Recently, TechyDad and I realized that both of the boys had a lot of gift card money that they had never used from birthdays and Chanukah. While our oldest quickly declared that he wanted a Nintendo 3DS, our little guy did not. Rather than get more toys that he did not need to clutter the house, we started to investigate tablets. We quickly came to the conclusion that the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 would be perfect.

While we were doing our research about the device, Verizon Wireless reached out to me about sharing our experience with the device. As a member of the Verizon Lifestyle Bloggers, we were sent a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 that has 4G capabilities on the Verizon network.

So you may be asking why a tablet and more specifically why the Galaxy Tab 2? Well, for starters, JSL likes to use the apps on my phone more than he likes traditional gaming devices. The tablet also offers him the ability to use items from our family of mostly Android devices. As an Android user, I already know a lot of educational apps that are good for my little guy. In addition to this, we can load the tablet with the Kindle app for book reading and OverDrive Media app for book listening. When TechyDad and I started to do research on Android tablets, the reviews for the Galaxy Tab 2 were amazing. When we went to visit with them in stores, the beautiful screen clarity and easy motions made us know that it would be kid friendly. Another big factor is the price point of the Samsung. It is available in two different sizes (7 and 10 inch) and you can also purchase a non-4G version with Wi-Fi only.

When the Galaxy Tab 2 arrived, TechyDad spent a lot of time getting it ready for JSL. More about that process coming soon. Once it was ready and charged, JSL quickly learned to show us how everything should be used. (He also named it: Stupendous.) He loves the time he is allowed to use it and because of the size it packs up easily for long car rides (see the photo below)

In the upcoming weeks, I plan to share more of the ways we use the Galaxy Tab 2 for educational purposes and more. Oh and in case you were wondering, NHL no longer wants the Nintendo 3DS. With his birthday coming up later this month, he wants to get another Galaxy Tab 2. I believe we have a family of tech geeks in training.

So my question to you this week:

Do your children use a Tablet and what do they typically use it for? If you happen to have an Android tablet, I would love more suggestions on apps that we may want to add to our device.

Disclosure: As a member of the Verizon Lifestyle Bloggers, I received a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 to test out and share ways that I use this in my life. There was no other compensation. I am a long time Verizon customer, and all opinions are my own.

Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this Friday fun. These days, Pamela at A Renaissance Woman is reviving the fun Friday Meme. Head over there to link up and join in the fun.

Aloha #249