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Ask HN: Good first hacking computer for a 7yo

1 points by rich_sasha ↗ HN
I'd like to get a computer for my 7yo son - something they can hack at, explore, learn to code, paint silly things. Might as well make it not Windows. What suggestions do people have?

The RPi integrated into a keyboard looks very cute. What is it like performance wise? Not that I need a lot, but would be good for a vanilla Linux distro to run effortlessly and lag free.

Equally, the form factor of a laptop is tempting. He can play with it at his desk, then come around and show me the result.

Any practical experiences and product recommendations very welcome!

2 comments

[ 3.1 ms ] story [ 14.9 ms ] thread
PaulHoule
I’m going to make the argument that anything with a web browser or that can run common software can expose kids to awful stuff. I’d say that I regret letting my son have his own computer too early.

In that case you might consider something like

https://www.commanderx16.com/

drweevil
>The RPi integrated into a keyboard looks very cute.

Indeed. And you can still access the GPIO pins for hardware projects.

The RPi OS is Linux, derived from Debian, so apps or your favorite programming language are just a 'sudo apt install' away. Performance is good for both RPi 4 and 5. If "effortless and lag free" are important then choose the RPi 5. As for form factor, Rasperry Pi has just announced the Rasperry Pi 500+. For laptops, see https://magazine.raspberrypi.com/articles/the-best-raspberry...