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Computer For a Child?

Posted by samzenpus on from the start-them-young dept.

jameswing writes "I am thinking of buying a UMPC, such as an Eee PC or a Wind for my son, and wanted to get input from Slashdot. He is almost 2 and really curious about our computers, and anything electronic. I want to foster this in him, without having him on my desktop or laptop. I also don't really like the idea of getting one of those cheap 'Learning Laptops' that have a tiny screen and are really limited. Does anybody have one that they use with their children? How sturdy is it? Will it stand up to a 2-year-old? If not, what are good alternatives? What are your thoughts? Suggestions?"

14 of 556 comments (clear)

  1. Don't do it. Not yet. by alexandre_ganso · · Score: 5, Funny

    I learned to read with that age, which was considered a prodigy in my city (and a freak, BTW, in equal proportions).

    I really dug into encyclopedias, and was very interested in science. Until I stole a book from a dad's friend.

    It was COBOL. I was 4. Now I'm a sad CS teacher finishing my ph.D. in high-performance computing. And I have 12 euros in my bank account right now.

    Let him live. And when time comes, guide him to a law school.

  2. Re:C'mon...this is crazy! by subnomine · · Score: 5, Funny

    The BMW M5 has a very simple computer system, just a single turn and push knob. Easy to learn.

  3. Re:Too early for a "real" PC by RMH101 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Stick it in the bath? Eat the battery? Lick the power supply?

  4. Re:Oh, get over yourself by kbrasee · · Score: 5, Funny

    he's interested in anything that goes "ping"

    Well, teach him how to use ping then...

  5. Fish by Frankie70 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Give the 2 year old a fish & you have fed him for today.
    Teach him how to fish & you have fed him for life.

    Why buy him a computer. Take him to Frys or something.
    Let him pick out the parts & make his own computer.
    Once he is done, point him to one of the Linux sources - he
    can build his binaries & install it.

  6. Re:Oh, get over yourself by aetherworld · · Score: 5, Funny

    Baby Banger

    They should really consider getting a new name for their app...

  7. Re:Oh, get over yourself by canUbeleiveIT · · Score: 5, Funny

    I suspect that is I were to use the OP's definition of being interested in "anything electronic," one of our dogs would fit it. Of course, she also eats her own poop.

  8. Re:Oh, get over yourself by Nursie · · Score: 4, Funny

    So short sighted!

    Just think of the uber-mecha-geek that he could turn out by teaching the child so early on that:

    1. Computers are more interesting than people (including you)
    2. Being interested in the computer is the only way to make your father happy.

    Social dysfunction and extreme geekhood here we come!

  9. Re:Oh, get over yourself by Yvan256 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Your son is not a prodigy.

    I bet he's not an AOL either.

  10. Re:Oh, get over yourself by Mindcontrolled · · Score: 5, Funny

    ACK!

    --
    Ubi solitudinem faciunt, pacem appellant.
  11. Re:Too early for a "real" PC by RMH101 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Note to self: another justification for that new Macbook: the keys don't come off

  12. Re:Oh, get over yourself by value_added · · Score: 5, Funny

    Well, teach him how to use ping then...

    To be fair, event adults can be impressed with a a machine that go ping

  13. Re:Oh, get over yourself by ObsessiveMathsFreak · · Score: 5, Funny

    Indeed. I would suggest "Baby Beater" as a suitable alternative.

    --
    May the Maths Be with you!
  14. Re:Oh, get over yourself by johny42 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Also, zombo.com.