Tablet Trends for 2012

Tablet computers have become one of the most portable and versatile options in personal computing.  Tablets are being created to provide interactive experiences, as well as productivity, to everyone from children, to businessmen. As companies strive to keep up with the most popular tablet designs, cost and function continue to be refined, and re-defined.  Trends and tools for 2012 are focused on greater efficiency, with cost containment, for those who love the sleek gadgets.

Top Tablets

The iPad set the stage for the tablet craze, with its initial release in 2010, and with the subsequent version, iPad 2 placed on the market in March of 2011.  The iPad 2 is the best selling tablet, with the greatest reputation for utility.  The cost is the most challenging element of the tablet, with the most basic version retailing at the $500 mark.  The iPad 3 has been talked about in recent months, with speculation about sizing, pricing, and features.  With the historic March release of the first two models, watch for the coming update, and for competitive pricing adjustments in the iPad 2.

The Kindle Fire, released in late 2011, is a budget friendly alternative to the Apple tablet, though the features are not nearly as extensive as those of the iPad.  However, given the pricing of $199, the user will have a pleasing, interactive experience, with a heavy emphasis on content and apps that are available through Amazon.

A variety of tablets were released, and rejected to some degree, in 2011, due to over-pricing.  Watch for a number of tablets that provide greater utility, with budget-friendly pricing, in 2012.  As well, low-end tablets will become more available, with lesser memory.  With the $100 range for pricing, these will provide outstanding introductory tablet tools for younger users.

Top Tablet Accessories

The tablet platform has some limitations, when it comes to use, because there are features lacking, that would otherwise be incorporated into a personal computer.  The use of a compatible keyboard can allow for greater utility with a tablet computer, making it more the computer of choice in home use.  Watch for more development in these, as well as other external devices.

Piano keyboards make the use of music apps on tablet computers more realistic.  While touchscreen keyboards are interesting, the potential of the tablet being used to learn to play an instrument will be improved tremendously with a real keyboard that interfaces with the tablet. 

Protective accessories will also continue to be emphasized, as the portability of tech tools renders them vulnerable to drops and spills.  Cases are one of the top choices, with book-like opening and closing to keep the screen protected.  As well, shock absorption will continue to be an essential element in protective coverings for tablet computers.

Protection Plans

Consumers will see the cost of tech tools as an investment, particularly with the pricing on tablet pcs.  As they make purchases, or replace broken tablet models, protection plans will be an important consideration for those who buy tablets.

Apps

Apps are continually being updated and developed for every type of tablet.  More educational and productivity apps will be among the most popular choices of consumers, as the already trending use of tablets in both businesses and schools takes these arenas to a higher level of excellence.

Tweens and Tablets in 2012

Tweens, as computer savvy individuals, will certainly benefit from lower pricing on tablets, and from innovative educational apps and programs for use with these tools.  Protecting a tween tablet is our number one recommendation.  I've seen too many tech tools destroyed at the hands of tweens, not to emphasize the importance of this. 

Watch the rumor mill, with the iPad 3 release.  A more affordable version would make incredible tween access to older models exciting!

The tablet computer has become one of the most exciting innovations of the day, and nearly every household appreciates the platform, whether for entertainment, learning, or business use.  Employers, teachers, musicians, and artists all find a reason to incorporate them into their areas of expertise.  2012 will be about greater access and affordability, while high-end tablets will make the potential uses ever more specialized.

Last Minute Gadget Gifts

If you've procrastinated, or if you've waited to Christmas shop due to budget issues, one of the most helpful services in the area of tween gadget gifts is the ability to order online and pick up in-store. We used this service in the last year on a couple of occasions, with Best Buy, and it worked perfectly. Being an hour away from our nearest Best Buy, it's not a good feeling to go looking for something, only to find that it's not in stock, or that the last one just sold. With Best Buy's service, you can order and pay online, and pick up in store. You will have to go through a verification process, to make sure that the item is in stock at your store, or to find which local stores have the desired gadget. Further, you will need to bring identification, along with the credit card used to make the payment. If you are looking for that hard-to-find tech item for your tween, during the holidays, or on another occasion, this is one of the most useful services, in terms of saving time and frustration.

Learn more at the Best Buy website.

Best Camera for a Tween

If you are looking for a digital camera for your tween, there are a few things to keep in mind as you examine your purchase.  The best camera for a tween may not be the one he or she selects.

Nikon Coolpix was my teenage daughter's
request for her birthday.
Picture quality is good, camera is easy to operate
and use in conjunction with the computer to manage photos.
Costs vary, based on model, lots of color selections are available.

My tween daughter has a camera on her wishlist this year, and while there is a huge selection of possibilities, I've been this route before, and wasn't pleased with the results a few years ago.  The difference this time is that it's her interest, not mine.  If you are giving a camera to a child who hasn't expressed an interest, it may, or may not see much use. 

My children like to save to a favorites folder the Christmas wishlist items that interest them, and I encourage this because it gives me a sense of what they would like, and gives me a springboard into holiday shopping.  My daughter saved a digital video recorder, red, and I explored the information about the piece.  Inexpensive, poor ratings, interesting look, and red. 

Easyshare Digital Cameras by Kodak
I have owned various Easyshare models in the past decade,
and have always been pleased with the performance.
Costs are more modest than in the early days,
when a 3MP camera bundle cost nearly $300.  The model
depicted here is less than $75, and comes in varied colors, both great
options when considered as tween gifts.

Now, time for a few questions.  Is the color a priority?  Are you more interested in video, or the camera?  Why that camera?  It turns out, she really wanted purple, but only found red in the model; video wasn't the highest priority.  When I explained that the review indicated poor video quality, she was convinced that it wasn't such a great choice.  But, I had enough info to continue the search.

This is my approach with Christmas wishlists, and from there, I do my own research.  Price may play a role, but enough poor reviews make a good price worthless.  A good source of reviews is Amazon (Top Rated Point and Shoot Digital Cameras), where electronics pages include a place to search bestseller lists, new releases, and top ratings, based on customer data.


Keep in mind that a majority of tweens like "cool" features in gadget gifts, whether it's the sleek look of a CoolPix camera, or a specific bright color (green digital cameras for tweens).  I don't like to spend an excessive amount of money on a tween interest, such as a digital camera, unless I'm certain that the interest is serious.  My tweens tend to dive into some interests, and leave others behind rather quickly.  More advanced equipment is only pursued when I see the interest being pursued.  Until then, I start with less pricey models that still provide good enough performance that the investment in the gift is of value to both me, and my tween.  The best camera for a tween, after all, is the one that they will actually use!

Black Friday Deals for Tweens, 2012

Keep your eyes out here for the best Black Friday Deals for Tweens in 2012.

Black Friday Deals for Tweens

Black Friday Deals for Tweens are hot search items, and in your research, it's helpful to have references to previous years' deals.  This will give you an idea of what you can hope to find, though there's never a guarantee.  I like to keep past trends in minds as I think about Black Friday shopping for my tweens and teens.  Following are summaries of a few deals featured in 2011.  If you are looking into Black Friday deals for tweens for 2012, be sure to keep a look out here.



Black Friday, 2011


Thursday-Saturday Only: Dell Streak 7" Tablet, $149.99.
If your tween is wanting a tablet computer, this is one of the more budget friendly models.

Thursday-Saturday Only: Samsung Laptop with Pentium Dual-Core Processor, 320GB Hard Drive, 4GB Memory, $299.99.
If you want an inexpensive tween laptop, this is one of the best Black Friday laptop deals out there.

Thursday-Saturday Only: HP All-in-One Computer has AMD E-Series Processor, 4GB Memory, 1TB Hard Drive, $399.99.
If you need a stationary computer system, safe from tween mishaps that may be more common with portable computers, then you won't want to miss this bundle!

Thursday-Saturday Only: $20 Off Any $100 iTunes Gift Card.
If your tween is all about his or her playlists and tunes, then this is one of the best deals of the season.

Thursday-Saturday Only: Xbox 360 250GB Holiday Bundle with Fable III and Halo: Reach, Only $199.99.
If you are looking for a great deal on Xbox, this is it.

Thursday-Saturday Only: $60 Off LP Aspire Cajon.
Do you have a musical tween, who always moves to his own beat?  A Cajon is an outstanding musical instrument, a sit-on drum in the form of a box, which the player beats with the palm of his hand while seated.  Very cool, and very unique!

Thursday-Saturday Only: Great Digital Camera and Camcorder Deals.
If you have a tween who loves to borrow your camera, or camcorder, then it may be high time to find an entry level model as a holiday gift.

Thursday-Saturday Only: Free $50 Gift Card with Apple iPod touch 8GB MP3 Player.
This is potentially the best deal you'll find on an iPod Touch, with the $50 gift card making the net value of the iTouch package $150.  This is a great tablet alternative for a tween, and will provide a multitude of uses!

Thursday-Saturday Only: 60% Off Skullcandy Ink'd Stereo Ear Bud Headphones.
If you are picking up earbuds, this is a great deal, and much better than everyday cheap earphones.

Kindle Fire vs Nook Tablet for Tweens

If you are considering Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet for tweens on your gift lists, then it may seem confusing as to which is the better choice. In fact, your priorities for the gift recipient will highly influence your decision, as both offer some obviously similar functions: Web browsing, app stores, email, video and digital music interfaces, as well as ereading. An additional Ereading Tablet is the Nook Color. Nook Color and Kindle Fire both retail at $199, while the Nook Tablet is $249. Price, of course, may affect your decision, but the options don't end there.






With your tween in mind, Kindle Fire vs. Nook Tablet may boil down to how you expect your tween to use the tablet. Digital content will be the major interest here, whether your tween is interested in playing music, watching videos, playing games and using apps, or reading.
When it comes to video viewing, both the Kindle and Nook tablets include Netflix, while the Nook Color will soon be able to play Netflix video, as well. Both have options for video and digital music to be played. With regard to music, Nook indicates the availability of various digital music services, such as Rhapsody, Grooveshark, and MOD for free trial, with Pandora pre-loaded to the device. Kindle Fire plays digital music through the Amazon Cloud, a storage service that hosts your content. 5 GB storage is available free of charge, with further storage available for purchase.

Kindle Fire is Priced at $199

Most tweens are just beginning to assemble music collections, and 5 GB is probably plenty of storage. However, knowing that tweens need to learn the fine art of management, it's possible that other digital content could take a decent chunk of that storage space. Nevertheless, this is a great means for them to learn management skills. Kindle Fire is particularly compatible with Kindle ebooks, though it also accomodates PDF document reading. Meanwhile, Nook is primarily aimed at Nook books and magazines. Both Nook Tablet and Nook Color include Kids' interactive books for purchase through the Nook store, but the tween is often just a little older than the target age for many picture books that fall into the interactive category. Magazines are available for both devices, but the availability of tween related magazine content is really lacking in both camps. I would love to see an emphasis on children's and tweens magazines from either platform, as the mass of clutter that kids' magazines creates is amazing. My tweens enjoy magazine reading, and an ereader or tablet that caters to this interest would be an outstanding improvement.

Angry Birds Free Apps are available for Kindle Fire,
While both Nook and Kindle have paid Angry Birds Apps.

In exploring the app stores for both platforms, I find that there are far more free apps in the Amazon app store, and when it comes to popular games like Angry Birds, the Amazon price is .99, while the Nook price is 2.99. This generally holds true for most of the apps I searched or browsed, and this makes Kindle Fire content for tweens a little more budget friendly. Further, Amazon includes several perks for an account that has a paid Prime shipping membership: instant video on demand (many free titles for members), and monthly book borrowing, specifically. These are outstanding selections for tweens, finding a good middle ground between the expensive iPad, and inexpensive, low quality tablets that will frustrate. However, a couple of more considerations are worthwhile for the parent of a tween.

If you want to emphasize the ereading experience, but limit web browsing and game play, the more basic Kindle ereaders for tweens provide web browsing and email, along with games developed for the Kindle platform(some free), without the distraction of video viewing. Digital music can be loaded to all but the most basic Kindle, and text to speech is available on all but the basic version. Meanwhile, the Nook Touch is strictly an ereader, and provides a basic touchscreen option for reading digital content.


On the more expensive end of the tablet spectrum, the iPad 2 for a tween is a powerful tool. Being used in classroom instruction, and with a huge selection of apps, this is more than a glorified video game console. It also functions as a communication device, in conjunction with compatible Apple products. iTunes is hugely popular among young people, and likewise, a new cloud storage option makes it possible to move digital content to other devices easily. If the price of iPads for tweens is a little steep, the iPod Touch is comparable to the Kindle Fire, and Nook Color, in cost, at just under $200. Like the iPad, the iTouch for a tween functions as a communication tool, music player, web browser, and camera, a feature lacking in any of the ereader tablets. Apple's app store includes ereading apps for both Kindle and Nook, which means that if you start with one of these platforms, and later move your tween into an iPad or iPod, the ereading content will still be useful.

iPod Touch for Tweens

In all cases, it's my strong recommendation that a parent of a tween explore the costs of accident protection plans, due to the changing physical and emotional traits over the tween years. Having replaced two broken cell phones for a tween son, and having seen the great service provided for a malfunctioning video console for that same son, I firmly believe that an ounce of prevention is worth it. Tweens can be forgetful, clumsy, or reactionary, and an expensive device can suffer the consequences of careless actions, intended or not.

Sylvania Wireless Smartbook--Affordable Mobile Computing Device for Tweens

Inexpensive Computer for Tweens

An alternative to a laptop or netbook for a tween, this is a basic mobile smartbook, perfect for web browsing, email, and accessing pictures and music. Memory and hard drive space are significantyly less Perfect for browsing, sharing, organizing and working Available in 7 different colors Processor: Arm 11, (1GHz) LCD display: 7 in. TFT (800 X 480 pixels) Internal memory: 512 MB RAM Internal storage: 2GB flash External memory: MicroSD card slot (up to 32GB) Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n Connections: RJ-45 Ethernet jack, 3 USB 2.0 ports, microphone, earphone, and DC jacks Battery: mAh built-in lithium battery Mouse pad: 2.2 in. mouse pad Operating system: Windows Embedded Compact 7 ***Image links to product details, at Sears.

Black Friday Value Without the Wait: Tween Laptop Deals

If you follow the Black Friday build up, you may realize that laptop computers are often anticipated, and provided, with pricing being a good impetus to wait for the post-Thanksgiving rush...for a tween laptop, these deals seem stellar.  However, as those rumored deals are leaked, confirmed, and studied in preparation, it's always good to do a little bit of comparison, especially if you have enough advance notice.

At this writing, for example, WalMart has released its preview of the BF goodies, and there are a couple of very cheap laptops featured, a Compaq and an HP.  However, as I peruse Best Buy, I find that there is currently available a Toshiba laptop, with equivalent hard drive, and 1 GB more memory than the expected $248 WalMart offering, at only a slightly greater cost ($269). 

If you are examining tween laptop deals, be sure to consider accident protection plans, especially if you expect the laptop to serve your tween's needs for a few years.  Whereas accident protection isn't offered at W/M (only an extended warranty is available), Best Buy is one of the companies that does provide the option to purchase a protection plan for most of it's electronics.  While this may seem to eliminate the savings you attain with a great laptop deal for your tween, the expense of replacing a damaged piece of equipment can lead to 20/20 hindsight, and many tweens have a tendency toward awkward moments with tech gifts and tools.

Best Tween Tablet Choice in 2011?

There are many possible tween tablet choices for the 2011 Christmas season, and if a tablet computer is on your tween's wishlist, your priorities will be important in the decision process.  The iPad 2 is an outstanding choice, due to its compatibility with many tween activities, especially the managing of their music via iPod.  If an iPad is in your grasp, from a budget perspective, it's worth it. 

If your budget doesn't quite manage the $499 price tag of the most basic iPad 2 model, however, the Kindle Fire is appearing to be a promising tween tablet, based on function and price.  Promoted as a multimedia device which will include streaming of on demand video from Amazon's instant video, digital music playing, ebook reading of Kindle materials, web browsing, and popular apps through Amazon's android store, the $199 color tablet is outstanding in it's range of uses, contrasted with its cost, which is 60% less than that of an iPad. 

Kindle Fire will be available beginning November 15, and is already making an appearance in many leaked Black Friday ads, at that same $199 price.  Amazon's free shipping makes it a great deal through the popular retailer.

Edutainment for Tweens: Touchscreen Toys? Or Tools?

Tablets for tween, iPod Touch, netbooks...with all of the tech advances, it seems like we should be sold on the educational value, but how often do we find our tweens navigating their ways to games?  Too often!  Maybe.

Especially in the touchscreen environment, there seem to be a lot of mindless arcade games, but growing up as a teen in the age of Atari, I find myself just as drawn to silly games, at times.  Playing an occasional game actually provides me with some insight into educational value of these apps and programs, though, and I actually find a lot of value in these arcade games.  Not every game, mind you, but in many cases, yes!  There is value.

For example, Tic Tac Toe is a popular game for the ages.  Variations can be constructed by increasing grid size, increasing the number of players, or by changing a single rule or objective.  If three in a row leads to a loss, for example, the player alters his strategy.  Kids games like Connect Four are examples of variations on that theme.

Take this into the app world, and one of my favorite iPhone apps is Fuzzle, which is a variation on lining up game pieces.  Played as a solitaire game, achieving a row, column, or diagonal of 5 like colors scores points.  Additional wild pieces help when a given color isn't available, and another type erradicates all of the given color from the playing field.  There is much of the same strategy involved, problem solving, and thought.  You don't see formal math concepts built, necessarily, but rather strategy and problem solving skills, along with spatial relationships.  Meanwhile, for the tactile student, the touch screen activity is a means of augmenting learning.  Mathematical relationships are in the background, but working their way in, nonetheless. 

Another popular game of late is the famous Angry Birds.  Playing a few times, I've found that it's a great model for parabolas, and while it isn't teaching quadratic equations, it's giving a fantastic picture of different parabolas.  Enough experience with Angry Birds, and your tween will find the Algebra 2 units on parabolas amazingly familiar.  Is Angry Birds a gaurantee of success in math, or in Algebra 2?  No, but perhaps the connection will be enough to hold a student's attention, and perhaps the concepts won't be as disconcerting to the reluctant math student who has played the Angry Parabolas...I mean, birds!

Tweens go through some extreme swings in attitude, and many apathetic moments are to be encountered.  I definitely don't object to touchscreen apps that are simple, fun, and great for building strategy and thinking skills.  Check out Angry Birds in the iTunes app store, or for Android, and keep in mind many of the touchscreen devices that make these simple strategy games easily accessible:  iPod Touch, ereaders (tablet versions), and tablet computers for tweens are some of the best devices for app activity.

Which Ereaders for Tweens, Under $100? Budget Friendly Tween Ereaders

Tween Ereaders

Barnes and Noble has the Nook, while Amazon has the Kindle.  However, recent rollouts of new products, and related price adjustments in previous products, has left so many options that a parent can wonder greatly about the best choices. 

Keep in mind, as a parent, your tween's interests, your priorities, and budget.  Do you want your tween to use the ereader strictly for reading, or are you interested in the option of web browsing and applications?  Do you mind sponsored ads, in order to save?  While the under $100 price tag is attractive, you will want to examine what that price entails.

The Nook Simple Touch is $99, and involves no advertising.  The Kindle Touch is $99 with special offers and sponsored screensavers, which means advertising on the device.  Without the advertising, the cost is $139. 

Nook Touch is strictly and ereading device, no apps, no web browsing.  On the other hand, Kindle Touch includes an experimental browser, making it useful for a tween who might also use the device for research.  There are games available through the Kindle store, some of them free, which can be played on the device. 

In addition, Kindle Touch has a text to speech feature, which can be useful for an auditory learner.  As well, mp3 music files can be transferred to Kindle Touch from a computer, and played in the background while your tween reads.  This is an effective help for learners who read better with background noise.  As well, audiobooks can be played on the Kindle Touch.

Both companies have lower prices on non-touchscreen ereaders, with the original Nook costing $89, and with the simple Kindle model costing $79. 

The basic Kindle lacks audio, and is not as good of a choice for your auditory learner.  There are games, and web browsing available, but the music and text to speech features are not incorporated. 

Nook Original does include a couple of games, and has a touch navigation bar at the bottom.

Both companies have incorporated lending features with their platforms, and Amazon has library lending available, as well as book borrowing, with a paid Prime Shipping subscription. 

Examine  Kindle ereaders for tweens further in the Kindle Store, and Nook ereaders for tweens in the Nook Store.

Nook Tablet for Tweens

Nook Tablet
Available for Pre-order,
Slated for a November 18 release.

With competitive pricing on it's other Nook ereaders, Barnes and Noble has rolled out the Nook Tablet, a 16 GB tablet that includes digital media and ereading, web browsing, and popular apps, another cost concious tablet for tweens, as parents consider the possibilities.

Pricing on Nook Color is now $199, and the tablet like ereader is an outstanding tween ereader choice due to the availability of interactive Nook books.  The Nook Touch is now $99, which makes it a competitive ereader, when compared with Kindle Touch.  The original Nook is $89.  If you are looking for tablet alternatives for your tweens, the Nook tablet is an outstanding choice, as is the Nook Color.  The costs are much less expensive than those of the iPad, while the multiple uses are great for keeping your tweens busy.

Tween Tech Ideas: Projector for Video Gaming Systems

For your tween video game fans, there are video projectors which will integrate with gaming consoles to provide a projection onto a wall, bypassing the need for a television. There have become better quality, lower cost options, sufficient for the interests and needs of tweens, and inexpensive enough to provide an alternative to a huge television. My own tween son has a Jakks Pacific Eyeclops Projector, which has served for a couple of years as a means of playing video games without hogging the family television. The video quality is not pristine, of course, but the cost was low, and the result, perfect for the need.

You should be aware that picture quality will be affected by how dark the operating environment is, along with the surface onto which the picture is projected.  It's not going to be at all equivalent to the quality of a television.  My tween son loves to create a tented environment for daytime use, and finds it integrates well with plug and play video games, along with older gaming systems like game cube.  This will also work well with a portable dvd player, as long as it's used in a darkened room.

Vivitar Digital Camera for a Tween





If you have a tween with a creative eye or artistic interest, then a digital camera is an outstanding tech gift idea, and there are many models of Vivitar Digital Camera for a tween which provide an entry level apparatus, without a huge expenditure of money. The 8.1 megapixel model pictured above retails at approximately $50 (details linked through image), and is a great way to put a quality camera in the hands of your tween.

Several years ago, I invested in Black Friday deals on such digital cameras for my then tweens, and it provided a quality gift that permitted them to manage their own digital images, and to experiment with photography. While one of the two didn't do a lot with her camera, the other has gone on to work artistically, and has since upgraded to a more advanced digital camera. I'm a firm believer in providing a tween with opportunity to explore an interest. When the child finds that the interest is worthy of lots of their time, then we examine more advanced tools. In the beginning, though, budget friendly tech tools are a great springboard.

7.1 Megapixel Vivitar Digital Camera
Priced in the under $30 range...
A great way to provide an introduction
to photography for your tween.

Inexpensive DVR's/Digital Video Cameras for Tweens

Vivitar Digital Video Cameras for Tweens
Creative Tween Tech Gifts

 When you are looking for tech gifts for tweens, the costs can seem excessive, given the flighty nature of tweens...their changing interests mean that your gift may not hold their interest for long, in spite of their supposed wanting of said gift. Thankfully, some of the popular tech gift options have come down in price significantly enough, that you needn't be overly stressed over costs. For example, the DVR/Digital Video Camera, for tweens, displayed above, is priced in the $40 range (image links to details), making it an economical choice in tech gifts for tweens.

These kinds of costs were unheard of just a few short years ago, when I spent twice as much for the year's Black Friday digital camera deals for my then tweens. If you have youngsters who love iCarly, and the concept of creating their own variety shows, this is a great way to accomodate that interest. If you have a tween who loves drama, this can provide the impetus to explore further the performing arts. You will find plenty of great models, and reasonable pricing, especially during the coming holiday season.



Colorful Vivitar Underwater Camcorder



Nikon CoolPix Digital Camera for a Tween

Nikon CoolPix Digital Camera for a Tween

If you are thinking about a digital camera for a tween gift, and are perusing the black friday ads and rumors, you may see some of the Nikon CoolPix models included. Having purchased a CoolPix digital camera for my teenage daughter in the last year, I'm happy with the performance of the camera, and the ease with which she has been able to use it. There are colorful models available, and it's easy to accomodate a color preference in your selection process, a feature that may not be essential, but which is fun for the tween and teen age groups.

There are periodic sales on the Nikon CoolPix cameras, and while there are some reported black friday deals on the forefront, I'm finding similar pricing even at this writing, at Amazon, as with the 14 megapixel model depicted above. Pricing is subject to change, but you'll often find some outstanding offers leading into, and through, the holiday season.  And it's always good to keep in mind that a tween digital camera is often a starter camera, an opportunity to learn and adapt to managing media. Check out an even better option in Nikon Cool Pix Cameras for tweens here: Nikon COOLPIX L26 16.1 MP Digital Camera with 5x Zoom NIKKOR Glass Lens and 3-inch LCD (Red)

HP G4 Laptop Series-Laptops for Tweens

As the holidays approach, parents' thoughts turn to the possible tech gift options, and laptops for tweens, when purchased at black friday prices, are appealing options.  As the ads come out, you may be examining some of the possible deals, among them the HP Pavilion G4 series of laptops.

My teenage daughter purchased her g4 laptop for online college work, and it has proven perfect for the task.  If you are a fan of HP computers, you will find the set up familiar.  I prefer a smaller laptop size, as with the 14 inch g4 display, especially in laptops for tweens and teens, because a larger computer is more awkward.  My tweens have a lack of awareness when handling my larger laptop, and there have been some close calls in carrying and balancing the larger device.  On the other hand, the 14" g4 laptop is easy for my daughter to manage.

Alternative computer ideas for tweens would include a desktop computer, as it isn't portable, and therefore, is less vulnerable to accidents, or a netbook, slightly smaller, and much less expensive than most laptops. 

You will find reviews of the HP g4 laptop depicted above here.  Read about accident protection plans for portable tween computers here.

Tablets for Tweens: Kindle Fire

Kindle Fire
An inexpensive, cutting edge, tablet computer choice
for your tween, or for you.

Tablet computers are at the top of many holiday wishlists, including those of tweens, with the iPad 2 being high in demand. However, many parents will shirk and shudder at the $500 price tag for the basic model of the popular tablet pc. Amazon has just announced pre-order, however, for it's latest offering in this tablet computer medium, the Kindle Fire, which will be released Nov. 15 of 2011.

The $199 tablet is more than just an ereader, though the Kindle name has been associated with the ereading platform since it's introduction. However, the Kindle Fire is a tablet sized device which incorporates video streaming (Amazon Instant Video), digital music, ereading (in color display, with this latest release), document viewing, and web browsing, with the Amazon Silk browser. Use of cloud computing allows storage to be handled via the cloud, rather than on the device, freeing up space.

Whereas the iPad, and other Apple products such as iPod and iPhone have memory limitations, with greater memory models costing significantly more money, Kindle Fire includes unlimited storage for Amazon content. This may be the biggest drawback for the tween who might want to use the tablet as a listening device, for streaming audio from their iTunes library. However, the use of a tablet, for many, is more about the apps and activities, than about the music. iPods seem to be the tween's preferred music playing device.

You can view more information about the Kindle Fire, along with demonstration videos, and comparisons of the various choices in Kindle ereaders, and in the Kindle Fire tablet computer, in order to make a good decision as to whether this is the tablet for your tween.

Ereaders For Tweens: Newest Kindle Choices for Tweens and Teens

Kindle has just rolled out a whole slew of new Kindles, well in time for the 2011 holiday season, and providing many great options for the parent of tweens to select from.  The most basic Kindle is $79, and already available, with the Kindle Touch with special offers priced at $99.  Traditional Kindle is still available, but now at a reduced special offers price of $99, with the 3g version of the Kindle Touch priced at $149 (special offers version). 

Kindle Fire
Available for Pre-Order at Amazon, available Nov. 15.

The Kindle Fire is an exciting ereader for a tween, or tablet for a tween, however you want to consider it. A media centered tablet type ereader, with touchscreen interactivity, this is one of the more inexpensive tablet computer products for a tween, with the benefit of accomodating apps, movie and video viewing, music, and ereading. Don't forget web-browsing! This should be a hot product for those who can't quite afford an iPad for their tween, but whose tweens really want that tablet for Christmas. You may want one for yourself, as well! I will be updating with some more comparisons, but this is a really exciting selection, for my purposes as a parent, and educator, and one which has a lot of potential for my tweens and teens, as well as for younger children.

Portable Video Devices for Tweens: Portable DVD Players vs. iPod and iPad

Less than a decade ago, portable DVD players were all the rage.  The prices were slightly steep, and the Black Friday crowds were fanatical about getting them at a discount, with some serious repercussions for those who were shoved around in the crowds.  As time has progressed, these have become favorite travel accessories for families with kids, and tweens, in particular, have enjoyed the personal viewing afforded by the compact systems.

Yesterday, my tween son commented that he thought DVD would go the way of VHS tapes, though, and with digital video incorporated into so many more tech devices, I think he's right.  iTunes makes it possible to rent or buy movies, music videos, and television episodes for use on the home computer, the iPod, or the iPad.  Companies like Netflix have made it possible to access an account from these same devices, and with a subscription to their instant viewing, it's possible to skip the DVD process in great part.  Youtube has also played a big role, providing a mountain of digital video material, although one might exercise caution in permitting a tween to access the medium of viewing, as there is definitely some offensive material out there. 

If you are thinking about a portable DVD player as a gift for your tween, it's important to consider the motivation in doing so.  A good sale may be your reasoning, in which case, by all means, go for it.  Don't get trampled in the process! 



On the other hand, if you are looking for usefulness in your choice, you may want to consider how much your family is currently using DVD as a viewing option.  If you are more prone toward streamed video, or have ditched your Netflix DVD option, then that portable DVD player may become a piece of clutter rather quickly.  While iPod touch is a bit pricier than the DVD device, it will have multiple uses.  Even more, the iPad 2 (read about pros and cons of iPad for a tween) will have a multitude of uses for the tween. 

Instant Streaming of Video from both Netflix and Amazon Video on Demand
along with other apps, make this 22" Vizio a multi-use alternative to a DVD player.

Even now, many of the televisions produced are including apps and wireless connectivity, making the access of videos and movies possible in a static setting.  Don't be surprised if those with an understanding of parents' challenges on road trips develop some streaming video products for the vehicle.

Electronic Gift Ideas for an Artistic Tween

If you have a tween who is very artistic, it may be hard to imagine electronics as a good choice in birthday or Christmas gifts. However, there are some popular electronic crafting tools that can be put to prime use by the imaginative tween. My tween daughter seems to take to almost any art medium, so art supplies always migrate to the top of her wishlist, though she also enjoys common tween interests such as video games and iPod. Nevertheless, I love to keep an eye out for great tech tools that will tap into that artistic side.

Cricut Electronic Paper Cutter

The Cricut paper cutter, shown above, is a fun way to encourage paper crafting, providing a venue for your tween to work with shapes, fonts, and varied sizes, to create all sorts of pieces that can then be put together to make cards, scrapbook pages, pictures. In my daughter's case, sewing is a favorite artistic and crafting outlet, and Cricut can cut fabric pieces for applique. Likewise, wrapping paper can be cut for decoupage and altered art projects for the tween. There are a few versions of the Cricut, and even a Cricut cake machine, which can cut food items, fondant, and help the artistic cake decorating tween explore an interest. You can explore Cricut Machines and Cartridges for your tween at Amazon, and read customer reviews of specific selections.

Electronic Drawing Tablet

Another interesting electronic gift idea for the tween who loves to express himself or herself artistically is an electronic drawing tablet. My daughter enjoys creating designs on the computer, but the limited tools available in the basic paint programs frustrate her. This puts the electronic tablet for a computer well within my range of Christmas gift ideas. Pen and paper control with a stylus provides for greater attention to detail. If you are thinking about exploring your tween's artistic options in computer graphics, this is a way to provide an introduction. There is even a ">drawing studio for Wii.

UDraw for Wii

Digital Video Cameras for Tweens

Flip Video Ultra HD
Best Selling Video Camera at Amazon

Tween ages range from upper elementary school to middle school, and the interests range, as well. If you have an amateur videographer in your midst, a camcorder, or digital video camera, is a great way to encourage the exploration of that interest, and thankfully, in price ranges that were once unimaginable, when it came to video recording.

  I recall special units of study in my own tween years, when 8mm movies were made with now archaic devices, and it was considered "cool" if we could successfully shoot enough frames to make a film of an apple disappearing, bite by bite.  Now, the technology is such that all sorts of special effects can be incorporated into a piece, and a tween might run his or her own YouTube channel. Tween girls, inspired by the antics in "iCarly", might enjoy choreographing and directing their own variety show, while you might need to be slightly cautious with the tween boy, filming his extreme sports stunts.

Regardless of interests, a video camera is a fantastic way to give your tween a productive hobby. While iPods and cell phones have videography applications and uses, a dedicated video camera won't overwhelm the memory of these other electronics for your tween, and will provide a more focused concentration on the aspects of video recording. If your tweens are anything like mine, when something catches their interest, they will give it all of their attention, amazing parents who may wonder at their lack of such focus in other areas, most notably academics.

Some video cameras are available in assorted colors, another fun element in electronics gifts for tweens.  You can find the top selling Flip Video Ultra HD at Amazon, along with a listing of the company's top selling and top rated videography choices.

Portable Video Gifts for Tweens

Ipod/Iphone Video Dock Player

Many electronic gifts for tweens and teens center around making their mp3 players and other gadgets more useful in varied ways. For example, the Nyrus video dock player, displayed here, serves to give a slightly larger video display to iPod and iPhone video content. If you aren't ready to move into the cost range of an iPad, this is a good way to provide your tween with viewing options that equate to less eye strain.