I like the ones that are made especially for children are kind of drop proof that also come preloaded with a version of linux on them, super easy for them to use and no worries about infections or needing security programs. The ones they had in the one laptop per child program were like that, they did have those for sale also the xo laptop.
The Best Cheap Laptop Computers for Children

you could also consider buying one of the little netbooks, I have an acer, and put linux on it, there are some that actually come loaded with linux on them.
Another option is a bit different but may work well
Litl Webbook

you can also consider one of the new android tablets they look and work just like an ipad so no real keyboard or mouse all touch screen. I have one and love it, there are several brands out now and some really do pretty much everything an ipad does you definitely want one that has at least Android 2.2 on it though.

Linux-Netbook

and example of one of many many of the new Android tablets out there
The gTablet
if you go to youtube and look up android tablets you can view some in action.

to go cheap you can always buy a used netbook and load linux on it.

Raven,
Thanks for such a prompt and very informational reply. We checked out the links you provided and favoured the following models: MIRUS Classrooom PC and the 76 STIRLING EDU book.
We live in a remote area and unable to obtain hifi internet, we just have dialup. We update our laptops when we go to town at our daughter's place and the reason for telling you this we would like to know if we can do the same for the kid's system as we read about Edubunt and also interested in this product.
Your opinion or anyone else's will be more than welcome.
Thanks.

blueit,

As for the educational programs for youngsters, Rocky Mountain Learning Systems has an array of such programs that targets youngsters from babies through their toddler years. It's the second link in the link below. The first link looks pretty good as well.

Here is a link that might be useful: Computer Software for Toddlers

yes that would work just fine because linux all versions have an automatic system that lets you know when you have updates and how many with an icon in the task bar, when you have access you can clik that icon which will connect to the synaptic update center and you select the installed updates and they will show you the ones for your pc and you simply mark them for install and apply and it does it and a great thing about linux is you do not have to reboot after updates and the updates are usually small and fast. Plus since you do not have to have any antivirus programs on it no worries about updating those.

I think it is great to start young ones with linux that way they learn quickly and easily then can very easily transition to windows and will immediately have an advantage over others because they know 2 Operating systems.
Linux comes pre loaded with pretty much anything you will need but for things you want there are the repositories which synaptic is (same place you get your updates) and you just go there and find the program you want and click on it in there and apply and voila it is on the pc. You do NOT go searching the internet for downloads they are all right handy in the repositories. So I say I decided I wanted the penquin racer game I go to the repository and do a search for that and it will pop up and I click it and apply it and it is on my pc. There are a lot of games available. The Edubuntu is a good idea specific to education with extra goodies in it.

I meant to say also if you want to try out edubuntu now with your pc with out doing any changes to your windows you can download and burn the iso file free and that will create a live cd, with that you can just put it in your cd drawer and then reboot your pc to boot from the cd, it will then boot up into the linux live cd and you will be working from that not from your hard drive, so no changes are made at all to your pc. You can see what it looks like use the tools and features and even use it's browser to surf the web, I would suggest doing that so you have an idea of what you would be getting.
Edubuntu Downloads
Most burning programs will have an option to burn as iso if yours does not there are several free ones you can get to do it. IMGburn is one.

Included Software and Screenshots some of the stuff included with edubuntu in case you had not seen this

here is a tutorial on how to burn an iso using imgburn which you can get free. You would download the edubuntu iso file to your pc then use this tutorial to then burn that iso file to a cd to create the live cd.
How to write an image file to a disc using ImgBurn

this is the download page I personally like using the one from MajorGeeks I know they are always clean
ImgBurn v2.5.4.0

Ravencajun
Thanks so much for your input. We have been unable to locate a Mirus Classroom PC with linux here in Canada. Are you able to help me out further by telling me where we can get one in the U.S.A.?

let me check around, did you try going to the mirus site itself and contacting them and asking them for assistance? I would try that. Also you may have look finding a used one on like ebay or other sites.

You can always as an alternative get any netbook and install the edubuntu on it too since edubuntu is free.

JMHO, but I think 3 is a tad young for any type of netbook/laptop unless its made out of rubber...3 yr olds are not the gentlest

actually many of these little netbooks that are made for toddlers are very tough and have a handle on them they are specifically made for that age group. the keyboards are sealed so no liquids can penetrate, have a rubbery edge, and some even have solid state hard drives or use flash. I would love to own one of the mirus ones they are very nice.

Genes
Thanks for your opinion. My grandson has been playing matching games on my laptop and has been putting puzzles together (24) pieces since he was about 18 months. His parents bought him a leapster but we feel something with a larger screen, more durable and with a better choice of activities would suit him better.

Hi Ravencajun
Yes, I have tried Mirus. In fact I have looked at so many sites that I am not even sure of what I am looking for any more. could you tell me if the Mirus Schoolmate Convertible 10.1" Netbook would be the same like a "newer model or something? Perhaps I need to purchase Linux separately and download Ebuncto. I really appreciate your help with my problem.

Just a follow up to thank everyone for suggestions and advice especially, Raven. We finally settled for Mirus 'Schoolmate'. It's a nice little unit and comes with Windows 7, 1 GB of RAM, 32-bit OS with processor Intel Atom, CPU N455 @ 1.66 GHz. It also has Microsoft Security Essentials.
We have not been on line with it yet and was wondering if this MSE is sufficient security or should we download something else as well. Any recommends? If yes, should we do it directly with this unit or on another laptop using a memory stick then transfer.
Also we purchased an 8x external dvd/cd writer. This came with a cd with Nero 9 for windows and nero linux 4 (trial version). I am somewhat at a loss with regard to the Linux, What is it that Linux will do for this Mirus. Any information would be greatly appreciated..
Thanks.

I have had Microsoft Security Essentials as my only protection for well over a year now and never had an issue. This along with the Windows 7 firewall have kept me safe. Because it is fully automatic it is easy to forget it but I would suggest you look near the clock occasionally to ensure the small house icon remains green.

However if one feels the need for an extra line of defence then free version Malwarebytes would be an excellent choice. This requires updating to be done manually but that is no big issue.

the things I would add are as Owbist mentioned malwarebytes, and also spywareblaster, you just have to open it about once a week or so and hit update then once it gets those hit the enable all protection and that is it, it sits in the background protecting you. I do believe since this will be for a young one I would add WOT to the browser and I would put firefox on it as the browser. You also will need to run the secunia tool on it occasionally to make sure all that should be updated has been updated
Secunia Online Software Inspector (OSI)

That nero for linux is just the linux version of nero I would imagine they do that because they were putting out computers with windows and linux so you would select the version appropriate for your computer OS. You would use the one for windows on yours.

you should have no problem downloading directly to the unit from online connection.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (Win) - Detecting and Removing Malware
SpywareBlaster
WOT

Here is a link that might be useful: firefox

This is an interesting thread, I did not know they made things like that for kids. I knew they had toy computers but not the real thing. My sister's grandson who is 3 plays PC learning games and reg games only on a desktop. He is a wild child so a portable would not work for him. My sister was an amazing mother, she rarely told her sons no when they wanted something beyond their age. If they wanted a Monopoly game at a very young age she got it and taught they how to play it.

Computers and young children cause me to basically cringe as I have had contact with, and become aware of too many parents who rush their children, and they are not allowed to be just kids. However, there are children that by their own makeup need to be challenged. That decision should be made by the children, and nurtured by the professionals.

I have three grandchildren from two families who are all super scary smart. The oldest has been tested, and determined as gifted. He goes to a school on Saturday, and studies things way beyond his 11 years of age. Why does he go? Because regular school doesn't satisfy him, but most of all he just wants too. I understand this as his reading list is ridiculous. Astronomy, rocket science, and nuclear fusion just to name a few.

The most important thing though is the parents of all the children allow them to be just that, children.

DA