Kids' computers through the ages

By | PC World
Published 16:10,

Teaching tools and electronic toys aimed at young consumers

  • Wolverine Adding Machine (1941)
  • Edmund C. Berkeley Geniac (1955)
  • E.S.R. Digi-Comp I (1963)
  • Science Fair Digital Computer Kit (1977)
  • Mattel Children's Discovery System (1981)
  • Sears Talking Computron (1986)
  • More computers of the 1980s
  • VTech Precomputer 1000 (1988)
  • VTech I.Q. Unlimited Computer (1989)
  • VTech Super Color Whiz (1994)
  • Tiger Learning Computer (1997)
  • LeapFrog ClickStart: My First Computer (2007)
  • The Barbie-isation of kids' computers
  • Kidz Delight Datamax ii (2009?)
  • Play
  • Play
  • Backward
  • Forward

Kidz Delight Datamax ii (2009?)

As illustrated by the recent explosion in smartphones and tablet computers such as the iPad, computers aren't necessarily bulky devices with keyboards anymore. Manufacturers like Kidz Delight have followed that trend by catering to a new generation of children with keyboardless toy computer devices. The Datamax ii educates in much the same way as kids' computers from decades past, though with a much nicer LCD screen and a stylus input.

Photo: Kidz Delight

The slides that illustrate more than a dozen computers aimed directly at kids and depict how they evolved through the ages. These toys mirrored changes in technology over the decades, progressing from primitive mechanical devices to full-fledged electronic PCs. From the 1980s on, they often won their way into parents' hearts by providing educational instruction in basic subjects such as reading, writing and arithmetic.

Space constraints forced us to leave plenty out, so when you're done reading, feel free to share your memories of educational computers in the comments below.

Send to a friend

Email this article to a friend or colleague:

PLEASE NOTE: Your name is used only to let the recipient know who sent the story, and in case of transmission error. Both your name and the recipient's name and address will not be used for any other purpose.

ComputerWorldUK Resources

ComputerworldUK
Share
x
Open
* *