Elementary School age laptop

October 8, 2012

Posted By:  tech4moms

2 Votes

Status: Archived

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My dream laptop for kids in elementary school and below....

RE: Exterior

Needs to be more “kid proof” so the keyboard needs to be one continuous piece of rubber (no keys coming off and protected from spills).  

Also rugged, but not heavy.  Softer edges to protect from drops.

It would be fun if the keyboard was more colorful too, like letters one color (with vowels a slightly different color), numbers another, or maybe even different rows.  

I would also like it to be touch screen so the kids can draw with their fingers and such.  
Could be “themed” with characters, but not necessary. To cater to older kids just make it less colorful, like one solid color, but with the same hardware)

Should be able to work as a tablet as well.  Reversible system like the duo would probably break, but something where the screen can flip around and lock into the keyboard would be good (or just a detachable keyboard like the xps 10)  10-13 inches is the perfect size range

RE: OS
 
Basically it’s a stripped down operating system for kids (with easier and fun icons), to be sold with specific hardware geared towards kids. 

Look at FoozKids.com for an idea of what I mean.  That system is super close to what I'm talking about.
 
It will have access only to specific websites set by the parent (in a parent user mode)
It will have a stripped down version of a mail client with pictures for contact addresses.  So if they want to send an email to “grandma” they can just click on her picture and it will open a new email to them. 
It will have some photo upload and editing programs
It will be touch screen enabled.
It will have some customizable “chore chart” systems (I’m envisioning them seeing a picture of a kid feeding the dog and then they click it and it flips over to a checkmark with a “done” written on it) and a calendar with a daily routine, which allows them access to fun areas after certain chores are finished (again set by the parent)
It will have music/media player 
It will have a typing class game built in to teach the kids typing and mouse skills
 

 

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  • Oct 9, 2012     Comment Link

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    Posted By: Dimitrios

    hehehe yea XD
    and anyways if you ask me "what is the right age to give  kid own Tv, Pc, Internet acces..
    i can` t tel you,
    cos is the the parents decision and responsibility
    but what i can tel is
    let the kids be kids 
     there are more than enough customers
    that  waiting to be served with goods :) and here is one :P
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  • Oct 9, 2012     Comment Link

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    Posted By: IdeaStorm Moderator Cy_J

    Thanks for clarifying your thoughts Dimitrios.  Personally, I think computers are a tool that can aid in children learning the basics you mention.  There are programs to teach the ABCs, counting, reading and the other basics.  I do agree that Power Point presentations should not be the lesson on day one.  :)
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  • Oct 9, 2012     Comment Link

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    Posted By: Dimitrios

    i'm a bit shocked that i need to extend it  seriously

    first of all there are rules:
    step be step
    to learn certain things in certain time
    that is the Globally! recognized as correct method to learn

    you can´t giwe a kid alcohol or driwinglicense before a certain
    age is reached  (that's for the physical protection) agree?

    now the same its with media (this is for mental protection)

    in the early phase  (Elementary schoool) of intellectual development
    you should first learn the simplest basics
    and then the complex things

    basis of a television is a simple picture
    and of a PC is a book,

    step be step thats the right way
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  • Oct 9, 2012     Comment Link

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    Posted By: IdeaStorm Moderator Cy_J

    tech4moms - Thank you for posting the idea and as sugarbear said, welcome to IdeaStorm.

    Dimitrios - I am a bit confused by your comment.  With the world becomming more technologically advanced why do you feel that kids should be kept away from technology?   
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  • Oct 8, 2012     Comment Link

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    Posted By: Dimitrios

    if you want something good for Elementary School kids and their spiritual development then give them an real natural book!  and consider them as long as possible away from Tvs and Pcs. -.-
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  • Oct 8, 2012     Comment Link

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    Posted By:
    sugarbear

    Hello tech4moms and welcome to Ideastorm.

    I hope you find our site a good place to talk to Dell about your ideas. I think your dream machine for kids has covered some great ideas.