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Which Is the Best Child's Computer?

My five year old is all over our computer! I would like to reclaim the family computer and I know a simple toy is not going to hold her attention. Even an advanced hand held might do the trick, but can anyone recommend a little computer for kids that I don't have to spend a thousand dollars for?
'Tis the season!
C. S.

What can I do next?

So What Happened?™

Well, I'm still looking, but now I'm comparing hand-held games like Nintendo vs. Playstation. I may put another post up on that one, but meanwhile I'm doing lots of homework on what games are available for them. In response to those cautionary tales about limiting computer time, I have to note that seeing my five year old sitting still at a computer is a whole new and thrilling experience for us which has only happened since we started ADHD meds. She has much to catch up on and is 95 percent better at being able to sit still and learn. I will heed your advice, lest I develop a little computer addict, but that has never been a problem for this little live wire! Thank you all for the great input. I am glad to know about the ideas for a second hand computer too. That is still on the table for sure. I'll update my final decision when the money gets plunked down for something.
C. S.

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I think leap frog or V tech makes a computer that teaches things and does math ect....if you want a grown up computer think Apple is the best

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Well, weather it's a computer or tv, kids should still spend limited screen time, and should do some other activity, like they used to do in the old days.

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How about her own laptop. You can find one at a reasonable price (less than $1000) for her needs. She will be used to if for school (the have laptops at our school as well as desktops).

You don't have to buy the fanciest etc....just a basic system. We got my daughter a Dell with good software so she can do homework with it as well. She is almost 13 and she has homeowrk that is supposed to be typed. She uses it for her homework, research (supervised) and games. I believe I spent an extra $200 for warranty for accidental problems (Ex: dropping)

We believe in buying the best you can afford at the time.

Susan

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There are many options for toy laptops out there. My youngest daughter got the Barbie B-Book for Christmas a couple of years ago, and she still plays with it. It is loaded with all kinds of educational games. My niece has a similar toy that is Bratz. V-smile has some nice items as well. If you go to a computer supply store, or maybe even radio shack, you can find keyboards made for younger children, even babies that will work on your computer. Then, there is www.buddybrower.com.....or .org. It is a browser made just for kids, and it will ask you for her date of birth so that it will offer her age appropriate activities. I love that one for both of my daughters. They are 8 and 12, and each gets their own content just for their age group.

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I think leap frog or V tech makes a computer that teaches things and does math ect....if you want a grown up computer think Apple is the best

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Well, here you go, a strong, durable laptop for $399, and that includes shipping. $200 is tax deductible because it is a charitable organization, so you will also be giving a laptop to a needy child in a 3rd world country (all included in the price). However, you only have one week, and then the offer will be off of the table. Check out this web-site: http://www.laptopgiving.org/en/give-one-get-one.php

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Sorry to tag to your request.. my 3 year old is in computer enrichment and we were thinking about an e-machine with spelling games vs. a V-Tech….

Lets get some feedback :-)

E.

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Look in the circular's this weekend. Everyone will be running specials. you can get a new system for around $500 in most places.
Good Luck

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My first response is to set up a Computer time for her... half hour or so and schedule it for her... All other time is your computer time... you can set it up with a password needed to start just in case she turns it on when it's not her time.

Maybe she can earn money for a computer, that's what I had to do.. as a college student...

It's up to you.. YOU are in charge as the parent!

J.

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