Jackson’s big gift

Let me just put it out there --- I gave Jackson an iPhone for Christmas.  I can almost hear the internet-world out there gasping in horror – an iPhone to a two-year-old?!?!  Even I wasn’t really sure of the whole idea, and it wasn’t my original intention even a month ago.  Here’s how the idea sprung about, and why I think it’s actually a pretty smart move all around:

I had wanted to give J a preschool handheld game system for Christmas.  The main contenders this season were Leapster Explorer, Mobigo, & the iXL.  After a good bit of research, I was torn somewhat between the Explorer & Mobigo, but a few things stood out for the Mobigo, including cost, so I opted for that.  I even bought the game system, a couple of accessories, and a game via online deals at some good prices.

Fast-forward to a couple of weeks before Christmas, and I happened to stumble on some anecdotal accounts of parents choosing an iPod Touch (or iPhone sans phone activation, which is essentially an iPod Touch) in lieu of these preschool gaming systems --- here’s why:

1. Many young kids are used to the touch interface and look/feel because of playing with parents’ devices
2. Games is only the beginning --- you can also have favorite music, movies, tv shows, pictures, books, onandonandonandon.
3. Can potentially replace portable dvd player --- you can rip the DVDs you already own up to the iPod/iPhone format, and voila! – movies right there to watch in the car, or use a cable to display on a TV.  I’ll be able to get a handful of movies even on an 8GB model, along with a fair amount of music, pics, and apps.
4. Games and other content are much less expensive --- a range of FREE(!) to a few dollars.  Compared to $20 each for Leapster/etc games, the up front cost of an iPod Touch may be more significant, but this additional cost should factor in as well over long-term. 
5. People are really scared of the iPhone because it is so sleek and expensive, but it is fairly durable, even without a case.  Add a case on, and I won’t flinch when it’s dropped.  Mine’s been dropped a few times – probably more by me than J! Still kickin’ and no real cosmetic issues, 2 years later.  And I didn’t even start using an external case until this last year when J started playing with mine.

So I ran it by J’s dad, and he mentioned he might even already have an old iPhone not in use that we could set up.  Turns out we weren’t able to do that after all, so I started researching what it would cost if I were to buy a used one on Craigslist.  Then I remembered --- I’m not under contract right now with my cell provider.  So I checked the upgrade options, and there was a refurbished 3GS 8G iPhone for $50.  Holy moly!!  That’s actually less than what I spent on the Mobigo game + accessories!  Factor in that I already own everything I’m going to load it up with (apps, music, movies) – it really turned out to be an inexpensive gift, considering the wide variety of features, long-term usage factor, and less costly supplemental games and content.  Such a score!

After some quick research, I opted for an Otterbox Defender case, which seems like it will be the best protection (and disclaimer – I did *not* pay $50 .. a quick search and I found it for $20 at another retailer).  One good thing about J’s familiarity with the phone though, is that he is already accustomed to delicate and careful handling with the device --- I think his dad and I have conditioned him to use it properly with all the times he’s played with ours.  So I’m not too worried about this, at least for now, while motion-based games aren’t in the mix :)  The case hasn’t come in yet, so I’m excited to see the phone all suited up in the preschool defender armor.  haha.  For now, he’s only allowed to play with it while sitting down.

I set it up with all his apps – his favorites are Trucks!, A to Z with Moose & Zee, Itsy Bitsy Spider, and Wheels on the Bus.  I also added lots of our pictures, the Cars movie, and all his music, including the Cars Soundtrack (which I bought him for Christmas). 

This website is particularly helpful with the logistics of setting up a young child with a Touch/iPhone:  http://www.iphoneandkids.com/

Without further ado, here are the pics of J with his new Christmas gadget, from his dad and me. :)

 
Opening it up!

“It’s a phone!” haha… not quite, but yes :)

His favorite thing about it all? Listening to “Life is a Highway” on the Cars Soundtrack :)

App happy.

Added bonus?  I will be thrilled to regain control of my iPhone when out and about :)  No more J responding “xrekkqkelkda;ldkkja;ldkjf” to incoming text messages that so-rudely interrupt his games :) 

Also, I’m sorta super-excited to have a little geek-in-training ;)