Computers - Computers for Gifted Kids

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Computers for Gifted Kids

It's true -- computers aren't really toys. They are used for work. They are used for learning. However, many kids spend a great deal of time on them and gifted kids find them invaluable. "Younger children love to play the numerous educational games available, while older children enjoy the RPGs and strategy games that challenge them to think. In addition, children of all ages make use of resources available on CDs -- encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases, and CDs on just about every other conceivable topic. And if a child also has access to the internet, there is no limit to what he or she can learn! (Of course, a parent should always monitor internet use of their children!)

Macs vs PCs Macs are extremely easy to learn and easy to use. They also aren't so vulnerable to all those nasty viruses that get passed on through email and websites. (Those are mostly programmed for PCs.) The disadvantage of Mac ownership is that it's often not as easy to find all the software you'd like. It's not that it's not available. It's just that many stores simply don't stock it. You can get past this disadvantage to a certain extent, though, by buying software through MacWarehouse. For a small fee, you can get anything you buy shipped overnight, so you can have any software you want the very next day. Not as good as running out to the store and getting something right away, but better than not being able to find anything or waiting weeks for it. In addition, software is available for Mac users that allows them to run Windows programs on their Macs. Finally, many, many educational software program CDs ("Jump Start" programs, for instance) come for use on both Macs and PCs. And most stores carry such educational software.

If you don't need a computer for work and don't plan on running out to the store for the latest new game the second it comes out, a Mac is a good choice. However, even if this is all true for you, you still might choose a PC over a Mac. That's fine too.

Read Computer Reviews: If you are in the market for a new computer and you aren't sure what kind you should get, you can pay a visit to About.com and read some reviews. (http://compreviews.about.com/cs/gr.htm). Read some reviews, think about it for a while, then come on back and see what these stores have to offer.

If you know what you want, where should you buy? That depends on how much you know about computers. If you don't need help, then you can go just about anywhere, including Amazon.com. They have a variety of computers and accessories for just about every budget.

If you want your order fast, visit Circuit City. You can place your order online, specify the store nearest you, and then go pick up your order right away! This is ideal if you know what you want and don't want to spend time with a sales clerk. Even if you aren't in a hurry, ordering and picking up from Circuit City can be a good idea if you won't be home to accept delivery and you don't want your order sitting outside your house till you get home.

Parenting Tip: Gifted kids often think much faster than they can write. Starting them early on a keyboard so that they can type is quite beneficial. They often have terrible handwriting, but part of the reason for that is their desire to get their thoughts down quickly before they disappear. Computers for these kids aren't just toys!

To learn more about how useful computers are for our gifted children, read the article "Personal Computers Help Gifted Students Work Smart."

If your child is particularly interested in computers, you can find some books about computers here at Gifts for Learning. You can find both general computer books and books about computer programming.

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