Kids Laptop...

[hbridge]

We are looking for a laptop for our 8 y.o. We aren't interested in connecting the the internet except for e-mail and it will probably not be used for much gaming, movies, ect. The hope is to get started on using it for school assignments with word processing, power point, and spreadsheets.

It must be inexpensive and VERY DURABLE since it will most likely be traveling to school every day.

[ahisma]

Is the school suggesting it? If so, do they have lease options available? That can be a good route for kids since their is tech support at the school and there is usually damage insurance involved.

[geochick]

Watch Slickdeals for deals on inexpensive laptops or even netbooks. I'd recommend Asus or Lenovo. We got our kids each an Asus laptop for Christmas for under $300 ea. That's a very rare price, but keep watching, they pop up from time to time. Before we got the kids their laptops, they each had netbooks. Netbooks are a cheap way to introduce kids to owning their own computers. They're smaller, and easier to maneuver. They're pretty cool.

Example of a tiny little netbook:
http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Eee-1015PX-SU17-RD-10-1-Inch-Netbook/dp/B004ZMF4OQ/ref=sr_1_10?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1327880698&sr=1-10

Reviews of netbooks:
http://www.consumersearch.com/netbooks

Cheap laptop reviews:
http://www.consumersearch.com/cheap-laptops

[hbridge]

The school isn't suggesting it, YET... We are still in the process of figuring out how to best help our child express thoughts, ideas, and knowledge when writing isn't a viable option at the moment. We want to slowly introduce technology, but know that in less than a year we will almost definitely be going the route of a laptop...

[geochick]

For simplicity, you might want to look at an iPad, or similar, too. BUT - iProducts aren't cheap. Maybe a different tablet.

[hbridge]

We have thought about an Ipad, but really need a full keyboard for word processing...

[hellokitty]

If it's for school purposes, I would avoid a tablet and stick to something with a keyboard. I switched from a full sized laptop to a netbook last yr and I LOVE it. It is small and suits my needs perfectly, esp if we travel, it is so much easier to take with us than a regular laptop. DH bought me an ASUS from Sears for $210, and when the time comes for our kids to get their own computer, I would happily get them a netbook. Plus, compare to a tablet, I like that a laptop/netbook can be closed clam shell style and offers a little bit more durability.