Mac for Kids?

Question

I understand that Apple makes some computers specifically designed for (young) kids. Anyone have a pointer to more info?

Just to clarify: I had heard that Mac makes a special machine for the kids market that is particularly durable. But sounds like that may not be the case.

Answer 1

Apple doesn't make Mac specifically for young kids; that is, the hardware isn't anything special. They do make the OS software configurable to be virtually foolproof for children (an adult administers the computer and can supervise the childs email etc.).

Apple does make an iMac for education (replaces the eMac), but it's not really a home machine, rather, a machine designed to be dropped in a school computer lab. It has many of the advanced bells and whistles stripped out which aren't necessary in a lab environment.

In the UK, Apple's education store used to offer some software bonuses (at least they did recently) which weren't available as bundles in North America.

Answer 2

I'd like to address a bit of ignorance from one of the others who answered here so you aren't left with what amounts to a lie... ntothepowerofn says:

"Please dont go there! Macs are for arty designer types who have a lot in common with kids (small ones). They use the Mac because they cant use a real computer with a real mouse."

Apparently the poster doesn't understand that OS X sits atop Unix and allows full command-shell operations to be run. I consult with a team of computer scientists who run scientific and mathematic applications on their Macs, so I find this a far cry from the "arty designer type" label he's attached to a Mac user.

Sometimes people equate the gummy UI of OS X to mean that the OS itself isn't powerful, but it just shields the power from those who don't need it. Also, what's not real about the 4-butt 2-way scrolling mice that come with Macs? You must be talking about the crappy 1-button mice that Apple offered over 2 years ago.

To address the question, there is no specific computer for Kids. Although Macs are well suited because they have parental controls, proper user accounts, and other applications that can be quite appealing to children.

But please disregard the comment I mention here. It's just someone clinging to ignorance.

Answer 3

Please dont go there! Macs are for arty designer types who have a lot in common with kids (small ones).
They use the Mac because they cant use a real computer with a real mouse.
Dont let your kids grow up into one of these misfits.
Get a PC and load it up with a simple Linux OS.
Check out the OLPC (one laptop per child) project.
You get kids into one of these and the future generations are safe.

Answer 4

I believe the demographic that Apple are looking for are teenagers to young adult. But most schools have Macs because of education discounts.

Answer 5

I use macs, but i havent heard about that.

Computers are the same for young and old ones

Answer 6

challenging subject. browse using bing and yahoo. that could help!