Child's computer

[silver02gt]

I'm looking at getting my 4 1/2 yr old daughter a computer. Just looking for suggestions about what you guys think I should do? Build a cheap computer or buy a cheap dell? It definately doesn't need to be anything fancy of course. Then I was also thinking that maybe I should just take the money I would spend on a computer for her and put it towards building one for me, and set up a guest user for her to use and probably a seperate keyboard and mouse so she didn't mess mine up. Just let me know your opinions. Thanks for the suggestions!!!

[trowand]

I say build a cheap wimpy PC in a cool colorful case that she'll like. You know someone (PC company) makes a Disney computer that's really cool. The monitor, keyboard, mouse and tower all match and the monitor has mickey mouse ears attached to it that are actually speakers but I can't remember who it was. HP maybe? It also comes with all kinds of protective software to keep your kids safe while surfing the net. If you do decide to build your own, I've seen mice that are made smaller for little kids that are made to look like Elmo and like lady bugs and stuff that are kinda cool. Good luck and have fun!

[jayb1234]

Mickey mouse computer, $599 for PC; $299 for monitor, 256Mb ram, a celeron, 40Gb hard drive, looks like a kid would like the visual appeal of it, but pretty pricey for low end components.

[Stuey]

Just a question, how often will your 4 1/2 yr old daughter use the computer? You might be able to set up a guest account for her on your computer as they may be sufficient based on what you want her to have. If you do decide to build a computer for her, you should build it yourself as you're probably not going to need high performance or functionality. For example, you're probably not going to want her to be able to connect the system to the internet, although you're going to want to connect it initially to download updates and the such.

You're probably going to have to guide her use of the computer for a while or for the majority of the time she's using it, so it may not be too advantageous to build her a separate system.

I say build yourself a system and save the extra cash for the future when she's going to need increased funtionality.

[MaxRat]

Do a search for kids pc's...I did this awhile back and came up with all kinds of neet stuff... I found Hello Kitty. Dora and all kinds of neet designed cases...

If you are just looking for a cheap box...a $299 dell may be your answer as you will get everything....

If you build it your self you have that in it and still have to get a monitor and windows...

[Jaggannath]

MaxRat just suggested what I was about to... there are purpose built computers for small children that teach them spelling etc., perhaps look for them.

[silver02gt]

Thank you guys for all your suggestions. I won't be doing anything til after christmas, cuz I don't know how much I'll end up spending on the rest of her presents. Toys are too expensive, lol. Thanks for the opinions.

[rspassey]

I think it is a great idea no matter which route you take; I don't think I would have ever had the knowledge I have today about computers if I hadn't had one to use when I was a young child. They are both fun and great eductional tool which will entertain your daughter and teach her important skills in the growing world like being able to navigate and use a computer efficiently. If I were you I would go for something appealing, like a disney case or something, and set it up with a cool desktop of her interest, just so she gains interest from the start. The referbished or discount Dells are a great value, though I think if you build one you will enjoy the ability to upgrade it when the time comes, add in another 70$ two years down the road for more RAM, etc.

[Lord Prism]

Just a note, if the kids pc is going to be on an internet connection (our kid's is on broadband), you might consider using a program like Net Nanny to guard their surfing against unwanted and inappropriate material.

good luck,

[MaxRat]

LP....

You can "enable" the content advisor in IE and pretty much do the same thing if not more and it's already in windows....

[Lord Prism]

THanks Max, I hadn't looked at that before - I'll check it out.

[nicolaus corelius]

as a kid i got the best pimp rig out here. my dad was a designer so i got to do some serious "work" on the bad boy.