Today I asked a group of kids, ranging in age from 9-12 years, about their user habits and preferences with digital entertainment. The first on the list was gaming platforms, specifically Sony’s PlayStation and Nintendo’s Wii (favorite games are snowboarding and Mario). Prices on the PlayStation range from around $100 to $500, depending on the  model, while the Wii is $249 and the Wii Fit is $339. The kids preferred the Wii because it is wireless, and because you can create your own characters.

Other digital devices these kids use for entertainment include computer/ internet (Facebook, MySpace, chat, Garage Band, games), TV and movies, cell phones and iPods. They all covet the iPod Touch (Three out of four would rather have their own iPod Touch than anything else, including the Wii.) The reasons they gave for this choice are:

1. It is a personal device

2. It is completely portable

3. Internet connectvity (there is so much you can do with it)

4. It has “super games”

The kids are well aware of the iPod Touch’s price tag ($220), and a couple of them are saving up their lawnmowing money to buy an iPod Touch.

At first I was surprised that they would choose the iPod Touch over the other gaming platforms that are available, but after hearing their reasoning, it did make sense. The device is so handy, versatile and “cool-looking,” and with thousands of applications and counting on Apple’s AppStore, the choices are virtually infinite.