we are going to buy and ipad for an autistic boy. which one

16GB vs 32GB vs 64GB: Which new iPad storage capacity should you get?

http://www.imore.com/2012/03/08/16gb-32gb-64gb-ipad-capacity/

How much content will fit on my iPod or iPhone?

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1867

iPad 2 vs iPad 3 vs iPad 4: Which Is the Best Buy?

http://ipad.about.com/od/Tablet_Computers_eReaders/a/iPad-2-Vs-iPad-3-Which-Is-T he-Better-Buy.htm

http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/tablets/ipad-4-more-than-twice-as -fast-as-ipad-3-benchmarks-reveal-1108743

http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/ipad-3-vs-ipad-4/

 Cheers, Tom 😉

All iPads are functionally the same except for storage capacity and whether or not the iPad can connect to 3G cell service for Internet connection (3G iPads also have GPS built in). So those really are your only choices. When in doubt, get more capacity than you think will be needed; the iPad can't be expanded after the fact. 3G and GPS capabilities probably won't be necessary, but you're in a better position to know.

As to apps, if you search the web for "iPad autism", you'll find a number of good resources, including a feature from 60 Minutes, on the subject, with good recommendations.

Regards.

Just as a follow up to what Dave said, I work for a major health care organization and our therapists and facilities use the iPad for working with autism patients....they have found it very valuable.

Hi,

We have 3 ipads in our home and 2 children with autism. The ipad 2 with the 64gig is the best choice in my view although I don't know much about the ipad 4. We have 2 ipad 2's and one ipad 3. The maximum memory is the deciding factor for us as we have so many apps the children can choose from. The ipad 3 takes a longer time to charge than the ipad 2 which can be a big factor if you have a child who has his ipad with him all day and you have to wait a long time for it to charge, the child can become upset. We will be buying an ipad 4 this year (our aim is to have 2 in the charger and 2 out being used) so I'll write a bit about any benefits I can see of the ipad 4 when we get one.

I would also recommend you invest in a good cover. We were recommended iguys by the occupational therapist and while these were nice and friendly to look at, they have not protected our ipads in the long term, leaving us with change over fees for damage from dropping of $280 per ipad even though they are within warranty or Applecare period. The problem with the iguy is that it can split a bit at the top corners over time. I also bought some replacement iguys and was shocked they were made too big (loose). I sent one back and it was replaced by one equally as loose which is now thrown in the spare room. We are going to try a Griffen Case to protect the black ipad 2 64 we just paid to change over due to damage (it had a small hairline crack).