eee 900 or 904 for 3 & 5 year old? Could anybody that has used one of these computers let me know whether they would recommend it for my 3 & 5 year olds? I 've been look at the 2go PC (http://www.2gopc.com/2goPC_atom.html) but these Asus netbooks offer so much more for about the same money. The kids are pretty responsible but they will not be as careful as an adult.Any other recommedations?Thanks! eee 900 or 904 for 3 & 5 year old? Could anybody that has used one of these computers let me know whether they would recommend it for my 3 & 5 year olds? I 've been look at the 2go PC... » Read More eee 900 or 904 for 3 & 5 year old? Could anybody that has used one of these computers let me know whether they would recommend it for my 3 & 5 year olds? I 've been look at the 2go PC (http://www.2gopc.com/2goPC_atom.html) but these Asus netbooks offer so much more for about the same money. The kids are pretty responsible but they will not be as careful as an adult.Any other recommedations?Thanks! « Show Less
59199
Well to be honest they look similar as far as features go. Bigger hard drive on the 904 is what I noticed first. You don't want to drop this laptop that's for sure. It weighs about 3 pounds. Maybe if it was setup at a desk and not meant to be mobile...I think of the 6 year old I know and I am not sure I would trust it getting carried around. It's durable but made of plastic...
1832979
Thanks for the input. I constantly have to tell my kids they can't play with my $2,000 Mac laptop when I'm not there with them and the price is definitely right on these. Amazing what they manage to put in these little things for the money. I decided to go with the 900 since the smaller keyboard will probably actually be easier for them. Found one with the same hard drive as the 904. I hope they can make it last. I know they will love it as long as they do.
1725417
I havn't seen any new netbooks under $200 with anything close to these spec's, perhaps a 3 year old Dell Mini 9 would run around $200.
1142566
I am very pleased with this laptop.Due to the fact that my one living parent is elderly, I would not recommend this laptop for him. He does well on his computer, but I might show him this fascinating one and what all it can do. He might request one!
1155858
For any child 5 and under, I would have to recommend the Leapster 2. Even at 5, they would still get a couple of years out of it before they lost interest. I have an advanced 4 year old, and he is showing no signs of outgrowing his, plus their are several new games designed for an older age range (Digging for Dinosaurs, Wolverine, etc). My reason for discouraging the DS is that it is less educational but much cooler as far as graphics. Therefore, once they get into the DS the Leapster will be history, but so will the much more educational games.
435812
If the children will be wanting to play music CDs, DVDs, or Games on CD-ROM, this won't work for that because it has no optical disc drive (aka cd/dvd drive). I would recommend something with a more common operating system like Windows or Apple. I also know many children who enjoy using machines running Ubuntu Linux. If you want something durable, I would look into getting a Thinkpad. They have spill-proof laptops with reinforced frames and lids, etc.
615197
Since the tablets only worked for a week, it's hard to judge the long haul. However my grandchildren were 7, 5 and 3. All of them enjoyed having their own tablet. They still wish they had them back. Can't seem to make them understand that the things were junk. I've gotten the best service out of Samsung and Dell; there is one, less expensive one, called Filemate Clear X 4, that is holding up well. It seems the best kids tablet is the Nabi.
2095338
To respond to the other person's review: As with all electronics, I'm sure you are not going to allow your kids to throw it. There should be no fear of damage if your kids know how to properly use computers. In other words, most kids these days know that these devices are not toys. Use your judgement and you'll be fine.
1351481
yes it would be worth it. I have a 3 year old who has the brain of a 5 year old and he loves it. Your daughter can draw, write, and play the games that are on the vtech website that you can download. It will teach her days of the week, time, I would get it.
1852212
I purchased the fisher price ixl and my 2 year 9 month old he loves it and was able to use it with a little bit of instruction from me and a few minutes later was able to use it on his own telling " Mommy, I'll do it myself". I was looking at systems on ebay and a lady had listed the explorer not beacuse it was bad system it just was a little over her son's head so they replaced it with the leaspter 2 system he was 3 years old.
1141857
we love the netbook best by ASUS. and HP LAPTOP.but yes,mine last STILL over 1 to 2 yrs.bought many a few for mi self and mi daughters.teen.last just about 6 to 7 hrs. adios
976672
I have a 5 and 9 year old. Both of them thought it was great, but I recommend that you have a sizable sand box for it. It also takes a little time for them to figure it out. In any event, it definitely is worth the purchase for the price and enjoyment.
408477
I got the nabi2 for my son right before his 6th birthday and he's 7 now. I think it's great for his age range. His BFF also has it who is a few months older. I would say 5 maybe 4 & up. For younger they have Nabi Jr. & older they have the Nabi XD I believe it's called. Hope I helped! Oh & my son was dealing with learning struggles & this has programs that he was able to work with fine.
1289349
Don't do it. I read a post from Cnet.com that reviewed a Atom 1.6 / 1.8 processor powered netbook with Vista and 1 GB of RAM and it was a slug. If memory serves me right it was a Dell. I have XP Pro on the MSI Wind with 1 GB or RAM and it has worked fine so far. But this is a loaner and I've only had it for 48 hours. So far I very impressed. I'm going to turn it loose in my middle school this week and see how it fairs with students and staff.As for Vista, it would make these little books to slow for their designed purpose of being netbooks. Though I have Vista on my personal laptop and love it, I just think it is too much for them. But someone might find a way to make it work. Don't do it. I read a post from Cnet.com that reviewed a Atom 1.6 / 1.8 processor powered netbook with Vista and 1 GB of RAM and it was a slug. If memory serves me right it was a Dell. I have XP Pro on the MSI Wind with 1 GB or RAM and it has worked fine so far. But this is a loaner and I've only had it for 48 hours. So far I very impressed. I'm going to turn it loose in my middle school this week and see how it fairs with students and staff.As for Vista, it would make these little books to slow for their designed purpose of being netbooks. Though I have Vista on my personal... » Read More Don't do it. I read a post from Cnet.com that reviewed a Atom 1.6 / 1.8 processor powered netbook with Vista and 1 GB of RAM and it was a slug. If memory serves me right it was a Dell. I have XP Pro on the MSI Wind with 1 GB or RAM and it has worked fine so far. But this is a loaner and I've only had it for 48 hours. So far I very impressed. I'm going to turn it loose in my middle school this week and see how it fairs with students and staff.As for Vista, it would make these little books to slow for their designed purpose of being netbooks. Though I have Vista on my personal laptop and love it, I just think it is too much for them. But someone might find a way to make it work. « Show Less
89281
Hi! If you want your 8th grader to have this I don't think it's a bad choice at all. It's a pretty decent laptop computer and just about anybody at that age would be very lucky to have one. Have a nice day, Emily! :)
2229413
If you havn't already made a decision, here are 2 thoughts: 900 has the smaller keyboard which will be ok for your 8 y/o. and weight is ~1/2 pound less. The 904ha has longer battery life and better webcam. All in all, with price savings and lighter smaller formfactror I'd go with the 900ha for my tech savy 8 yo if I had the money. As it is, I only have $ for mine for work. But I do plan on letting my boys (6 and 9) work on it too for homework.
1982395
This small laptop, which falls into the "netbook" category, is fine for email, general web browsing and basic word processing. But it lacks the processor power of more expensive laptops, and that shortcoming shows when displaying videos, which can be choppy. I would not recommend it for video editing or other tasks requiring a greater amount of processing power. Factoring in the small screen and slightly smaller keyboard, I would suggest spending a bit more and getting your daughter a lower-end Dell or Lenovo 15" laptop. I've been there and done that with my own children. For a does-it-all-well solution, you want a larger screen, full size keyboard, and more processing power. This small laptop, which falls into the "netbook" category, is fine for email, general web browsing and basic word processing. But it lacks the processor power of more expensive laptops, and that shortcoming shows when displaying videos, which can be choppy. I would not recommend it for video editing or other tasks requiring a greater amount of processing power. Factoring in the small screen and slightly smaller keyboard, I would suggest spending a bit more and getting your daughter a lower-end Dell or Lenovo 15" laptop. I've been there and done that with my own children. For... » Read More This small laptop, which falls into the "netbook" category, is fine for email, general web browsing and basic word processing. But it lacks the processor power of more expensive laptops, and that shortcoming shows when displaying videos, which can be choppy. I would not recommend it for video editing or other tasks requiring a greater amount of processing power. Factoring in the small screen and slightly smaller keyboard, I would suggest spending a bit more and getting your daughter a lower-end Dell or Lenovo 15" laptop. I've been there and done that with my own children. For a does-it-all-well solution, you want a larger screen, full size keyboard, and more processing power. « Show Less
432253
I personally bought the eMachines eM250 (the exact equivalent of the Acer Aspire One D250, just rebranded) from Walmart for $228 by seeing it in the computer cage up in Maine. The EXACT same thing except WITH a bigger harddrive (250gig). Personally I love it, and even though the keys are slightly cramped (89%), I didn't want to deal with the Dell touchpad which is a pain in the butt. I'm a computer guy, and I played with it in a Staples to see if I liked it, but no thanks. Also the Acer/eMachines is a breeze to upgrade the RAM. Just remove a screw, pop out the 1 gig, and put in a 2 gig. So if I may, I would suggest stopping by Walmart to see if you can get lucky like me. Has a cool brushed nickel look to it too (but its plastic). I've put it through the ringer, and it is surpisingly pretty powerful! Here is the Amazon link to it: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00323G71S/ref=s9_simi_gw_s6_p147_t1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=0TVG5SXWRB9HWKSRM88K&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938811&pf_rd_i=507846