March 4, 2008
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Conor’s Computer
Edit: The name of the keyboard is the “Comfy” baby keyboard found at http://www.comfyland.com/ . The price range you’d be looking at starts at $80 with just the keyboard and the first, lowest age-level computer software. My son still hasn’t gotten past this because he tries to take the matt the second higher level software comes with (that covers the keyboard) and keeps trying to just randomly press buttons. The higher levels teach a lot more, but do require slightly more attention and willingness to watch and learn. The first level is perfect to start with on babies, and it really seems to encourage talking!
Well, today Conor’s special keyboard arrived along with the ages 3-5 beginner software that comes with it, and the extra ‘chapter’ Mom got that is ages 3-5 intermediate. It should keep him busy for a while, actually! He COULD enjoy the intermediate, but he’s not at the point where he can just sit and watch it- he’s too active and wants to punch all the keys.
He LOVES having HIS own keyboard. When Mum got home, and walked to the doorway to watch him, he looked back and grinned so proudly. He wanted to show her everything he could do! He was grinning and so happy when he first got to use the keyboard, and at first very tentative and careful- barely touching the keys. Now he presses away and sometimes even pounds (which is when I warn him!).
The program is just perfect for him, and the intermediate will be a perfect step up. It reminds me a bit of Baby Einstein and some other kid programs I have seen, except it is interactive and it ‘upgrades’ as you go. It really is an incredible piece of innovation, and even more so because the ‘beginner’ level has over ten languages!!! He can learn a few things in Spanish, Mexican Spanish, Japanese, Korean, English, UK English, German, Swedish, Hebrew, Arabic… just to name a few!! Wow! I prefer the UK English myself, and that is what I use for him. The beginner US English version is rather crappy compared to the UK one in terms of voice acting and singing.
So far, I have to give this a 5 star rating for its purpose, out of 5! It’s the best baby computer tool I have found, it works beautifully, and the same keyboard will work along with just a few software upgrades until age 5!! At 19.95 a piece with about two software packs per ‘category’ it’s pretty great. Most importantly, it gives my son a way to be ‘in charge’ of his own computer time at age 2. I wish I’d had this sooner, because he could have been doing this at age 1 if not earlier. I think playing with his Comfy computer keyboard will become a daily ritual. He LOVES it, and he HATES having to stop using it.
I think its clear what to tell relatives to give him for future gifts, that he will use and love- the future add ons will probably keep him busy for hours upon hours.
-Patrick
Comments (2)
Not sure if you mentioned it but I didnt see the name of the keyboard, My wife and I are about to have a little one of our own and while we do have some time before she would be needing anything like that it would be great to look into one. And since you are very adamant about it i would not mind checking it out myself ~Thx~
Hi Patrick! Just sending you a post. Thanks for replying to Dahaku with all that great information and advice it is most welcome
This is our first child and its a bit nerve wracking, so its really nice when we get comments like yours to lend a hand. This baby computer sounds really unique. I thought they only had them for children a lot older….kind of like Leapster. My hubby and I are both very into computers and gaming/anime and such, so it would be nice to teach the baby about computers early on. Not to mention I love the learning curve it seems to have.
I’m not too into the idea of letting my baby rot in front of the TV. I want her to have a great imagination and read a lot or have me read to her. And I believe in a lot of outdoor adventuring. But I do also believe that teaching our children at a young age to utilize a computer or some sort of learning program is really very important. So thanks for the info
Take care of yourself!