Slashdot Mirror
Ask Slashdot: Best Computer For a 7-Year Old?
First time accepted submitter Boldizar writes "My son turns seven next month and I'd like to buy him a cheap computer. I'm looking for the Slashdot hivemind opinion on what would be the best computer for a child. I'm looking for a computer that will teach him basic computer literacy, and hopefully one wherein the guts are a bit exposed so that he can learn how a computer works rather than just treating it like a magic object (i.e., iPad) – but that would still keep him interested and without leaving him behind in school. For the same reason, I prefer a real keyboard so he can learn to type. I don't know enough about computers to frame the question intelligently. Perhaps something in the $300 range that would be the computer equivalent of an old mechanical car engine? Another way to think about it: I'm looking for the computer equivalent of teaching my son how to survive in the forest should the zombie apocalypse ever come."
Yeah, turn your kid into a mindless iConsumer, what a wonderful idea!
Well, at least you suggested second hand, which I agree with.
I'd recommend using an operating system that will build skills in an area where the skills will be reusable. Most schools use windows or macs. Linux is a dead end for an elementary school kid. Linux is a dead end period. Its a solution in search of a problem.