Wednesday, December 12, 2012 - North Shore News - A17
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Kid Mode app for parental control From page 13 I cringe, however, when I see parents at Denny’s handing a beautiful $650 iPad to a three-year-old. That, putting it mildly, is one overpriced toy you’re putting at risk in the hands of a creature with less self-control than the family dog. You might as well dump the contents of your wallet on the table and let them toss your money around. I’d recommend less expensive options for dedicated use. The mom who wrote me has thought hard about her choice and is willing to deal with the $209 starting price (when ordered direct from Google) for the Nexus 7. A key consideration for her is a safe device that she can control on behalf of her children. Fortunately, the tablet’s Android 4.2 operating system includes a Kid Mode app which transforms the tablet into a child-centric device allowing tight parental control of games and activities for kids eight years old and younger. Individual accounts can also be set up for each child. User reviews of the Kid Mode app on the Google Play Store are very positive. The bonus is that when the kids are asleep, mom can turn off Kid Mode and use the Nexus 7 as a powerful adult tablet with all the features turned back on. Another option for kids are tablets specifically
green guide From page 16 257-2787, at the garden shop or at the gate. Info: 604-2578335 or vandusengarden.org. Light and Colour in the Garden: A program for families with children ages five to 11 Sunday, Dec. 16 from 10:30
designed for their age group. Tablets in this category are less capable than devices made for adults, but are generally cheaper, a consideration if you find little Jenny’s tablet sitting in the bathtub or cat’s litter box six months from now. Toys R Us carries the Kurio seven-inch tablet listed at $179 on the store’s website. Both PCMag.com and Laptop.com praise the tablet, which also runs Android, for a child-friendly design that allows parents to implement strict device time and Internet access with multiple accounts for individual kids. It includes an Adult Mode for parental use, but both tech sites suggest adults will be frustrated with the Kurio’s relative sluggishness, weak battery life, limited number of available apps, and according to Laptop.com an unimpressive screen. These deficiencies might matter little to kids, although bad battery life will be an issue in the back seat of the car on long road trips when Angry Birds cuts out. Be prepared with a few rounds of “I spy with my little eye” as a low-tech backup.
Come see our Christmas Wonderland of fresh cut trees, - all under cover & individually displayed for you
squeals of delight guaranteed!
Fresh-cut trees from 3-10 feet & taller!
GIFT CARDS! Available in-store or on-line!
Barry Link is editor of the Vancouver Courier newspaper and a geek enthusiast. Email him at blink@vancourier.com. Follow him on Twitter @ trueblinkit.
a.m. to noon or 1:30-3 p.m. at VanDusen Botanical Garden, 5251 Oak St., Vancouver. Participants will make lanterns and go on a winter safari through the garden. Fee: $25 per non-member family or $15 per member family. Registration required: 604718-5898 or familyprograms@ vandusen.org.
Winter Tracking: A program for adults to learn how to read tracks and signs and discover the secret lives of temperate rainforest animals Saturday, Jan. 12, 1-2:30 p.m. at Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre, 3663 Park Rd., North Vancouver. Fee: $8.25. Registration required: 604-990-3755.
Walk in the Rainforest —
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From Charlie Browns to Nobles, Douglas, Grands, Nordmans, and Frasers...we have the perfect tree for you! Individually displayed • Spacious under-cover shopping Friendly, knowledgable staff & an amazing, festive atmosphere Great selection of potted trees & Christmas greens too! FROSTED FERNS.......................................$4.97 Soft textured foliage appears as if it has been kissed by frost! A perfect little gift! 10cm pot (reg $6.99)
MINI PHALAENOPSIS ORCHIDS.......$12.97 These lovely, locally grown orchids, available in pink & purple shades, make a lovely gift! 10cm pot (reg $19.99)
HURRY IN! LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLE!
S E N O $ 0 PH mited plan li n u f f o % ate any 50 iv t c a u o y When
HOLIDAY PLANTERS.......$14.97 Available in a variety of themes, planted with a poinsettia & tropical foliage. 18cm planter (reg $19.99)
WOODLAND HOLIDAY
PAPERWHITES..........$12.97
Fragrant holiday favourite adorned with fresh evergreens & red twigs. 15cm (reg $16.99) Great Prices ALL Season
CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS &
HOLIDAY HOME DECOR.................25%
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Choose from our entire selection of fabulous tree toppers & ornaments, holiday accents & more!* *(Fresh holiday greens not included.)
5’-6’ NOBLE FIR..................$39.99
Long lasting, with strong branches that display your most treasured ornaments perfectly.
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Samsung C414Y or Huawei U2801 phone included with new activation and purchase of any 50% off plan for upfront non-refundable payment starting from $12.50. While quantities lasts and available only at participating locations in Vancouver. Taxes are extra. Receive 50% off $25/$35 regular rate plans for 6 months or $45/$55 regular rate plans for 12 months while customer is on automatic monthly payments (preauthorized credit/ debit payment). Restrictions may apply on combining offers with other offers or promotions. Additional terms and conditions apply. Subject to change without notice. © 2012 Mobilicity. ‘Mobilicity’, ‘Now that’s smart’, the Mobilicity designs and the Mobilicity logo are trademarks of Mobilicity. Other trademarks shown may be held by their respective owners. All rights reserved.
Visit us at
Lonsdale Quay (by the SeaBus)
604.971.5297
Fresh Cut BC Grown Trees Available!
Everything to Make Your Holiday Festive! w w w . g a r d e n w o r k s . c a
Marine Drive at Bewicke 604-988-8082
FIND US ON.....
Open Mon-Fri: 9am-8pm Sat & Sunday: 9am-6pm Sale prices valid thru Dec 18, 2012