Young Explorer Computer Center

$2375, Win XP

Teaches: early math, early reading, language, science, maps

CTR Review

First introduced in 1998, this childproof, self-contained Windows XP computer system is at the heart of the IBM KidSmart Early Learning Program, a system of hardware, software and teacher training designed for early childhood settings by IBM. The computer and monitor are encased in a rolling, plastic Little Tykes workstation designed to fit in the corner of a room -- the CPU, speakers and monitor are locked to childproof the wires and switches. Once it is assembled, the station is colorful and appealing to children, and the rather large bench has room for two small children. The system has become a valuable part of the Mediatech's offering for preschoolers over the summer, but is not without some glitches. The housing, designed by LIttle Tykes, is designed to fit just one type of monitor -- a small (14 inch) CRT color screen that is mounted too high for the intended age range, forcing children to look up into the glare of the ceiling lights. It is also nearly impossible to adjust the volume on the speakers-- a process that requires unscrewing the front face plate (we simply pulled ours out of the case). The system comes with two keyboards -- a spill proof but hard to use membrane keyboard, and a regular keyboard that testers preferred. Glitches with the software included an antivirus message that kept popping up in the middle of the child's activities and a default power scheme setting that made starting the computer nearly impossible in the morning. With some tweaking, the system was soon working smoothly. The main strength is the dated, but well proven, software collection, which comes preinstalled on the computer's hard drive, so no CDs are required. The software titles include Edmark's Millie's Math House, Thinkin' Things, Sammie's Science House and Bailey's Book House, and a copy of Kid Desk makes it possible for each child to have their own icon. This is a system that does a few things, but it does them well once the initial glitches are worked out. You can learn more http://www.kidsmartearlylearning.org.