Kid's Laptop Computers
Computers have become ever popular over the past few years, not just for entertainment but educationally as well.
The advent of wireless networking has made it possible and practical to have more than one computer per household and, consequently, many parents are now buying computers especially with their children in mind.
There are a few laptop and notebook computers designed especially for kids and there are, also, some grown-up computers which are particularly suitable for children. Here's a selection of some of the best:
VTech Colour Notebook
A great kid’s learning laptop from VTech introduces youngsters to the world of computers and is a useful teaching resource.
Aimed at children aged at 6 and over this is the most advanced laptop in the VTech range and features a word processor, typing tutor, calculator. The computer includes various junior learning games including languages, science and geography.
The functions of the VTech are very similar to a fully-fledged laptop computer and an ideal introduction to computers and learning for young children. £99 from amazon.co.uk
amazon.co.uk
all VTech at amazon.co.uk
VTech at Early Learning Centre
Zoostorm FizzBook
The FizzBook has been adapted from the Intel Classmate PC and is specially designed for use by children. With it's funky green case and and innovative design the FizzBook looks likely to be the number one choice as a child's first computer.
There are 2 versions of this laptop computer: The fully functioned Fizzbook with an 8.9" screen, 30Gb hard drive and 1Gb of memory. There is also a smaller and lighter version with a 7" screen, a 3Gb solid state drive and 512Mb of memory.
Both versions run on the Windows XP operating system, have educational software pre-loaded and are wireless internet enabled.
The 7" version retails around £229 and the fully fledged 8.9" version around £279
For more information the Zoostorm FizzBook is available at:
Amazon.co.uk
Argos
Littlewoods Direct
PC Next Day 8.9" version
PC Next Day 7" version
Lexibook Children's Laptop
A funky orange laptop computer especially for kids, this laptop computer is equipped with all a child needs to learn, study and play.
A fully functioned computer, the Lexibook has SoftMaker Office pre-installed which is compatible with Windows Office and Open Office applications. £199 from brightminds.co.uk an online store dedicated to children's educational toys and gifts.
Advent K1501 Laptop
The Advent is a fully functioned laptop computer which is being promoted by PC World as part of their Children's Charter. The Charter's aim is help parents who are not technically minded choose a suitable computer for their child as well as to provide advice and support in setting up security and parental controls.
The computer itself is a solid and reliable laptop with all the usual features that you would expect of a grown-up's professional notebook computer. This laptop can be customised with a choice of fun and colourful covers with designs suitable for boys and girls alike.
The Advent has a 15.4” display, a 160Gb hard disk and an ample 2Gb of memory. There are 3 standard USB connections for connecting cameras and MP3 players, etc. This computer also has Norton Internet security pre-installed. £329.99
The Advent K1501 is available from PC World
Asus EeePc
Suitable for grown-ups as well as children the Asus is much more sophisticated than it looks.
A compact and netbook style computer, the Asus has a choice of storage options, 3 standard USB ports, an SD Memory card slot, built in Wi-Fi and a 7” display. The operating system is Linux based although anyone familiar with Windows XP will find it very easy to adapt to with many features being amazingly similar.
LapTop Magazine said that the Asus "is, pound for pound, the best value netbook computer on the planet" and we are inclined to agree.
The Asus retails at around £229 - depending on spec
The Asus is available from:
Amazon.co.uk
PC World
Pink Laptops
Great for girls of all ages the Asus is also available in very feminine pink. Pink laptop computers are becoming very popular and are no longer just a novelty item?
This pink Asus netbook computer is a serious bit of kit which is rugged and fully equipped, yet lightweight and simple to use.
The Asus is great idea for any young (or not so young) girl. Available from amazon for around £209.99
amazon.co.uk
more pink laptops
Advent 4211c Netbook
The award winning Advent netbook is a perfect computer solution for both kids and adults who want a fully functioned Windows XP pc with the convenience of an ultra lightweight and portable netbook.
Utilizing the mighty Intel atom processor this netbook computer has a built-in web cam, microphone and Bluetooth compatibility.
One of PC World’s best selling computers the 4211c has 1Gb of memory and 120Gb disc space.
£274.02
Acer Aspire One Pink
Just released!!
The perfect choice for ladies young and old, this much anticipated pink netbook is now available from laptops direct.
There are 2 versions currently available - one with the Windows XP operating system and a budget version which uses Linux.
Windows Version
Laptops Direct £244.65
Linux Version
Laptops Direct £215.29
Laptops Direct Voucher Code
Code - LDAWLAP5
Promotion - £5 off all Laptops
Expires - 24/12/08
Acer Aspire One
The Acer aspire is a high performance netbook style computer which combines portability with performance.
The computer uses the Intel atom processor, has 1GB of memory and uses the Windows XP operating system, or is available with Linux.
The notebook has built-in Wi-Fi compatibility so is ideal as a second home computer or as an ultra-portable device.
One of the best selling portable computers of the year, the Acer is ideal for teenagers and adults alike.
amazon.co.uk (Windows) 120GB Hard Drive + 1GB RAM £269.99
dixons(linux) 512 MB Hard Drive + 8GB RAM £174.05
pc world (linux) 512 MB Hard drive + 8GB RAM £179
pc world (linux) 120GB White £219.99
Check all Acer Aspire One Prices Here
Dell Inspiron Mini 9
Our favourite computer of the moment, the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 is a great lightweight notebook computer that a parent might want to keep for him or herself?
Totally portable, the Inspiron has all the features common to a much bigger machine with 16Gb of storage, 1Gb of memory, an 8.9” screen and the mighty Intel Atom processor this is a computer that will have no problem keeping up with the demands of a young teenager or adult alike.
Prices start at £269
The Dell Inspiron Mini is available to order direct from Dell
Samsung NC10 Netbook
The Samsung Netbook is the latest portable PC on the market and is packed with features and technology which will not fall short of anyone’s expectations.
Lightweight but expertly crafted, the Samsung is ideal for surfing the internet either at home or on the move.
This netbook features a 10.3” screen, ergonomic keyboard, built-in web-cam, 1Gb of memory and a 160Gb hard drive. Available in 3 colours this computer is ideal for teenage girls or boys.
Around £299
amazon.co.uk £339.95
dixons £295.04
pc world £299.99
Elonex one+T Laptop
This great value portable netbook computer from Elonex features a 7” high resolution TFT LCD display, 128Mb RAM and 2Gb ssd memory.
This computer uses the Linux operating system with applications such as spreadsheets, word-processing and Wi-Fi built in.
The Elonex comes complete with a card reader, external mouse, headphones and a carrying bag.
Asda Direct £146.80
Datawind PocketSurfer2
An ultra-thin portable, pocket sizes device which connects simply and seamlessly to the web using established mobile technology.
The PocketSurfer features a 640 x 240 screen with a QWERTY keyboard and mouse cursor. With a GPRS antenna and SIM card already built in it’s ready to go straight from the box and there is no contract or monthly payments for the first 12 months – use the internet for up to 20 hours a month for free!
If you decide to continue after 12 months use then simply sign up for around £40 a year.
amazon.co.uk £134.99
pocketsurfer2 bundle £136.16 when you enter code ARCPS505 at the chekout.
** offer expires 31 December 2008
