Tablets remain hot with kids this Christmas

Features range from educational apps to durable housings that withstand wear and tear.

Child-safe tablets - and tablets that are safe from children - are looking to be more popular as Christmas gifts this year as parents hunt for interactive, high-tech and educational presents.

Among the hot tablets will be the LeapPad Ultra XDi. Designed for children 4 to 9 years old, the 7in plastic-encased tablet is suitable for little hands and is preloaded with games and educational materials such as the phonics and reading comprehension tutor. It has dual cameras with video recording capability and a high resolution screen. A microphone enables users to record and playback their favorite songs. Just like the iPad or Android tablets, the screen adjusts to portrait or landscape. The enclosed stylus helps children who are just learning to write to improve their penmanship. The durable screen can withstand being dropped down the stairs. Children are kept secure with the safe Web browser that only opens up to approved sites.

The Nabi Big Tab is a 20 or 24in Android tablets loaded with children's apps. Movie watching and multiplayer gaming such as air hockey and board games are appropriate activities for its hefty size. The 1in-thick tablet weighs 13 pounds and has a removable metal frame that can be used as a carry handle or a desktop stand. Parents would appreciate the options to set time limits for usage as well as household chore lists.

See a comparison table of children's table suppliers on GlobalSources.com