A netbook for a 4/5 year old starting school?

[anditwasallyellow]

I don't really have space for a desktop and would prefer to keep him off my laptop until he is slightly older and has learnt not to just bang the keys. I knowhe's going to need some kind of access now he's starting school and I'm considering a refurbished netbook from Argos ebay. But are they any good for what he'll need in the first few years of school?

What a strange thread.
Why would some posters catagorically state no reception child requires a computer for school, when clearly others have postd that at their school internet access would be required? Do they not read other posts or do they think they are lying? Bizarre!

Catwoo, schools cannot compel parents to supply a computer for homework just because they pay a huge amount of money to subscribe to an education website.

Everything done on them (from a learning POV) can be done with pencil and paper. They are just more 'fun' because they're colourful, noisy and interactive. They are not compulsory.

Ideally every home would have one, but not everyone can afford the computer and the broadband charges. So - other option is to go to a library if possible. If it isn't, then if the teacher wants the homework (also not compulsory) done, then they better come up with an alternative.

Depends where you live. In very rural areas where getting to school in winter months can be impossible, due to snow, some schools offer online education to those stuck at home.

My sons school started using purple mash 2 years ago, but it was for fun so not compulsory. Then last year they started using education city for, I would estimate, 25% of homework. they can use school computers for this if they need to, although I'm not sure if it's done in lesson time or lunch time.

Personally I wouldn't buy a NetBook for a5 year old, but teach them how to use the family laptop carefully. Although admittedly my laptop already has a USB keyboard as I broke the built in one