Best Netbooks for Kids

Netbooks are small, light weight and inexpensive computers geared toward general computing and accessing web based applications. They are also called mini notebooks or ultra portables and often marketed as companion devices. When netbooks first appeared on the market in late 2007, they featured small screens and keyboards and reduced specifications and computing power. They were less expensive than laptops, and some wireless data carriers offered them at no cost with an extended service contract.

Netbooks have since have grown in size, features and capabilities. They have been called “nothing more than smaller, cheap notebooks” by CNET. Netbooks have less powerful hardware than the larger laptops and some do not have a conventional hard drive, but solid state storage devices instead. They require less power but are faster, lighter and more shock resistant.

Netbooks are an excellent first computer for kids primarily because of their cost. One of the first netbooks, the OLPC XO, was made by a company attempting to make low-cost computers to allow all kids to optimize their learning skills in preparation for the twenty-first century. Most netbooks come with damage proof hardware, kid friendly operating systems and software and parental control. They are a little more ruggedly built to withstand the punishment only a kid can deliver. Netbooks are kid friendly but contain more parental controls than a standard laptop or desk top computer. This gives the parents peace of mind while still allowing their child to spread their computer wings and keep pace with the technology that has become common place.

Offered by Dell, the Inspiron Mini 10v Nickelodeon Edition has a touch of green slime on the outside cover and inside palm rest for the Nickelodeon enthusiast. It weighs less than 3 pounds and the Wi-Fi connection is designed to keep kids connected to email, music, learning, family and friends and more. The Dell Mini features 3 USB ports, spill-resistant keyboard, 160GB hard drive and access to Nickelodeon interactive entertainment. While some consumers sighted limited configuration options as a negative, they gave the Dell Mini high marks for its portability, rugged design, and the ability to upgrade some features.

Disney Netpal by ASUS is designed for kids but with parents in mind. It is kid safe with parental controlled Features 24+ that allows parents to decide what Internet sites are acceptable and which are not. It also allows the parent to restrict the use of certain features at certain times such as games during school hours. It is light weight but with ruggedly designed housing and a spill proof keyboard, perfect for kids. Built in Wi-Fi allows your child connect to the Internet in a safe environment and keeps your child connected to family and friends, email, blogs and the ability to do homework. The Disney Netpal comes with 16GB storage and the Windows XP Home operating system. This netbook is preloaded with Microsoft Works, Outlook Express and games. Consumers give these netbook high marks all around for their design, storage capabilities, speed and value.

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