Kano / Raspberry Pi

[user7755]

I have ordered Ds1 a Kano for his birthday. I am a luddite. I understand that it is a 'build your own' computer and that it will help him to understand the 'make up' of a computer and coding.

I'm not sure what he will be able to do / not do on it - anyone got any advice?

Isnt the point of the rasnerry pi /kano though that you are specifically programing hardware commands though to control the io and peripherals etc so get to see how a computer works? (Like assembler back in the day). I thought it used some low level language called aguino or something?

They can learn high level stuff like java, python linux etc on any old school computer surely?

Have got ds (8) a kano for xmas. Am slightly terrified that i won't have a clue what to do if he can't manage it. Watching this thread with interest!

Kano update.
dS1 was 9 today and loves the Kano. I was a bit worried as DH had to go to work so it was up to me to help him build it! But the booklet is very simple And step by step.
We got the screen kit as well which is great as it's got a case which everything clips into and also stores the keyboard.
DS is currently squealing in delight, something about watching part of Star Wars in code?!!
Never seen him this happy with any present. He has never really toys l, always got a head in a book or gadget.

Oh thats brilliant Brie! I'm so pleased he likes it, looking forward to Thursday for our grand reveal! Happy birthday mini brie

I have realised that I am a typical MN Guardian reader type. I have mainly bought for birthday, he has science / renewable energy kits and a build your own computer.

DH has mainly done Christmas, he has a PS4 and games and loads of chocolate!

Oh thats brilliant Brie! I'm so pleased he likes it, looking forward to Thursday for our grand reveal! Happy birthday mini brie

I have realised that I am a typical MN Guardian reader type. I have mainly bought for birthday, he has science / renewable energy kits and a build your own computer.

DH has mainly done Christmas, he has a PS4 and games and loads of chocolate!

I was a bit worried as it was practically his only present (family clubbed together as both kits in total was £220) so worried he wouldn't like it and be a bit upset at lack of presents but we reasoned that its better to have one expensive present that he will actually play with than lots of bits he won't look twice at plus he's getting more presents for Xmas.
DD age 7 is also in love with it, ds has been going to coding club t the library this term with mainly teenagers, I was a bit worried it might be too basic for him but it doesn't look like it.

hello - just resurrecting this thread as we're thinking of getting DS a Kano thingy for his birthday …

Regarding Minecraft, what does it do? Can he actually play minecraft on it or would we need minecraft on another machine first?

He’s not especially techy although does like building things and knowing how they work... For those that have them already do you think they’ve got staying power or is he going to be bored of it in 3 weeks time? I’ve also read that they take ages to do anything and you end up waiting around for ages for things to load… what’s your experiences?

Would be grateful for any feedback as it is quite expensive for us…

Thanks x