Nabi

© 2011 Fuhu, Inc.
$200, Android
Teaches: A tablet for kids
CTR Rating: 87.5%
Editor's Choice

CTR Review

See Nabi 2 (CTR September 2012) and Nabi Big Tab (December 2014. Designed for kids yet powerful enough to be highly desired by a big brother, sister or parent, this 7 inch Android powered tablet isn't kidding around when it comes to such things as the ability to play Netflix movies, or apps like Cut the Rope. Comparing it to the iPad, however, is like comparing ice milk to Ben & Jerry's ice cream, however, although of all the non-Apple tablets for children we've tested so far (Playbase, Vinci, InnoTab and LeapPad) Nabi rated the best. Nabi comes with a Kid Mode that gives parents what they've been asking for on an iPad -- a parent-controlled, password-protected interface that locks a child inside a gated digital community. This means you can pick the apps, videos and sites you want your child to see, and because the app runs Flash, this can include sites like PBS kids. Downsides include a smaller screen size than the iPad, slower rather clunky scrolling, and many more crashes. If you want to use the tablet to watch a movie or check your own email, you start "Mommy Mode" by entering your password. At this point Nabi is no different than any other Android tablet. An essential part of the business model is the Nabi App Store, home to 500 pre-selected apps, games and other content, and there's a direct pipeline to the Toysrus.com app. Fifteen apps come pre-installed, plus some ebooks and movie trailers which helps to make the out-of-the-box experience nicer. The speaker-sound is acceptable although the stereo headphone jacks definitely supplement the audio. Also noteworthy -- the mini-HDMI port, so you can plug the tablet into your HD screen. Nabi's tech specs are impressive with a 1.1GHz Cortex-A9 CPU, 7-inch multi-touch screen, although the batteries on our test unit kept draining. In addition, the recessed power button is hard to find, and easy to bump when trying to adjust the volume. We were less impressed with the "University" -- a collection of dry multiple-choice questions for Pre-K through 5th grade. There is 4GB of onboard storage and MicroSD card input and support for Flash 10. Visit http://www.nabipad.com. Additional game content can be loaded by way of a MicroSD card slot. The bottom line? For $200, Nabi is certainly "not bad" and "worth a second look." Apple's iPad, however, has nothing to worry about. See also Kurio, tabeo, LeapPad and Innotab.