GainesvilleMoms.com

Hi all,
I want to get some sort of computer for my 3-year old. There are the ClickStart, V-tech, Leapfrog type that are systems the use only their software. The other option is to get a kids' keyboard and mouse for my computer and buy software.

Any advice or recommendations on which option or system to choose?

As a note - I *hate* that all the software for the systems like V-tech are licensed characters from TV shows and movies (that we don't watch) like Cars and Dora. I'm willing to deal with it, however, if we decide that one of those systems is best for him.

I personally just started my kids on the computer. J has a Leap Pad that she used a bit. But I found that she got board with it and I didn't really think that the activities varied enough from book to book. Gavyn has the toddler version of the Leap Pad simply because it was on the Free Board. He's used it maybe once.

There are learning sites on the computer that teach math, science, reading etc. and don't include tv characters. That would definitely be a plus for you.

I agree with Casmly. My daughter just uses the computer with games, programs and different sites. We watch her and help her as she needs, (which at this point isn't much!), She navigates pretty well. We did get her a size appropriate mouse to fit her tiny hand, but other than that we just buy her programs to help her learn and games she likes to play.

She doesn't stay on too long...maybe 30 minutes at a time and doesn't get on everyday..still her computer skills are great for a 3 year old!! She can open, start and close her own programs.

I did buy the child computer toys and leap frog too...but she just got board with them as they can only do so much.

Good Luck with whatever you decide!!

Thanks for the advice, Casmly & klmorg. It helps alot. That's great that there are online sites he can use, too. It seems the systems like V-tech aren't as flexible.

You're right, they aren't very flexible. It seems like each software system has one angle. And then each book/cartridge is $10-$15. There are good websites and software suites which will provide much more variety.

Yes, we went the road of V-tech and LeapFrog as well and Macy actually likes the ClickStart one but likes the pre-programmed games better than the 'character' ones we bought to go with. She also has the Fisher Price Easy Link which lets her log on my desktop and only go to specific sites, which are 'character' sites but they do teach not just blabber on. I think she likes that one best because she gets to use the "big" computer. I've let her decide which sites she wants to go to and watch her progress and she is doing pretty well I think. Opens, navigates, closes and changes the link keys in the game system as she pleases. Of course she can also use Daddy's iPhone and I can't so maybe I am just technology challenged?

I like the Easy Link because it doesn't allow cookies or spyware to come into my PC while she is online and she can only go to age appropriate sites. Also, my files are safe since we haven't taught her the password to log off!