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.

Educational Apps for Kindle for Tweens

Unscramble Letters to Create Words
Develops Spelling and Vocabulary Skills



Did you know that Kindle has many apps available for purchase, and download?  Or that many of these apps are free of charge, or for sale at low costs?  What's nice for the tween age range is that many of these free apps have great educational value, as they develop strategy, vocabulary, or math skills.  Some are based on traditional paper and pencil games, while others are similar to popular simple PC games, like MineSweeper. 

While the apps do work on Kindle ereaders, they are not compatible with smartphone apps at this time.  Nevertheless, the availability of these apps makes Kindle a great travel distraction for tweens, at minimal cost. 

Check out some of the following selections (images are clickable, for details):

Every Word is a game of unscrambling letters to make words:
excellent for developing and strengthening spelling and vocabulary skills in tweens.

Kindle 3G With Special Offers: Cutting Costs on a Kindle for a Tween

Ereaders are great  gift options for middle schoolers, but as parents, it's always disconcerting that tech gifts for kids are so pricey.  Kindle has made both it's wi-fi, and 3G versions a little more economical with special offers options.  In both cases, $25 has been cut from the price of the normal selection, through sponsored screen savers and other special offers.


 Kindle wi-fi requires a wifi connection to download new content, and to use the web capabilities of the Kindle ereading device.  Kindle 3G provides a free 3G connection, with no contracts or monthly fees.  The ability to vote on screensavers through a Kindle App, Admash, makes it possible to impact the sponsored content.

Nook Ereaders for Tweens

If you are looking for a touchscreen ereader for a middle schooler, Nook is a good fit.  Most recently available is the Nook Touch, a totally touchscreen ereader for all ages, including tweens and teens.  The Nook Touch retails at $139, and has a 6" display.  The display size is bigger than that of an iPod touch, making it just a bit easier on your tween's eyes.  The Nook Touch incorporates lending capability, so your tween can swap ebooks with friends, as well.

If you have a bigger budget, Nook Color has a 7" display, and is currently the only popular ereader with a color display.  An augmented internet experience is incorporated into the Nook Color, making it similar in nature to many of the tablet computer choices.  Web browsing, email and applications are a sampling of Nook Color's options.


You can find a full selection of Nook Ereaders for tweens and teens, along with relevant accessories and cases, nook books, gift cards, and user reviews at Barnes and Noble.

iPad for Kinesthetic Learners

Many of the apps available for iPhone, and iPod touch, are also available to use with the iPad.  I have loved the opportunity for my kids, in all age ranges, to try some of the hands on activities with iPhone, but one of the challenges, from my perspective, is the screen size.  Truth be told, the screen is hard on Mom's eyes, and being that I was the type of tween who would read at night, even when we were on the road, squeezing every word into the moments that I had street lights to see by, I know that a tween bent on doing, reading, or playing will not regard eye strain as serious. 

iPad 2, the Latest in Touchscreen Devices from Apple
Click image for More Details.

The range of apps is amazing, and though there are many companies working on tablet PC's in their own formats, I am very taken with Apple, especially for the multisensory experience it provides to all learners, and especially to kinesthetic learners.  I have children who are primarily auditory learners, and apps for the iPhone and iPad appeal to their ability to absorb most effectively with sound and audio.  I have children who are primarily visual learners, and they tend to do quite well with apps, whether games, or educational, because they process what they see, so well.  I have a couple of children who are primarily hands on, or kinesthetic learners, and the interactivity of Apple devices is perfect for them.  This is one of the toughest learning styles to instruct, but the interactive nature of tablet pc's and touchscreen devices, such as iPad and iPhone, make them extremely valuable learning tools.

At the tween age, it's tremendously difficult to adapt classroom instruction to effectively reach all learning modalities, given the time constraints and curriculum requirements.  However, as a parent, you have the ability to supplement your child's learning with touchscreen technology.  Invest some time in exploring apps that are available for various learning areas, and spend some time exploring together.  A game here and there won't hurt, and may provide a little motivation for the youngster who has some aversions to learning.  But then, take time to explore educational apps, as well, whether you do math teasers, vocabulary builders, or
Spanish vocabulary lessons.  Use the iPad as an ereader, as well...you have your choice of Kindle books, Nook books, or iBooks...all have apps that will work with iPad, and all have a huge selection of public domain works, free of cost.  iPad is a great learning enhancement tool, perfect for supplementing learning during the school year, or for averting learning loss in the summer.


First generation iPads are still available, at a discounted price, in comparison to iPad 2.  Whether you have a minimal learning materials and educational budget, or an extensive one, iPad is outstanding.  Be sure to check out some of the user reviews of iPad 2.

If you love the idea of a tablet computer for your kinesthetic tween, but don't feel good about the cost of iPad 2, be sure to check out the newly announced Kindle Fire, a tablet/ereader/multimedia touchscreen tool.

Tablet PC's for Tweens? What are the alternatives to the iPad?

Apple iPad 2 for your tween?
Are there some alternatives?

The most wished for item in Amazon's tablet computer offerings is...no surprise...the Apple iPad 2.  Many tweens have high hopes of owning the latests and greatest in tablet technology, and when it comes to tech gifts, it's often a battle to keep our budgets in check, with the costs of some of the most trendy gadgets tweens can find.  Nevertheless, there are plenty of tablet PC's out there.  Following, we will take a look at some of the bestselling tablets.


Amazon's top selling tablet is the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer:

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101-A1 10.1 inch Tablet Computer
Click image for current pricing and availability at Amazon
Generally sells at $399.99, for 16 GB version, $499.99 for 32 GB version

• Operating System: Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) Platform
• Display: 10.1-inch WSVGA IPS capacitive multi touch display built with durable and scratch-resistant glass; 178° viewing angle(1280 x 800)
• Chipset: NVIDIA^® Tegra^™ 2 Mobile Processor
• Memory: 1GB DDR2
• Wireless: 802.11b/g/n
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR
• Storage: 16GB eMMC Flash (Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 32 GB (functionality requires future software upgrade)
• Camera: 1.2 megapixel (Front); 5.0 Megapixel (Rear)
• Speakers: SRS Sound
• Card Reader: Micro SD Card Reader
• Input / Output: 1 x Mini HDMI, 2-in-1 audio jack (head phone/mic-in jack), internal mic
• Battery Pack: 24.4 W/h Li-polymer battery (up to 9.5 hours)¹
• Dimensions: 10.67" x 6.89" x 0.47" –inches (W x D x H)
• Weight: 1.5lbs

Another top selling option:  Samsung Galaxy Tablet (wi-fi)

Samsung Galaxy Tablet with wi-fi
Retails at $349.99

• Android Froyo (2.2); CPU: 1GHz A8 Cortex Processor;
• Battery: Li-Polymer, 4000mAh
• Memory: 16GB Internal Memory; Up to 32GB Expandable Memory (microSD)
• WiFi: 802.11 a/b/g/n; USB 2.0; Bluetooth 2.1 Connectivity
• Audio: MP3, OGG, AAC, AMR-NB, AMR-WB, WMA, FLAC, WAV, MID, AC3, RTTTL/RTX, OTA, i-Melody, SP-MIDI
• Display: 7.0" WSVGA Display; 600 x 1024 Pixel Display Resolution; 3.54" x 6.05" Display Size; 16M TFT Display Technology
• Video: Codec: Mpeg4, H.264, H.263, Divx/XviD Format: 3gp(mp4), wmv(asf), avi(divx), mkv, flv

ViewSonic gTablet with 10" Multi-Touch LCD Screen, Android OS 2.2: 5th best selling tablet at Amazon

ViewSonic gTablet
$299.99

CPU: Nvidia Tegra 2 T20 Dual cortex A9(1Ghz) OS: Android OS 2.2

Browser: Android Browser Adobe Flash support

Video Support: MPEG-4/H.264/VC-1,1080P Multitasking Multitouch

Webcam No Phone support No I/O: 1 mini USB,1 mini HDMI Base Storage 16G

Expandable memory: Micro SD card slot support up to 32 GB Sensors

Superpad 10.2" Tablet PC, Google Android 2.1: 6th Bestselling Tablet at Amazon

Superpad 10.2" Tablet with Google Android 2.1
$199.99 (or less, on sale)

Product Features

• 10.2" Android 2.1 Tablet PC Touch
• Screen+WIFI+3G+GPS+Camera+HDMI+RJ45

Processor, Memory, and Motherboard

• Hardware Platform: PC
• Processor: Unknown
• Number of Processors: 1
• RAM: 256 MB
• RAM Type: DDR DRAM

Hard Drive

• Size: 2 GB

As tablet PC's go, they may seem a little bit pricey, compared with tween gadgets such as iPod Touch, and Netbooks.  As a parent of tweens, and an educator who has worked with this age group, as well, there are some definite concerns with this type of device.  My first reservation would have to do with judgement and responsibility issues.  This is a device that could be handled rather carelessly, to say the least, and if my tween were to use a tablet PC, it would be under careful supervision.  Even my most responsible tweens have had some mishaps.  Misplaced glasses?  Handheld gaming systems?  If you've experienced these with your tween, then it doesn't take much to think through the ramifications of such a mishap with an iPad, or any other tablet.  

On the other hand, when it comes to an iPod or smartphone, the size stresses my own eyes, and I don't like the idea of encouraging eye strain in my tweens.  Given the choice of an iPod touch, or an inexpensive tablet PC, I prefer the size of the tablet. 

8GB iPod Touch

If you are considering a tablet as a means of equipping your tween with an amplified ereader device, the cost of Kindle, particularly the Kindle with special offers, is much safer, should a mishap take place.

Kindle with Special Offers
The latest generation of Kindle choices
includes a basic Kindle, priced as low as $79.

In recent months, Amazon rolled out the new Kindle Touch, a touchscreen tablet ereader which also includes web browsing, email, and apps.  In conjunction with the announcement of Kindle Fire, a tablet that costs $199, the other members of the Kindle family have seen price adjustments.  The Kindle Fire promises to be a great tablet choice, at 40% of the cost of the most basic iPad.  There will be digital streaming of video and music, ereading (in color), web browsing, and android apps.

Meanwhile, in staying competitive, Barnes and Noble has introduced the Nook Tablet, costing $249, and has lowered the price of the Nook Color to $199.  The simple Nook Touch is now $99.


If you want more function than that of an ereader, a netbook is a great choice, and I'm much more comfortable with what I've seen in the ASUS versions.  Not to be handled haphazardly, of course, the ASUS netbooks still feel and appear as if they can withstand the close calls a tween will inevitably have.  Setting ground rules is essential, but I would prefer the combination of functions, size, and casing, to the fragility of a tablet.

ASUS EeePc 10.1 inch Netbook
$249.99 at Amazon

If you are intent on any tablet PC for your tween, serious discussion about responsibility is important, as well as protective casing.  An extended warranty is highly recommended for any tween device.

Get Your Tween Reading

Do you need a summer plan for your tween, or for your teen, for that matter?  Put a virtual library right in your tween's hands, with Kindle Ereader.  Kindle is available as a wi-fi only device, or with free 3g access, if you are willing to spend a little bit more.  A virtual library is accessible through your household wireless network, or via ATT 3g.  If that's not good for your budget, there is the cost effective Kindle with special offers, now...available beginning May 3, 2011.  The special offers include sponsored screen savers, as well as offers from Amazon partners such as Audible.com.

Did you know that Kindle could also handle MP3 files?  Audio books are a great way to help your reluctant reader, particularly if that child is an auditory learner.