iPod Touch Facetime: Tween Communication Device

The latest generation of iPod Touch includes a function called Facetime.  This is a really interesting function, in that it permits visual calling and interaction with other Facetime capable tech tools from Apple, including:   new generations of iPod touch, iPad 2, iPhone 4, or Mac.

If you don't want the responsibility of a phone for your tween, or if you have concerns about monthly costs of a phone line, this provides an intermediate communication source.  In our household, for example, we already have the max number of phone lines for our cell phone plan.  Our tween daughter having a cell line isn't an option.  However, the idea of iPod Touch for this tween is a great way to bring her close to the point of having a cell phone, without the monthly commitment of a new phone plan. 

A wifi connection is necessary for utilizing the Facetime function of the iPod, making the use limited to home wireless networks, or to wireless hotspots out and about.  More and more, these hotspots are available in public places, but they aren't everywhere, so Facetime will be restricted to use in compatible locations.  It's not a full fledged phone, by any means, but is a step in that directions, for a tween. 

iPod Touch provides a host of other functions, and is a much less expensive alternative to expensive tablet computers.  Apps, touchscreen interaction, and the sleek appearance are all attractive features of the iPod Touch, from a Tween perspective.  The iPod Touch functions not only as an iPod music player, but also as a limited use phone, camera and video recorder, calculator, calendar, ereader, web browser, entertainment center, and educational tool.  You really do get a good variety of relevant tech tools for your tween, at a great price.

Desktop Computer For a Tween

Laptop and Netbook Computers are popular gift ideas for tweens and teens, but the challenge of portable computers is the potential for dropping, and other damage.  A drink, spilled on a keyboard of a portable pc, after all, could be destructive, whereas a spill on a keyboard of a desktop pc will only affect the computer.  The desktop computer isn't likely to be dropped, either, being stationary in nature.  Take a look at the protection plans on desktops, vs laptops, and this is reflected.  Walmart, for example, prices protection plans on laptop computers twice as high as those on desktops. 

Tweens and tech gifts can be a delicate balance of concerns...tweens can be a little bit awkward with portable devices, and even those who have a good sense of balance, and don't have trouble handling an oversized laptop, may have some difficulty in terms of attention and responsibility.  My laptop has had some close calls in the hands of my tweens.  As well, my tweens tend to be really absentminded, and we've had to deal with misplaced items of importance, a washed cell phone, and forgetfulness in a realm of matters.  Do you want to invest in something that's easy to misplace or to damage?  It's a consideration that is worth your attention.  Add to that, the independence that a tween begins to exert in full force, and there's the risk or a portable computer being taken to school, against the rules of a parent.

Netbooks for tweens, or a laptop for a tween, aren't terrible choices, but there is a need to set guidelines for their use, and parameters for where they should be taken or not taken.  A desktop computer for a tween makes it a little less challenging to keep track of that tween tech gift.  At the early end of the tween age spectrum, especially that 9-10 phase, there really isn't a huge need for a portable pc, and a desktop computer is a great way to provide a personal tech experience, with parental controls firmly in place by nature of the system.  Furthermore, there are often some really good bundle prices on desktop computers.

As your tween moves into the middle school environment, and begins to mature, you may find a portable computer is a great incentive to offer, as a result or reward for responsibility demonstrated:  grades, faithfulness in homework, household chores, and behavior.  In the meantime, a desktop computer is a great tween tech tool.

***Amazon has a helpful desktop computer finder tool, helpful in assisting you with finding what you are looking for.

Price Drop on Nintendo 3DS

If your tween's wishlist includes Nintendo 3DS this year, then you will be thrilled to know that beginning August 12, 2011, Amazon will have the handheld gaming system priced at $169.99, an $80 drop from the introductory cost of $249.  This is great news in a tough economy, and given the trends of Nintendo over the past 2 decades, when a newer system is decreased in cost, there is often a trickle down effect seen in less high tech gaming systems.

For example, the entrance of Nintendo DS into the market coincided with lots of great Black Friday sales, many door busters, in fact, of the Gameboy systems.  Popular tech gifts for tweens, since my early teaching days, I've seen the adjustment of price to coordinate with cutting edge alternatives being made available, and really appreciate this.  If you need a less expensive type of Christmas gift, watch for some great prices on the already lowered DS Lite, and perhaps on other Nintendo DS products as well.  Check out the latest on Amazon's Nintendo pages.

Is iPod Shuffle Enough for Your Tween?

The varied styles of iPod for teenagers and tweens are significantly different in terms of space for music and other media.  The least expensive of the iPods is the shuffle, and while the price is attractive, at less than $50, you will want to evaluate the media storage needs of your tween. 

My tween son has used his Playstation for listening to music in the past couple of years, but had complained recently that he couldn't store very much music.  Money was stretched, and the iPod shuffle was in reach, so we picked out a blue shuffle, with 2GB storage space.  Following are the pros and cons of the iPod Shuffle for a Tween.

Space:  There is more space on the shuffle, but there are limits.  My son's shuffle holds around 300 songs , but the library of music available is much more than this.  He has to make choices, and that means more frequent synching of his iPod.  For the tween, it will take a little time to get used to how to handle iPod synching.  In all, my son is pleased that he has so much more music for listening on his portable device. 

Control:  The iPod Shuffle does just that:  shuffles.  Music is played in random order, and there are no screen controls to indicate what is being played.  There is software to update, which allows your tween to hear the artist and title of a song at the beginning.  My teenagers prefer their iPod Nanos, which have screens, and touchscreen interaction, for selecting playlists, songs, artists, and other activities.  The iPod shuffle, on the other hand, is much more limited in use. 

Cost:  The iPod Nano ranges from $135 to $165 for the most current generation, which is a reasonably good price for the 8 and 16 GB models, given that a couple of years ago, the 8 GB Nano was about $150, and the 16 GB model, nearly $200.  The iPod Shuffle, with 2 GB memory, is just under $50.

Colors:  Both Nano and Shuffle come in a variety of colors, which are great for tween interests.  This is also great for parents, in that it's easy to keep track of which device belongs to whom.  Shuffle is available in silver, blue, pink, green, or orange.  Nano is available in these same colors, and additionally, graphite.

Charging:  Shuffle charges through the earphone insert, and doesn't, therefore, dock with many of the devices that accomodate Nano.  Therefore, you will need to keep this in mind if you are searching for a speaker system to go along with your tween's iPod.

In all, the Shuffle was well received, as it was a huge improvement from the previous listening means.  In fact, my tween daughter has added Shuffle to her birthday wishlist, at this point.