents whose kids made accidental purchases in the App store.  Once the restrictions are set, children need a code to unlock the full access. Parents can decide which app to let their kids use and the kids can’t purchase from the App Store without the code.

Customer Reviews

As of writing, iPad Mini has 810 customer reviews with an average of 4.6 out of 5 star rating with 625 customers giving it a 5 star rating. Most customers love the smaller and thinner size of the iPad Mini. This made more portable than its bigger iPad brother and you can hold it in one hand. Its reduced size also make it more suitable to be used by kids. The most obvious downside of the iPad Mini is its price.

Final Thoughts

iPad Mini may not be made for kids but its size, weight and the available educational apps make it a good tablet option for older kids. Price-wise, starting at $329, the iPad Mini is a little expensive than the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HD. However, the iPad is still one of the best option considering it can grow with the kids.  Most schools using tablet pc for instructional purposes prefer to use the iPad which is an advantage for kids with the iPad Mini.  Teachers are using it for assigning homework and communicating to parents.

Click Here to Grab Your iPad Mini at Amazon.com Now!