Tablets to be top toys for tots this holiday season

Just as tablet computers have proven popular for adults, so too are they expected to be among the top technology toys for children during the holiday season, according to USA Today.

Young children, after seeing their parents and older siblings interact with the technology, are anxious to get their hands on tablets as well. However, most parents are not willing to just hand their $500 gadgets over to their children. Instead, so-called toy tablets are likely to be a hot item for youngsters.

The news provider notes that these "kiddie tablets" include many of the features one would expect to find on full-blown tablet computers, including a camera, video recorder, microphone and downloadable apps. These features are typically simplified and scaled down. For example, rather than internet connectivity, these tablets often include built-in ebooks and games, or can support cartridges.

Toy tablets also tend to be smaller than regular devices, typically featuring 5-inch touchscreens. The price range is significantly lower than that of a normal tablet, coming in below $100 for most devices.

Whether a toy model or fully scaled, a tablet can be an entertaining and educational device for children, though experts recommend parents monitor tablet interaction to ensure the gadget is used appropriately.