computers for kids   

Hi,

When you say "computer that is for kids," it sounds like you're talking about the XO-1 laptop, originally called the OLPC (One Laptop Per Child), by Nicholas Negroponte: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OLPC_XO-1 They had a sort of "get one, give one" program going on through November, where $400 would buy a laptop for you, and one for a child in a developing country. The program is over, and I'm not really sure where you can buy them in stores, or if you can yet.

Here's a decent-looking Acer on TigerDirect that's on sale for $449.99: http://click.linksynergy....
It has a combo drive in the optical bay, meaning it reads DVDs and CDs, but only writes to CDs. You could upgrade something like this later on if needed, or purchase an external DVD burner (which would be cheaper). The machine comes with Windows Vista Home Basic, and has 512 MB of RAM. It will run on 512, but I would recommend no less than 1 GB (preferably 2 GB) myself. You could upgrade to 1 GB for $11 if you wanted.

I don't know if I came anywhere near what you're looking for, but these are some of the cheaper deals out there, unless you want to buy a laptop that runs Linux instead of Windows. :) Hope this helps!

Personally, I think a family computer is best. I think they're too young to have their own computers. If it connects to the internet, there will be stuff that passes safe-site filters.

Check the Sunday paper for specials. I've seen Toshiba laptops with Intel Celeron processors, 512MB RAM, and Vista Home basic for under $400 at Wallmart. Now these are now great machines, but they should be adequate for basic home use, and Toshiba is a dependable brand

hi

well have a look at the Asus Eee Pc. classifed as educational laptop.

link: http://wiki.eeeuser.com/eee_pc_701

Laptop not a good idea for young children, they tend to spill things, drop things, and basically do n ot have a concept of worth or value at that age... The comments on a home computer seem more feasible, in a setting you could more closely monitor, just make sure they do not have admin rights to prevent them from making system wide problems. In fact all computers should be configured from 1 admin account, then never again logged into unless software upgrades are required, this would protect your computer from more internet prone attacks since you don't have permission to make changes on the account being used. The reason why linux users have less attacks, the only use root, the admin account when required and use a limited account remainder of use.
Perhaps these kids should play with other kids, avoiding the television and internet, enjoy the outdoors, play with toys, you are only young for a short period of your life and always wish you could return to a more simpler life...
just because other kids are using computers at younger and younger ages, doesn't mean it right... today's kids lead no social ifes and hide in their rooms thinking that chatting and emailing is interaction at a social level, I am weary of the end result and hope all the violence kids are expressing isn't the beginning... sorry for rant...