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Small laptop suitable for kids?

Lonster

Lonster

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1986 RG500 Gamma, 2020 KTM 890 Duke R, 1975 RD400 AHRMA Special, 1975 CB350f, 1977 CB550four
Name
Lonster
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AMA #: 305491
Hi all.
With Christmas just around the corner, I have a 9 year old that uses the PC quite a bit. My wife was asking what I thought about a 'gameboy' or PSP for him, for Christmas, so he would have something to keep himself busy when we are doing things with OUR friends, and he has to be 'dragged along'. My thought was that a laptop would be better AND easier on the eyes.
Now to the question:
Does anyone know of a kid friendly laptop that can be used for playing computer games, as well as other learning types of downloadable games? Obviously a cost friendly unit is preferred, and something that is not full sized, as a 9 year old lugging around a 13 inch laptop is silly.
The childrens computers with the 3 inch screens just wont do either.
Let me know what you have run into regarding this type of computer, if there IS anything like this out there.
Thanks,
Lonster
 
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Maybe an older tablet PC will hit the mark for smaller size and price point. A couple guys at work have Compaq TC1000's and like the portability of them. Probably found on ebay for a decent price.

Or you could go the pricier UMPC route
 
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Heres the thing, Laptops are going to give your child access to the internet wherever. So, decide if thats is acceptable ( think about virus' n shit like that, it will need maintenance ). the other thing is, at what price point are you going to find a machine that will actually LAST a few years, and still do what it needs to. If your looking for real simple things, i just picked up a few of these shitcan dells for like $260 a pop for use on the net and whatnot for our dealership. Check out USAnotebook.com . Personally, i wouldn't want to have to deal with laptops, and their shitty battery life, and having the little guy running all over with an AC adapter, looking for an outlet wherever u might be, tripping people. I would invest in a Nintendo DS Lite. Nintendo has great rep for ALWAYS having a slew of games for kids around his age level, and its very entertaining! I have a psp myself, also awesome, but not for the little guys i think.
 
I was looking at industrial style laptops, but they are pricey!!!

For a kid, if you find a notebook PC, invest in a laptop case where the laptop can stay inside of it while you use it. This will eliminate some of the risk of dropping it, because most laptops don't normally survive drops.
 
Good ideas, thanks.
I stumbled upon this Vtech unit that looks like it fits most of the bill really well. It is not compatible with my PC, and I cannot download stuff to it, but it comes packed with 'learning' software, is priced under $100 and should generate a great reaction from the boy come Christmas.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2373385

Thanks again for your help and information,

Lonster
 
Have you checked out the ASUS EEE? Link: http://eeepc.asus.com/en/

It's a small laptop with no moving parts and it's pretty affordable too. It's massively backordered right now though.
 
get him the nintendo DS w/ the hand-eye coordination thing. i'm pretty sure they have learner-training games (nintendo traditionally has more kid-focused games) and it'll definitely be cheaper than a laptop and alot more portable and sturdy for rough-housing
 
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