Haute Mom Must Have Technology

Tablets & iPhone for All Ages

It wasn’t that long ago that computer equipment, like laptops, was mainly used for business purposes. Now, thanks to the emergence to technologies like tablets, Kindles, and iPhones, everyone can utilize all the new tech toys that are available, regardless of ability level.

It’s all about the iPhone

One of the most popular products on the market today is the iPhone. They are used by both kids and businesses alike. The amount of apps available at the App Store from Apple can fit every need, regardless of a person’s tech-level. So no matter if you need to edit a spreadsheet or just want to find fun games, as the commercials say, “there’s an app for that.”

Something people love to do with their iPhones is purchase different covers and cases to fit their mood and style. There are so many different ways to customize your iPhone case, it is almost inconceivable. Many people love to do custom iPhone photo cases with their favorite pictures of family and friends. Shutterfly offers great options for iPhone cases for any level of creativity. Many iPhone users today have several cases so they can switch things up depending on their style or mood that day.

Tablets

Tablets and the iPad have also revolutionized the computing market. Just as powerful as laptops in many cases, using a tablet is a great way to take portable computing to an entirely new level. Just like the iPad has an app store, non-iOS tablets (namely the Android platform) has their own app store called Google Play. With tablets today, you can do more than just answer email messages. You can read books, watch movies, play games, and plenty more. And one of the best parts of using a tablet is that it weighs far less than a laptop, making it perfect for travel, and to entertain the kids!

So regardless of your ability level or budget, think about what you would use your tablet for and then go and try them out at your local electronics store before you make you final decision. Then once you made your purchase, you will find plenty of covers and accessories to make your tech toy your own.

Written by guest blogger Kristin Lynn Stewart

Living Unplugged?

With the second baby’s arrival just around the corner (looking closer than originally thought,) I am in full nesting mode.

The deep cleaning and the piles of laundry are in effect around the house. I have taken a new eye to our home in attempt to transition from a toddler home to a newborn and toddler home.

One thing I noticed while doing this is all of the electronics that we have. Televisions, computers, cell phone chargers and iPads take up a good number of our outlets.

When I was pregnant with Stella, I had all of these visions in my head as to what type of parent I would be. Having strict limits on television, video games, and other types of electronics was always a part of that. As I look around the house now, I critique how closely I have stuck to the original plan.
And, I am slightly embarrassed to admit — I haven’t.

By no means would I say that I use television or other electronics as a babysitter. I am not the type to plop Stella in front on the TV so that I can cook dinner (okay, I don’t really cook, so that's a bad example). But I would be lying to say that I have never given her the option to watch something on the tube with me after a long day at work.

Stella knows how to work the iPad better than my hubby. She can scroll through the pictures in my cell phone. Obviously, she has been exposed to electronics — maybe a little more than I had planned.

We have friends that lead an “unplugged” life. They have no televisions or computers in the house. They are both doctors, so they do have cell phones, but that is it. Their two children have no access to television, computers, video games or the like.

This got me imagining living in an “unplugged” world. Could we rid of the televisions and electronics so that our children can live a media-free life? Could I?

As I thought about this, I saw both positives and negatives. A world with nothing but the imagination and creativity to keep the children occupied. Would they go into school being behind in the technological world; a world where they have to learn about technology in order to succeed?

It’s an entertaining thought and I give our friends and all of those parents that can manage this credit. But in the reality of it all, is it truly feasible and beneficial in the long run? As with most parenting topics, we can only answer this for our own families – and I sure would miss that DVR.