LittleFingers Keyboard

$79.95, Win 95, Win 3.1, Mac OS (switchable)

Teaches: a keyboard peripheral

CTR Review

This is a scaled down version of a standard keyboard, designed especially for young children's small hands. Features include a built-in trackball designed for children, plus the ability to either replace the regular keyboard and mouse, or to be used along side the regular devices. That means grown-ups can still use their keyboard and mouse (even simultaneously) while the child uses his smaller keyboard and trackball. The peripheral, which can be used with both Mac and Windows systems, is durable, responsive and easy to attach to the computer. We've yet to see any research proving that a smaller keyboard is better for children, but the idea makes sense. Our younger testers liked using LittleFingers, but older kids already used to a standard keyboard and mouse preferred to use the regular devices. Note: the keyboard is relatively expensive when compared to standard sized keyboards and doesn't come with any children's software as does other kids' keyboards. Note: as of 2/6/2000 the keyboard is being bundled with a "$30 typing teaching software product " for free, included in the price.