Kindle Fire for 8-year-old? Or netbook?

[DreamDelta]

I need some advice. My 8-year-old DD really wants a laptop for Christmas. I cannot and will not spend more than $250, but that's virtually impossible. I was looking into the Kindle Fire. She would mainly use the KF to surf the web, watch videos, read and play games on educational websites. My problem is that I can buy a netbook with a 10.1 inch screen, but I think the screen is too small, BUT a KF screen is only 7 inches...

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. (BTW, she already has an iPod Touch.)

 

[itutorfortravel]

I don't know if I have any advice, but just thought I'd throw in our 2 cents...we bought our DD who is 9 a Kindle Fire for Christmas. She also has an iPod Touch. I see our DD using it mostly for reading. I like it that you can subscribe to magazines on the Kindle and that it's full color. She will also enjoy using it to watch movies. I'm not really sure what the full capabilities of a netbook are, but I really wanted my DD to have an electronic reader, so the Kindle fit the bill...

 

[crazelion]

I would check out the deals leading up to Christmas you might be able to snag laptop or netbook for the price. If was me I would go with the kindle fire myself.

 

[DreamDelta]

I'm really leaning towards the Kindle...

 

[haPevraftr]

I just ordered/received the Kindle Fire. It is really nice and the screen is not too small IMO. DD 8 wanted an ereader for Xmas and DS 5 is always wanting to play games on my phone. So, they will be sharing the Kindle Fire b/c it is all we can afford (and can't beat the fact that it is a couple hundred less than iPad). They both use my old laptop and that serves them well at home. The portability of the Kindle Fire and its full color screen/capabilities work well for what we need on the go. Love that I can download/borrow books from the local library, as well.