For many Malaysian parents, buying an iPad has become a rite of passage — a mix of reward, convenience, and yes, a survival tool for long car rides or restaurant dinners. Whether it’s for e-learning, streaming, or a bit of supervised downtime, it’s no surprise that tablets have become a household staple for families.
But here’s the tricky part: buying the right iPad for your child isn’t as straightforward as just picking the newest or most expensive one. Parents often overlook a few things that can lead to wasted money (and a lot of frustration later).
Here are 5 common mistakes parents make when buying an iPad for their kids, and how you can avoid them.
We get it — you want the best for your child. But when it comes to iPads, the most expensive doesn’t always mean most suitable.
The iPad Pro, for example, is powerful — but built with creatives and professionals in mind. For a seven-year-old learning phonics or a teen watching YouTube Kids, the standard iPad or iPad Air could do the job just fine, without blowing your budget.
💡Parent tip: Start by asking: What will my child use this iPad for? That alone will guide you to the right model.
iPads don’t have expandable storage, and this is where parents often get caught out. That 64GB version may seem like a smart way to save money — until it fills up with school apps, videos, and games faster than you expected.
If your child will be using the iPad daily, aim for at least 256GB. It’s a worthwhile investment for smoother performance (and fewer tantrums when the iPad says “Storage Full!”).
Imagine buying that shiny iPad, only to realise the Apple Pencil you purchased doesn’t actually work with it. Or that the case you got online doesn’t fit the camera placement.
Different iPad models support different generations of Apple Pencils, keyboard folios, and charging ports (yes — USB-C vs Lightning is a thing). Buy the wrong combo and you’ll end up frustrated, or worse, spending extra on replacements.
💡 Parent tip: Always check accessory compatibility before hitting that checkout button.
A bigger screen must be better, right? Not necessarily.
Smaller hands often struggle with the bulkier 12.9" iPad Pro. On the flip side, a teen taking notes all day might find a small iPad mini impractical.
💡 Parent tip: Bring your child along to the store. Let them hold, swipe, and test different sizes to see what feels right.
We love our kids — but they’re not exactly known for being careful with tech. Sticky fingers, random drops, and mystery scratches are all part of the parenting package.
Many parents regret not adding AppleCare+ or getting a proper rugged case early on. AppleCare+ extends the warranty and covers accidental damage for a relatively small fee.
Pair that with a shock-proof case and a screen protector, and you’ll save yourself a lot of heartache (and money).
Buying an iPad for your child isn’t about getting the fanciest model — it’s about choosing one that fits their needs, keeps up with school and play, and survives the occasional drop.
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