Teachers Get Apples, and so Should Parents for Their Children

Buying a computer from the Apple II series is the best choice for a parent when looking for a child's first computer. Why invest in a CD-ROM, an IBM, or a Packard Bell, when only a child will be the one using it? If the children are going to be using the computer as an educational tool, or for an occasional game, IBM compatible is not the way to go. IBMs are merely costly and too complicated for small children. The old Apple II series of computers are far superior to IBM compatible computers when used by children, because they are easier to use, there is an abundance of software (both games and teaching software), and it is more durable than the IBM. Instead of an IBM compatible computer, parents should invest in their child’s future by seriously considering Apple computers for their child’s first computer.

First, many adults have said that they do not understand how to operate IBM compatible computers, and ask why they are so difficult to operate. Then why would a parent give an IBM computer to their child (when the adult does not even understand), except to make everyone's life a little more difficult? All that one needs to do on an Apple computer is insert a diskette into the drive and turn on the computer. After a few moments of the information being processed, the application is ready operate. On the other hand, IBM computers use complicated software built in to operate separate applications, and requires memorization of directory names and application executors, which could make it more difficult for a child to use. Memorizing the process involved in finding and opening your application on the IBM is more difficult for a child than reading the labels for disks on the Apple system.

Second, although it may be difficult to find a supplier of Apple software at first, once located, there is an infinite number of programs available. I have acquired almost two-hundred games and educational programs for children. They are both fun and interesting to use, and do not get boring after being used a few times. Alf, Tom Sawyer's Island, Fun House, Olympic Games, Double Dare, California Games, and Mars Cars are just a few of the fun software programs available. Alge-blaster, Punctuation, US History, Spelling Sorcery, Discovery Lab A, Life Science, Where in the World is Carmen Santiago, Math-blaster Mystery, and Vocabulary Quiz are just a few of the educational software programs available. Some of the programs that I listed are available on IBM as well, but most are not. I have found that most of the IBM programs out on the market are games, not educational programs. Minesweeper, Hearts, Solitaire, Blackjack, Rodents Revenge, Cruel, NHL Hockey, Ski Free, Jill of the Jungle, Classic Concentration, Taipei, Police Quest, and Hoyle are a few of the fun programs available on IBM. Jeopardy, Go Figure, Tetra-Vex, Boggle, and Spanish Tutor are a few of the programs I own. I have found that there are more educational programs available for the Apple computers, because that is the type of computer used in many schools around the country.

Finally, one must remember durability when buying for a child. Not only durability of the outside structure of the computer, but one should remember the durability of the inside as well. On an Apple, there are usually three main pieces of hardware: monitor, keyboard, and drive. Due to the age of the Apple, the internal electronic components are much simpler in construction and are not as delicate as the IBMs. There is another advantage to software operated off diskettes only, and that is that if the child does something to damage the computer, the damage will only be to one program. On the other hand, IBM compatible computers have become more complicated in their construction, thus making them more fragile. On IBM computers, if a child pushes the wrong button, software stored internally may disappear from the memory and be lost forever. Also, the hard drive may crash rendering the computer system inoperable until reloading all the software (which may take hours).

I believe that purchasing an Apple computer for the purpose of education is for a child is the best choice a parent can make for their child. Apple computers are less expensive than IBM compatibles, and are more valuable when it comes to software. If the computer is going to be a family computer and everyone is going to use it, then definitely spend the extra money to buy an IBM with CD-ROM. However, if it is a second computer that is just for the children to use as a tutor spends the lesser amount of money on the Apple. Another bonus that makes the Apple the best choice is that if something does go wrong while the child is operating it there are fewer hassles when restoring the computer to its original state.

© 1997 serena@prodigy.net