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Friends - One of our members asked about computers to use with preschoolers. She wanted to buy something young children could use in the library. I sent her the following but if you have anything to add I would be most appreciative. Take care. Suzan Nyfeler Youth Services Specialist Central Texas Library System, Inc. 1005 W. 41st, Suite 100 Austin, Texas 78756 512-583-0704, x17 <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> [EMAIL PROTECTED] Vtech: www.vtechkids.com <http://www.vtechkids.com/> Vtech has a range of electronic learning games for various ages. You can buy them at Target or Wal-Mart. They are affordable and easy to find, especially at Christmas. Take into account that they do make noise. Pam Downing at the Kingsland Library uses these (I think). Contact her at 325-388-3170 or [EMAIL PROTECTED] Leapfrog: www.leapfrog.com <http://www.leapfrog.com/> Leapfrog has electronic learning systems for various ages. They tend to have more small parts which can be an issue. You can also buy them at Target or Wal-Mart, however a sturdier version is available to the educational market. Look online and ask for info on them. Sandy Schultz at Liberty Hill Community Library has used these. Call her at 512-515-7723 or [EMAIL PROTECTED] My First Keyboard: http://www.kidtech.com/ This was an interesting option I found for preschoolers to use with existing computers. Little Tikes Young Explorer PC Pal: http://www.littletikes.com/toys/toys-detail.aspx?Product_ID=3005 <http://www.littletikes.com/toys/toys-detail.aspx?Product_ID=3005&Ntt=comput er&N=26&Ntk=Product+Search> &Ntt=computer&N=26&Ntk=Product+Search This is the public version of a PC developed by IBM for child care centers. It has a hefty price tag but is sturdy and colorful. For ideas on how to use it, go to: http://www.kidsmartearlylearning.org/. Won a 2005 Innovation Technology award from Fuji Film. The drawback is the flatpad keyboard which makes it feel less like a "real" computer. It also takes up space. It is a real computer inside a plastic shell. Liberty Hill also has one of these. Sandy said if she had it to do over again she'd just get a real computer since children start so young these days with them. One thing to keep in mind is that all of these set ups make sound, which the kids like.but the adults do not. Headphones are an option but then you have the sharing issue. As with any service, there are pros and cons with each.
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