As a mom to three children six and under, I have not needed a laptop for any of them yet. But I know the day is coming when my oldest will need a laptop for school work, and my middle child is right behind her. She already uses mine for some of her assignments, so I have started researching first laptops for children.
I recently discovered the Hack Laptop for kids and I am so impressed with this idea. I have not personally used it yet but after some research I know this will be our first laptop when we are ready. The Hack laptop is recommended for 8 years old and up, and encourages kids to learn to code by letting them hack their computer.
The Hack laptop is incredibly unique since it is an everyday laptop already set up with child friendly content and apps, it is secure with parental controls built into it, but it also allows kids to learn to hack their computer using a feature called flip to hack.
Kids can changes parameters in the apps, games, and other settings on the laptop, and see the results immediately. With STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education being so important this is a great idea and feature on a kids laptop.
Here is some information about the Hack Laptop from Endless, the manufacturer:
Named “Best First Laptop” by Parents Magazine. High-performance computer great for SCHOOL PROJECTS and EVERYDAY USE. Comes with all the apps and tools kids need including Chrome, Calculator, Skype, Office Suite, Scratch, Spotify, Steam and more.
SAFE, AD-FREE, VIRUS-RESISTANT computer with PARENTAL CONTROLS - the perfect space to have fun and learn. Kids will enjoy the independence of having their own computer and parents can reclaim theirs.
Use flip-to-hack feature to hack games, settings and apps. Kids edit parameters, immediately see their changes and develop familiarity with basic CODING in an authentic environment. It is a DUAL-PURPOSE laptop great for everyday use and STEM education.
NEW hackable games and levels that unlock monthly. The first 12 months of the content subscription are free for customers that purchase by 3/1/19 ($120 value).
Hack computer is the AWARD-WINNING ASUS E406MA 14” laptop with 4GB of memory and all-day battery. Hack is built on the Linux-based Endless Operating System which makes it possible for kids to ACCESS SOURCE CODE. Appropriate for ages 8+ and no prior coding experience required.
The great thing about the Hack computer is that it is a full featured but affordable ASUS laptop that I would purchase anyway, even without the cool hacking ability. The laptop specs along with the hack feature and parental controls makes this an easy choice for a kids first laptop.
The Laptop Specs:
- Laptop Model ASUS Laptop E406MA
- ProcessorIntel® Pentium® Silver N5000 Processor
- Operating System Endless OS
- Memory 4GB DDR4
- Display 14.0" (16:9) LED-backlit HD (1920x1080) 60Hz Anti-Glare Panel with 45% NTSC
- Storage 64G EMMC
- Dimensions 32.6(W) x 22.7(D) x 17.6 ~ 17.6 (H) cm
Conclusion
The Hack Laptop is a great choice when it comes to a first laptop for kids. I know I will probably be purchasing one for both of my children when the time comes. Having a full featured secure laptop with kids content and apps built in, and the ability to continue STEM education at home with the hacking feature makes it a great buy.
Please let me know if you have any questions about the Hack Laptop for kids at all!
You can find it here on Amazon or at the Hack website.