Or, why small children everywhere will soon leave us all in the dust while we’re going “Where’s the mouse?”
iPads are expensive pieces of consumer technology. In all but a very few circumstances, they’re the ultimate objects of conspicuous consumption. (“Oh, I saw you admiring my iPad. Yes, I have an iPad. You can touch it if you want.”) So, I’d think that they’d be a kind of adults only tool right now, at least until the price falls.
But, I see little kids playing with them everywhere. Last week a saw two brothers, ages about two and five, each carrying their own. They (the iPads, not the kids…English needs more pronouns) were in drop-proof cases each of a different color. Although they were clearly getting ready for a long car ride, their Mom wasn’t schlepping a big bag of stuff to entertain them, the iPads were it. (In terms of aching backs, iPads are looking like a pretty good deal.) Continue reading