Which ipod is best for kids?

usingmac · Aug 5, 2013

My 10 year old wants an ipod and I'm trying to decide between a new shuffle and maybe a used nano (I don't want to spend $150 or whatever it is a new one costs). I have some questions. First, how does the shuffle work when it doesn't have a display? I read something about a voice-over feature but don't get how that would work. Second, if we get a used nano, what would be the oldest we'd want? What generation are they on now anyway? I'm concerned the battery would be old and not last long if we buy one used.

As far as what my child needs, it's really just for songs. I don't think my child will need all the bells and whistles that come on the newer ones. I've been using a 1st generation one for years and it's just fine.

Any advice?

chscag · Aug 5, 2013

In my opinion, don't buy a Nano. I've been through 3 of them, two being 5th generation and one 4th generation. The problem with them is the battery. With luck, a new Nano's battery may last two years. (Apple charges $69 to replace the battery.) Replacing it yourself is difficult task.

The Shuffle is limited to 2 GB which is plenty for a 10 year old and buying a new one is only $49 compared to $149 or $129 for the Nano. And yes, it does have voice over.

Lifeisabeach · Aug 5, 2013

usingmac said:
My 10 year old wants an ipod and I'm trying to decide between a new shuffle and maybe a used nano (I don't want to spend $150 or whatever it is a new one costs). I have some questions. First, how does the shuffle work when it doesn't have a display? I read something about a voice-over feature but don't get how that would work. Second, if we get a used nano, what would be the oldest we'd want? What generation are they on now anyway? I'm concerned the battery would be old and not last long if we buy one used.

As far as what my child needs, it's really just for songs. I don't think my child will need all the bells and whistles that come on the newer ones. I've been using a 1st generation one for years and it's just fine.

Any advice?

As for how the Shuffle works:
Apple - Colorful iPod shuffle with VoiceOver, playlists, and more.
The VoiceOver feature doesn't listen for you to say things. You press a button to have it the song title and other information.

The Shuffle is great for joggers and gym goers who want to minimize weight and distractions. For a child, you are probably better off going with an iPod nano. Get the newest one you can afford, especially if you are concerned about the battery life. The current model is the 7th generation. I would probably avoid the 6th generation of iPod nano, chiefly because of the size (easier to lose) and it just looks awkward. That means you probably should look at the 5th gen iPod nano. You are looking at $50-$60 for an 8 GB version on eBay.
https://support.apple.com/kb/ht1353

alicepattinson · Aug 6, 2013

If you want the best, choose iPod Touch

your kid would really love it especially for games games and all games. hehehe

usingmac · Aug 6, 2013

lifeisabeach said:
As for how the Shuffle works:
Apple - Colorful iPod shuffle with VoiceOver, playlists, and more.
The VoiceOver feature doesn't listen for you to say things. You press a button to have it the song title and other information.

The Shuffle is great for joggers and gym goers who want to minimize weight and distractions. For a child, you are probably better off going with an iPod nano. Get the newest one you can afford, especially if you are concerned about the battery life. The current model is the 7th generation. I would probably avoid the 6th generation of iPod nano, chiefly because of the size (easier to lose) and it just looks awkward. That means you probably should look at the 5th gen iPod nano. You are looking at $50-$60 for an 8 GB version on eBay.
https://support.apple.com/kb/ht1353

How long could I expect the battery to last? Any warranties with these things?

usingmac · Aug 6, 2013

I was also wondering when they phased out the wheels on the ipods and if I can get a link to see images of all the generations at once.

Lifeisabeach · Aug 6, 2013

usingmac said:
How long could I expect the battery to last? Any warranties with these things?

I'll have to defer to chscag's experience with that. As for warranties, they are one year, though it can be expanded to 2 years with AppleCare.

You can get a refurbished model direct from Apple and save some money, yet get a warranty. The current model is what they have:
Refurbished iPod nano 16GB - 1-Year Warranty - Apple Store (U.S.)

One point to consider with the iPod nano... the 5th gen model is also the only model with a camera. If you don't want your child to have a camera, then that knocks it out of contention. If you do, then it's the only one aside from the iPod touch.

rabbitjetta · Aug 6, 2013

I loved my nano it was built like a tank and I had a shuffle both are great. It all depends on the space needed and what they want the iPod for.

usingmac · Aug 7, 2013

lifeisabeach said:
I'll have to defer to chscag's experience with that. As for warranties, they are one year, though it can be expanded to 2 years with AppleCare.

You can get a refurbished model direct from Apple and save some money, yet get a warranty. The current model is what they have:
Refurbished iPod nano 16GB - 1-Year Warranty - Apple Store (U.S.)

One point to consider with the iPod nano... the 5th gen model is also the only model with a camera. If you don't want your child to have a camera, then that knocks it out of contention. If you do, then it's the only one aside from the iPod touch.

Thanks for the insight about the 6th generation. Again, is there a site where I can see them all side by side and compare them? Also, is it safe to buy one (regarding battery life) on Ebay or Amazon (which is better)? While I can get a warranty from Apple for their used stuff, I will probably be paying a lot more.

By the way, I think my child would really like the camera feature. How many of the nanos have this?

chscag · Aug 7, 2013

Also, is it safe to buy one (regarding battery life) on Ebay or Amazon (which is better)? While I can get a warranty from Apple for their used stuff, I will probably be paying a lot more.

By the way, I think my child would really like the camera feature. How many of the nanos have this?

Stay away from eBay. You may be able to buy used on Amazon as it seems their 3rd party re-sellers are more reliable. As for the camera, only the latest Nano has one as pointed out by member lifeisabeach.

I'll issue this warning again... The battery on the Nano is the downside of buying one as it wears out quickly and is expensive to replace. If you buy a used Nano you will have no idea how much life is left in its battery. And unless you're willing to pay Apple $69 to replace it for you......

usingmac · Aug 7, 2013

Thanks for the advice!

Lifeisabeach · Aug 7, 2013

usingmac said:
Again, is there a site where I can see them all side by side and compare them?

One of my links earlier does have photos, but not side-by-side. Need something different? Well I suppose I could Google that for you. Here, Let me google that for you.

By the way, I think my child would really like the camera feature. How many of the nanos have this?

I addressed this earlier. The 5th gen iPod nano is the only nano with a camera.

bsawer · Aug 19, 2013

Nano is not a good choice for kids I think, ipod touch seems nice

chscag · Aug 19, 2013

I hate to say it, but the Nano is not a good choice for anyone - at least not the newer ones. The battery life is dismal and the battery expensive to replace. I recommend staying away from it if you're in the market for an iPod.

chas_m · Aug 22, 2013

Unless this child is highly unusual, he or she is going to lose it in a month anyway ...

Which ipod is best for kids?

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