Computer recs for almost 4 year old?

[EVC]

In the past few months, dd (3.5 years) has become very proficient in using a computer (very good manipulation of the mouse, can open and close files/internet, right click, left click, etc--basically, she can pretty much do everything she wants to do without help).

Well, lately she has been asking for her own computer for Christmas. Yes, I realize that is still a LONG time away, but anyway.....


Does anyone have any recommendations for a child's computer? Her two "requirements" (according to her) are that it should be a laptop-style (i.e. can be opened and closed), and that it have a separate mouse (not just a touch pad).


I've looked online, but most of the ones I've found are toy computers, which I don't think is really what she's looking for. Ideally, it would be capable of internet access (she's really into youtube, pbskids, and a few other sites). Other than that, maybe educational type games? Phonics and things?

Obviously, no need for Word or Excel at this point

Do they make kids computers like this, or all kids "computers" just toy replicas? I really don't want to sink a whole lot of money into this, but I do want to find something that she will use and enjoy.

Thoughts?

[LynnS6]

Our kids use an older desktop that dh put together for them. It's hopelessly outdated in terms of snazzy stuff but works really well.

The good news about kids' computers is that until they're in middle/high school, the demands on the things they want to do are pretty minimal. There are a lot of older games that don't take up that many resources and most of the kid websites my kids go to don't take that many resources. The one exception might be WebKinz, but my kids don't spend that much time on it.

I would look for a good used one from a reputable source.

[Mama2Bug]

Okay, so it doesn't have a mouse, but please consider this one. It's a great little laptop and supports such an awesome cause!

One Laptop Per Child

This is what our DD will be getting either this year or next.

[Drummer's Wife]

what about a netbook? they have ones now with 10 inch screens for around $300. You can hook up an external mouse to it.

My 4 yo used our family PC up until this last weekend when DH brought home an extra computer from work for the kids to use. I know my kids would love a laptop but they weren't easy on mine (full size), so I would hesitate on getting my particular 4 yr old anything more expensive than a netbook.

[pumpkin]

I would ask your friends and family if anyone is getting rid of a laptop. Odds are someone has a decent one just sitting in a closet. It will be free or cheap. I don't say this from a frugality standpoint, its just that a hand-me-down should be plenty of computer at that age. You can add an external mouse, even a wireless one.

[AllisonR]

Forget the toy computers. Get your DD a used PC or Mac. This will be able to grow with them for several years at least. We have an old Mac for 4.5 yo DS and 2.5 yo DD. Doesn't have to many games on it, but they find most of their activities online anyway (pbs, poisssonrouge, starfall, big backyard....). I found DS and DD had an easy time learning on a 1 button mouse, as opposed to multiple button mouse, trackpad, trackball... I found the biggest issue was the space - they couldn't use proper office chairs and desk. We put the computer and monitor on a converted laundry hamper and made a stool out of a converted shoe rack.

[pigpokey]

Originally Posted by Mama2Bug

Okay, so it doesn't have a mouse, but please consider this one. It's a great little laptop and supports such an awesome cause!

One Laptop Per Child

This is what our DD will be getting either this year or next.

Can you buy those anymore?

[jazzharmony]

Originally Posted by pigpokey

Can you buy those anymore?

According to the amazon link the give one get one program ended Dec 31st. You can buy them to donate only. They look fantastic.

I would not be comfortable with my 4yo having their own computer but that's just me.

[4evermom]

You need wireless for the XO. There aren't input jacks to connect it to our dsl. Also no disk drive. So we haven't gotten much use from the one ds was gifted. Then it just didn't start up one day. But his cousins' ones are all fine. I don't think you can connect a mouse but I'm not positive about that. It's nice because it is smaller scale and a bit more water resistant but I'd go with someone's old laptop instead, if possible. Then you don't need wireless and you can use disks.

[Mama2Bug]

Originally Posted by pigpokey

Can you buy those anymore?

The XO news site says that they will be reintroducing the "Give One Get One" deal again this year. I imagine it will be around November, like it was last year, since it did very well at that time.