The tablet just for infants and toddlers

Many a tablet owner will proselytize about how wonderful their iPad is, and how everyone can use such a device. Now, that tablet evangelism even extends to infants and toddlers. The Vinci tablet, a device designed specifially for kids from a few months to 4 years of age, is now available for pre-order. Here, a brief guide to the toddler tablet:

Really? A toddler tablet?

Rullingnet's Vinci tablet is a rugged, Android-based tablet designed specifically for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers up to the age of 4. (See the image below.) It has a 7-inch screen (800 x 480 resolution) made of durable tempered glass, and is encased in a rubberized, easy-to-handle red ring. The tablet isn't able to connect to the internet, meaning "you don't have to worry about Little Timmy stealing away to his bedroom, tablet in tow, and surfing the web," says Sebastian Anthony at ExtremeTech. It also comes pre-loaded with age-appropriate games, storybooks, music videos, and educational software.

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When can I get one?

Amazon began taking pre-orders — starting price $389 — for the device on Friday; it's expected to start shipping later this month.

Is this the first tablet designed specifically for the pre-K set?

No. Late last month LeapFrog, an educational toy maker, started taking orders on a kiddie tablet called the LeapPad. It's geared toward slighly older children — ages 4 to 9 — and retails for $99. The LeapPad will start shipping on Aug. 15, and, according to the LeapFrog website, the first run has already sold out. LeapFrog sells nearly 100 apps to go on the tablet, from "Pet Pals 2" to a "Disney Princess Cinderella" book. Like the Vinci, it has no Wi-Fi.

What about the iPad?

There are a number of apps available for the Apple tablet geared toward toddlers and even babies, such as "Baby's Musical Hands" and "Toddler Teaser Shapes," but, of course having your child use them, means handing over your device to sticky fingers.

Should young children really have their own tablets?

That's a question that needs to be asked, says Anthony . "There are few who would argue that computers are worse than passive TV watching — but at the same time, should kids be watching a screen at all?"

Sources: Engadget, ExtremeTech, iTunes, LeapFrog, Los Angeles Times, StreamingColour, UberGizmo