volcan

mystigo said:
I highly recommend the Netgear Orbi. It is an absolutely fantastic wireless "mesh" router system and worth every penny. 

Plus you can install DD WRT firmware if you need a VPN to be able to access copyrighted content when outside of the US. Of course it is not exactly legal and many free VPN servers are blocked now but still useful if you have the time and knowledge to set it up.

racerhomie3 said:
 I will upgrade to the AC AirPort Extreme in 2 to 3 years, and continue to use all 3 as a mesh network. I will never be upgrading from that.

A mesh network is different from just having several routers with the same SSID. If you are connected to a regular wifi router, it will hang on to that signal as long as it can even if it becomes really weak. Not until the connection is completely gone will it switch over to a closer router. A mesh network needs to have special software that always uses the strongest signal and routes the packets back to the main WAN access path. Apple Airport routers don't do that.

Also never say never when it comes to technology.

blah64 
however I have someThe iPodTouch is a great device.  It provides a middle-ground, where kids can play games, take pictures

I hear you but I’m thinking you don’t have girls. iPod is no different than an iPhone regarding my biggest concern - the camera. Try having a conversation with a 10 year old girl to never ever take a picture of yourself without your clothes. She got really embarrassed but I had to have that discussion. Their mom is really strict but that topic is mine. Boys are going ask for that photo. Boys are bad which is why I ban them from the phones. I can tell you from first hand experience - they can’t be trusted. Until they are 30 they are very reckless and crazy. Then from age 30  - 90 they can be quite sane. After 90 they start getting crazy again. I’m not at that point yet - right in the middle of the sanity range but my dad is 90 and after being so reliable for decades he is starting to break down.

seanismorris said:
Storing everything online (which it seems like Apple wants) doesn’t work outside of documents & email.

You can store any sort of file on iCloud.

majorsl said:

No more locked in to "Apple's way or the highway" store. But, I won't go back.

Living in mixed environment is pretty much only for professionals. Can't imagine a regular consumer having to navigate moving content from one OS to another. It would be like living in a foreign country and not speaking the language. For me, it probably wouldn't be so much of a problem because I use Mac, iOS, Windows and Linux at work but never touched Android. Can't imagine my family not having the Apple ecosystem. That is all they know.