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.