Computers for Kids - Any Suggestions?

[Mushroom]

OK, I'm considering breaking down and buying one or maybe even two computers to relieve the stress of two adults and four kids vying for time on one three year old desktop. Any suggestions from you more compu-literate types? What should I look for in features and specs? Anyplace to find discounts for quantity? Anyplace give discounts to teachers (homeschool)?

TIA

Brad

 

[Richard King]

Google the Asus Eee and look at them.
They are inexpensive and quite interesting.

 

[Semper Fidelis]

Brad,

You normally won't get a huge academic discount on hardware like you will on software. What are you going to use the computer for?

 

[Mushroom]

The kids use educational software for home schooling and play some games. They exchange e-mail with friends and co-op tutors and some online research. Up until now we've had the family computer set up in the living room so we can keep an eye on what they do, which is what we will probably try to continue. It may be that we'll just get one for us grownups and let the kids continue to share this one, but its getting old and slow, and the DVD/CD burner won't work, so if its feasible we may buy 2 new ones.

My wife has been doing some ebay selling, and wants to have one the kids haven't gummed up for that, and we'd like to be able to burn family videos onto DVD, etc.

Had considered laptop(s), but then I'd have to set up a wireless router, etc., and I think I'd rather have the kids' be a desktop to keep 'em tethered. Just juggling the options.