3-d reality headset - present for 13 year old? Views please!

thorsoak

As the heading says - I'd appreciate the views of others on the validity or not of getting 3-d headset for my 13 year old GD. I first thought of this when I saw an advert for it on tv and thought what a good idea - then started to have second thoughts....

I'm pretty sure that she would love it - but wonder whether it might detach her more than the usual 13 year old detachment from family? She's a pretty level 13 year old, good at her sport, is good about getting right down with her homework, but loves to stay glued to netflicks/teenage tv/computer etc.

Opinions for/against would be appreciated x

gettingtheresometime

I don't want to come over harsh so with that in mind, does she even want the headset?


With something like that I'd have to know that it was before I even considered it

thorsoak

She loves all the electronic gizmos - so probably (as she lives 200 miles away, I don't see her all the time, though we do skype/speak on phone) - but will check with mum & dad!

Lily-Rose_3

Sounds wonderful Thorsoak. I can't imagine any 13 year old not wanting that.

I think they're a bit pricey though!

http://www.ebuyer.com/750208-samsung-gear-vr-virtual-reality-headset-sm-r322nzwabtu?mkwid=sWA3N2WiH_dc&pcrid=51630194939&pkw=&pmt=&gclid=CIyMgviPstACFUUW0wodu0cOSg

THIS one is even more.

https://www.scan.co.uk/products/lg-360-vr-100-headset-for-lg-g5-smartphone?utm_source=google+shopping&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=COmr05eQstACFRAW0wodggEH6w


Plus, I think you need something to 'connect' with it, like a tablet or laptop.

So I think you would have to have the money to throw away, and also be sure she would want it. I wouldn't want to spend £100-£200 and then discover she didn't even want it.

AndyBSG

In all honesty, i'm not sure I would myself.

They're very new out and like a lot of things such as 3D TV's, WiiU's, etc there's a chance they may just prove to be a short lived fad and in 6 months if they've not taken off you'll find that companies just stop making games for them.

I've had a look at them but really wouldn't risk spending money on one until a few more months down the line.

gettingtheresometime

AndyBSG wrote: »

In all honesty, i'm not sure I would myself.

They're very new out and like a lot of things such as 3D TV's, WiiU's, etc there's a chance they may just prove to be a short lived fad and in 6 months if they've not taken off you'll find that companies just stop making games for them.

I've had a look at them but really wouldn't risk spending money on one until a few more months down the line.

or the technology improves so that you can get better for cheaper.

Izadora

There are some really cheap deals for them out at the moment - https://www.livingsocial.co.uk/deal/shop/1762141/12-instead-79-99-boutique-shop-3d-virtual-reality

I'm not sure how good the quality would be but it could be a little present to see if it's something she'd get on with. If she does like it and realises it's something she'd use more often then you can upgrade to a decent one as her next birthday present.

Flyonthewall

The headsets all need something to work with. A 360 camera so you have something to actually look at or a games console with compatible games, for example.

Long term it may have an affect on eyesight. During use, it's possible she may feel sick. It might depend on what she uses for as it's motion sickness they can cause, but either way it's probably best to make sure it's only used for a short time.

Rather than buying one is there anywhere you could take her where she could experience one? I don't know if there's anywhere that has them all the time or any events coming up (e.g. gaming or tech events) that may have them available, but it could be worth looking into. That way you can still give her a gift (an experience) and if she does like it one can be brought as a future present.

kingfisherblue

Home Bargains do a very basic 3D headset that you put your smartphone into. It's not fantastic, but it does work ok. For £5.99, it's been worth it for my boys.

Personally I didn't like it. I felt sick and wobbly. Although I've bought them for Christmas, I tried both headsets out with my boys before wrapping. Initially I bought one, but both boys loved it, so I bought another. I didn't think my older boy (who has a learning disability) would like it, but he borrowed my phone and loved it.

My boys are 16 and 18 (18 year old has much lower mental age though).

Maybe this could be an option if your granddaughter has a smartphone? It's not expensive, so if it isn't what she wants, it's not a massive waste of money. If she does like it, it might be sufficient, or it could be a stepping stone to a better model.

MataNui

The Gear VR is a very nice bit of kit. If you have a compatible Samsung phone that is. I wouldnt worry about her spending too much time on it in one go. Displaying VR content really kills the phones and it wont be long before it shows an overheating message.

My wife just got a Gear VR as part of her upgrade. My 13 year old boy loves it. It works with both our phones too which is a bit of a bonus.

Lunar_Eclipse

We have the cardboard versions (£6-10 on Amazon.) Amazing quality with an iPhone, but only used the once as an afternoon of family fun. I suffer from seasickness so found it awful!

I think it would be a great 'fun' present for Xmas day itself, unlikely to be used after that, so good to buy cheap.