Ask Slashdot: Best Computer For a 7-Year Old? 423
First time accepted submitter Boldizar writes "My son turns seven next month and I'd like to buy him a cheap computer. I'm looking for the Slashdot hivemind opinion on what would be the best computer for a child. I'm looking for a computer that will teach him basic computer literacy, and hopefully one wherein the guts are a bit exposed so that he can learn how a computer works rather than just treating it like a magic object (i.e., iPad) – but that would still keep him interested and without leaving him behind in school. For the same reason, I prefer a real keyboard so he can learn to type. I don't know enough about computers to frame the question intelligently. Perhaps something in the $300 range that would be the computer equivalent of an old mechanical car engine? Another way to think about it: I'm looking for the computer equivalent of teaching my son how to survive in the forest should the zombie apocalypse ever come."
Commodore 64 (Score:5, Funny)
Get him started off programming BASIC, and then inlining bits of machine code. He'll be a natural in no time.
Re:Commodore 64 (Score:5, Funny)
I completely agree. How many of us started out with a C64 and turned out fine?
Re:Commodore 64 (Score:3, Funny)
C64 Bias. I knew it.
Re:First...why? (Score:4, Funny)
I strongly disagree. The OP is right, since someday in the future the kid will be a computer user, he need to learn now computer architecture. Everyone knows that without knowing computer architecture you cannot use a computer!
I did the same to my son when it came to the car; until the time he was able to explain me internal combustion engine and the operation of gas vs diesel motors, I did not allow him to use the car; I would be driving it and he would run by my side.
He still has not convinced me that he knows well enough about central heating, though. Until that, he is sleeping outside. I really hope he learns it before winter settles in.
Re:A Mac? (Score:4, Funny)
And, for a machine of that age, the kid can also make the necessary blood sacrifice required every time you open up the case.
It's just an added bonus of learning not to stick your fingers into everything you open up. Most of us had to wait until we were older to get that lesson.