I can understand. Part of it is certainly going to be peer pressure related. My own nephew has friends he knows are getting an iPad so in his mind nothing else would suffice.<p>Pretty much the biggest innovation of Apple was marketing. Yes the devices are very good but their marketing is something that their competitors always seem to overlook.<p>Fortunately you can buy iPad's of earlier generations, even the first retina types, for a lot less off of either Apple's own site or even through their e-bay entity.<p>While I see the value they represent I am all for finding more reasons to keep kids outdoors instead of indoors. I kept my Kindle for reading because of this one issue, it is much better outside than any tablet. If need mail or internet my phone is fine and any serious mail/browsing is best on the computer (iMac fwiw)
Well, I suppose its a matter of taste. I initially didn't know what I would need an iPad for when I received it. Nowadays, a year and a half later, I wouldn't change it for anything. Its amazing for checking emails when I wake up, for checking facebook right before bed. For porn its amazing, easiest thing to take to the bathroom, try taking your macbook pro hehe.
I feel sorry for the kids. I think the iPad is going to lose its lustre pretty fast. If you want great games, get a Wii U, not an iPad. If you want a great tablet, wait two years or so until the ecosystem is mature. Buying an iPad now is little better than buying a ticking clock of obsolescence.