If you think that ICQ is the only way you can chat with people on the Internet, or that it's the only danger facing young children, then I hope that you don't have any children of your own.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Childs first Computer - iMac or Macbook?
- Thread starter md63
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
If you think that ICQ is the only way you can chat with people on the Internet, or that it's the only danger facing young children, then I hope that you don't have any children of your own.
I'm 15, I hope I don't have any of my own either.
I just don't understand how or why a 5 year old could possibly find a way to meet someone online, you could be right though. I just think there are worse things that a 5 year old could do than be alone with a computer.
I often worry about 5 year olds accidentally buying cigarettes.
Getting back to the actual question asked, I have a five year old (as well as two 2 year olds (twins) and I agree with the other posters that an iMac is a much better than a MacBook. We have an iMac that our 5 year old uses and he is very respectful of it. It is the two year olds that I am concerned with. I suggest that you get a wireless keyboard and mouse. That works well in our house, replacing a keyboard or a mouse is cheap and because they are not physically attached to the keyboard, I don't need to worry if one of the young ones pulls the keyboard or the mouse because the computer won't go come crashing down with it.
Lots of studies and research like this going around stating that on-line predator risks are over-exaggerated. While this risk has a lot of "mind share" these days, items like drunk driving or predators a already in the home such a relatives, represent much higher real risks.
Not to say that you shouldn't be careful with your child's exposure on the web, but just be careful not to believe all the hype and apply your own judgement to these situations.
If I had a 5 year old child, I would definitely get them one of these! If I could find one on ebay, or a similar site.
Although, might not be powerful enough to run Leopard. Just a thought.
Although, might not be powerful enough to run Leopard. Just a thought.
Not read all 5 pages off this thread although read the first few posts.
I would go for the 17" model (previous gen)... that would be more than sufficient for a 5 year old.
I would go for the 17" model (previous gen)... that would be more than sufficient for a 5 year old.
iMac
For what it's worth, our daughter is two, and we went the iMac route.
The iMac sits AT THE BACK of the table, where munchkin can't get to yet. And the keyboard can be safely stowed out of arms reach.
The first time she laid eyes on it she pointed and called out ecstatically "My TV!"
Anyway, now we have a "family iMac". Should be great for showing all those pictures of her growing up.
Edit: the emphasis is on "family" - it's not intended for her use; she's only two after all.
For what it's worth, our daughter is two, and we went the iMac route.
The iMac sits AT THE BACK of the table, where munchkin can't get to yet. And the keyboard can be safely stowed out of arms reach.
The first time she laid eyes on it she pointed and called out ecstatically "My TV!"
Anyway, now we have a "family iMac". Should be great for showing all those pictures of her growing up.
Edit: the emphasis is on "family" - it's not intended for her use; she's only two after all.
Threads like this are always in danger of boiling over because, at the end of the day, no-one can tell anyone else how to raise their children.
In Glasgow, where I live, it's often said that kids are growing up too quickly ... but then that's the argument across the world.
I feel my point is a very valid one however, in that as they get older what do you buy them? Children always want bigger and better as they get older, and they do not forget what they had before and what is now "old".
The sheer thought of any parent here in Glasgow buying their 5 year old a £949 iMac would be laughed at, and rightly so because when they're 10 will they want the latest 24" iMac, or how about the latest iPhone? When they're 16 will they want a Mac Pro? And when they're 18 and wanting that first car, don't dare think of driving a Ford, Renault, or Honda into the driveway ... it better be a Bentley, a Ferarri, or a Mercedes because you've introduced your children on expensive goods too quickly. That's my take on it.
I think there's a little of parents wanting to give their children what they never had, which is perfectly acceptable, but when I look at my own son I simply cannot fathom him owning the very computer I do my work on, it just seems surreal and utterly disgusting, for lack of a better word.
In the UK especially, society seems to look at every computer, regardless of what it does, as a "toy". Gaming especially is a huge problem here, with parents ignoring the 18 certificates on games like Gears or War and Grand Theft Auto to let their 4 and 5 year olds use consoles built for the gamers who have grown up with the platform. My boy plays games on his Dad's first PlayStation, with Spyro the Dragon and Crash Bandicoot being two favourites! The first PlayStation, for example, launched when I was 16 years old ... and as I have grown up, so has the platform and the games have been geared towards those who have grown with it. That's my point.
The bottom line is that if you spoil a child (and let's be honest, that's what this is) too soon, then the older they get the more they will demand. And when the time comes when you can't give them exactly what they want ... good luck.
In Glasgow, where I live, it's often said that kids are growing up too quickly ... but then that's the argument across the world.
I feel my point is a very valid one however, in that as they get older what do you buy them? Children always want bigger and better as they get older, and they do not forget what they had before and what is now "old".
The sheer thought of any parent here in Glasgow buying their 5 year old a £949 iMac would be laughed at, and rightly so because when they're 10 will they want the latest 24" iMac, or how about the latest iPhone? When they're 16 will they want a Mac Pro? And when they're 18 and wanting that first car, don't dare think of driving a Ford, Renault, or Honda into the driveway ... it better be a Bentley, a Ferarri, or a Mercedes because you've introduced your children on expensive goods too quickly. That's my take on it.
I think there's a little of parents wanting to give their children what they never had, which is perfectly acceptable, but when I look at my own son I simply cannot fathom him owning the very computer I do my work on, it just seems surreal and utterly disgusting, for lack of a better word.
In the UK especially, society seems to look at every computer, regardless of what it does, as a "toy". Gaming especially is a huge problem here, with parents ignoring the 18 certificates on games like Gears or War and Grand Theft Auto to let their 4 and 5 year olds use consoles built for the gamers who have grown up with the platform. My boy plays games on his Dad's first PlayStation, with Spyro the Dragon and Crash Bandicoot being two favourites! The first PlayStation, for example, launched when I was 16 years old ... and as I have grown up, so has the platform and the games have been geared towards those who have grown with it. That's my point.
The bottom line is that if you spoil a child (and let's be honest, that's what this is) too soon, then the older they get the more they will demand. And when the time comes when you can't give them exactly what they want ... good luck.
+1. Well written. Definitely how I would raise my children.
And to the OP, why does your 5 years old need a computer?? Do they teach how to type in first grade now??
Should just get him a Wii with mario kart if you really want him to play inside this summer ...
Threads like this are always in danger of boiling over because, at the end of the day, no-one can tell anyone else how to raise their children.
In Glasgow, where I live, it's often said that kids are growing up too quickly ... but then that's the argument across the world.
I feel my point is a very valid one however, in that as they get older what do you buy them? Children always want bigger and better as they get older, and they do not forget what they had before and what is now "old".
The sheer thought of any parent here in Glasgow buying their 5 year old a £949 iMac would be laughed at, and rightly so because when they're 10 will they want the latest 24" iMac, or how about the latest iPhone? When they're 16 will they want a Mac Pro? And when they're 18 and wanting that first car, don't dare think of driving a Ford, Renault, or Honda into the driveway ... it better be a Bentley, a Ferarri, or a Mercedes because you've introduced your children on expensive goods too quickly. That's my take on it.
I think there's a little of parents wanting to give their children what they never had, which is perfectly acceptable, but when I look at my own son I simply cannot fathom him owning the very computer I do my work on, it just seems surreal and utterly disgusting, for lack of a better word.
In the UK especially, society seems to look at every computer, regardless of what it does, as a "toy". Gaming especially is a huge problem here, with parents ignoring the 18 certificates on games like Gears or War and Grand Theft Auto to let their 4 and 5 year olds use consoles built for the gamers who have grown up with the platform. My boy plays games on his Dad's first PlayStation, with Spyro the Dragon and Crash Bandicoot being two favourites! The first PlayStation, for example, launched when I was 16 years old ... and as I have grown up, so has the platform and the games have been geared towards those who have grown with it. That's my point.
The bottom line is that if you spoil a child (and let's be honest, that's what this is) too soon, then the older they get the more they will demand. And when the time comes when you can't give them exactly what they want ... good luck.
Beautifully written, the exact same thing would be thought of in Paisley, but maybe this guy's rich or something.
I don't think its anyones place here to tell someone else how to raise a child.
If she wants to by her 5 year old daughter a fully loaded Mac Pro, who cares? I can't stand people that get upset and snap at the OP because she's buying her child an iMac. Save your breath and just don't contribute to the thread if it upsets you that much.
When it comes down to it, odds are you're jealous because you never had an iMac at the age of 5.
If she wants to by her 5 year old daughter a fully loaded Mac Pro, who cares? I can't stand people that get upset and snap at the OP because she's buying her child an iMac. Save your breath and just don't contribute to the thread if it upsets you that much.
When it comes down to it, odds are you're jealous because you never had an iMac at the age of 5.
I haven't read all the posts in this thread, but I would recommend you get the iMac.
There will be less chance of the computer being damaged (as it will not be moved about [as much]) and it will be clear that a designated area is to be used for the computer.
Also, if anything is spilled etc, only the computer and mouse might get damaged as the main computer is raised off the surface.
Just my opinion.
I know you gave a choice between those 2 machines, but I'd also consider the eMac. Built for the educational market, a lovely screen and the build quality is good. I had one for a year and it was a pretty nice machine.
WeegieMac, I see where you are coming from (I'm from 30 miles outside Glasgow) but I think if the OP uses Macs and that is what he is happy introducing into his family then I think that is a good choice. I don't see how giving a child the ability to use a Mac as "spoiling them". Would it be spoiling them if he were buying a Dell? I think part of the problem is how the public perceive Apple. I do not perceive them as a "luxury brand", but merely a computer manufacturer with the things I want in a computer.
The iMac is designed for the consumer... the family, and lets face it the OP will probably get some use out of the computer too.
There will be less chance of the computer being damaged (as it will not be moved about [as much]) and it will be clear that a designated area is to be used for the computer.
Also, if anything is spilled etc, only the computer and mouse might get damaged as the main computer is raised off the surface.
Just my opinion.
I know you gave a choice between those 2 machines, but I'd also consider the eMac. Built for the educational market, a lovely screen and the build quality is good. I had one for a year and it was a pretty nice machine.
WeegieMac, I see where you are coming from (I'm from 30 miles outside Glasgow) but I think if the OP uses Macs and that is what he is happy introducing into his family then I think that is a good choice. I don't see how giving a child the ability to use a Mac as "spoiling them". Would it be spoiling them if he were buying a Dell? I think part of the problem is how the public perceive Apple. I do not perceive them as a "luxury brand", but merely a computer manufacturer with the things I want in a computer.
The iMac is designed for the consumer... the family, and lets face it the OP will probably get some use out of the computer too
.
Perhaps his daughter would be better off playing with a hoop and a stick.
A G3 iMac would also be fine to let a little one "play" with. Get some old school games and let her go to town - if it gets broken, who cares? Buy another one for <$50.
The G3 would definitely take things like screen smudging and pencil poking better than something with an LCD screen.
Perhaps his daughter would be better off playing with a hoop and a stick.
Perhaps you'd like to contribute yourself, rather than make jibes of your own to those who do?
Technology, especially more expensive technology, has an age demographic. If a parent wants to buy their child something that is beyond the age demographic then it's their choice, but it's simply spoiling the child beyond their needs.
That's my point, and the problem here in the UK especially is that society looks upon technology as toys, not equipment.
If you must introduce your children to technology, and of course we must, then start with a previous generation which is cheaper and less painful on the wallet should it get damaged. I mean, if a child decides to try and load a Digestive biscuit into an old PlayStation 1, no harm done. If the same child tried to load the same biscuit into the slot loading drive of a PlayStation 3, that's a necessary repair bill. Of course, that's quite a far fetched scenario, but that's the point ... kids DO the funniest (and silliest) things.
My man, don't get so heated up over it. I figure, if it doesn't affect you directly, then whats the worry?
Now, if your 5 year old niece/nephew/child wanted an iMac or MacBook, then maybe you have grounds to be upset.
Even if the idea is silly to me or you, maybe it isn't as silly to the OP and we should respect that.
No-one's "snapping", and I think personally I've done a very good job of putting my points across in a well mannered and well spoken fashion. In fairness however, my points have ended up being aimed more at society in general, with the original post kick starting things.
As for being "jealous" of not having an iMac when I was 5 years old, that would be incredibly difficult for me considering I was 5 in 1984 and the only thing that concerned me was making sure Optimus Prime's Autobots defeated Megatron's Decepticons, and I was fortunate enough to have parents who bought me the best Transformers as a child. Of course, back then I thought it was good old Santa Claus doing the honours, but that's another joy of childhood that this world seems hell bent on taking away from parents.
Your point of jealousy is utterly moot in that the times have changed so much since then compared to now. A 5 year old in the 1980's, especially the early 80's, simply wanted to have the latest toys to go along with the criminally well marketed cartoon series'.
As I have said time and again, the original poster should source out an older generation of iMac, such as the first Core Duo or even a G5, and introduce a computer this way.
Unless money is no object whatsoever, I cannot see the justification on spending almost £1000 on a computer for a 5 year old who will, ultimately, be learning the ropes on it and use barely any of the advanced features.
I was replying to another point when you were replying with this.
Of course, if the original poster wants to buy the very best Mac Pro for their child, that's their business entirely. As I said in my previous reply I've just finished, my points are more about society in general and it's perceptions ... the original post just got things kick started.
The topic of children growing up too quickly is one which concern me. It's almost like society doesn't want our kids to have a childhood like we did, and by age 5 or 6 we should be surrounded in the latest gadgets, playing violent video games, listening to R&B, and know that Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny are fake.
Anyway, I'm going off topic now. So no more!
In all seriousness, you've managed to simply embarrass yourself.
Congratulations.
You replied to me once with no ill feeling, then decided to hit out with the comment above?
I did. I was the second person to respond.
This is where you have left the topic and have started to voice your opinion on how others' should raise their children, which really has no place in this thread as the OP asked for no such advice.
Which is what I said hear on page one.
You really should read the whole thread before spouting your mouth off and dragging the thread off topic with your own personal views of child-rearing. As you, yourself said: "Threads like this are always in danger of boiling over because, at the end of the day, no-one can tell anyone else how to raise their children." Maybe you should listen to your own advice.