There are now several laptop computers designed with kids in mind, here’s a small selection:
Featured Laptops
VTech Slim Pad
This great pink laptop from VTech is aimed at children aged 7 and over and is a great introduction to the world of computers.
This model has over 100 educational games, a touch sensitive screen, maths, English, French, Science and Geography based learning activities and much more. You can even hook up to a real PC to download further activities or to back-up files.
The functions of the VTech are much the same as a real laptop computer and an ideal learning resource for children.
- £75 from amazon.co.uk
- all Children’s Laptops at amazon.co.uk
Barbie B-Smart Learning Laptop
A great interactive learning toy for girls aged 5 and over, the Barbie B-Smart Learning Laptop features over 50 fun learning games including spelling, grammar and maths.
The laptop is operated with a mouse and mouse pad, just like a real computer and the backlit screen is bright and easy to read.
- Toys R Us £49.99
Oregon Scientific
Accelerator PC Trainer III – Pink
A funky pink children’s learning toy, the Oregon Scientific compact laptop features a range of interactive learning activities and fun games.
The laptop like computer has a full sized QWERTY keyboard, mouse and mouse mat.
- Toys R Us £39.99
VTech My Laptop – Pink
A bright pink laptop for kids aged 3 and over, the VTech MyLaptop is a great learning toy with 30 in-built educational activities including Forest Phonics, Number Order, Puzzle Pieces and Musical Fun.
The laptop features a realistic mouse controller with 8 directions of operation, helping children’s hand-eye co-ordination and giving them a real advantage when it comes time to progress to the real thing.
- TheToyShop.com £23.99
VTech Xtra Pink Notebook
This funky laptop is aimed at children aged over 5 and features a QWERTY keyboard and real working mouse. This learning toy has 80 activities including arcade style adventures and educational programs covering Key Stage 1 English, basic French, maths, history and simple science.
This computer also has a 2 player mode with 3 stages of difficulty with a memory system which adapts to their progress.
Disney Pink Laptop
The Asus Disney Netbook which based upon the Asus Eee PC will be available in the UK later this year. An 8.9″ netbook, the Disney Netpal will use the Windows XP operating system and has a choice of memory specifications.
The great selling point of this new netbook is not just the Disney branding but that the interface is also customisable so you can have a Fairy, Princess or Hannah Montana theme which will obviously appeal to girls of various age groups.
The Netpal will also include parental controls, educational software and a spill-proof keyboard as standard. The memory system is also protected against the knocks and drops which are inevitable with any child’s laptop.
The Disney Netpal is now available in the UK:
- Amazon – £268.99
- CCL Computers – £269.94
- Comet – £249.99
- Toys R Us – tba
- Laskys – £264.99