If you are a parent looking to buy your child a laptop, you might have seen the newest mini-laptops, called netbooks. These laptop computers generally have a screen of 10 inches or less (smaller in area than a sheet of looseleaf paper) and weigh less than 3 pounds. One of the most popular netbooks around is the Acer Aspire One mini laptop and this could be a good computer choice for your teen or grade-schooler.

The keyboard on the Acer Aspire One netbook is somewhat smaller than that of a full-size laptop. After all the keys are spaced closer together to fit in the compact netbooks. The keyboard size, while smaller, works for most adults (unless one has thick fingers) but it works even better for kids, even teens or college students who do more typing. If their teacher allows it, your child will appreciate being able to type notes in class.

The small overall size of the Acer mini is just attractive too. This laptop is under 3 pounds, light enough for a child to tote around without getting tired. It also fits easily into a backpack.

It's also pretty compact when your child needs to pull it out and use it. Your child won't have to clear off so much space off the kitchen counter, library table or desk to open the laptop and get going.

My only concern is with younger school age children being somewhat less careful. If a younger child sees this laptop as more of a toy than instrument, you'll just need to be sure to instruct and supervise your little one until he or she gets use to it.

The easy Internet access is great for kids on the go. With more and more school, libraries and cities setting up wireless networks, your child can easily get connected wherever he or she needs to work. (Don't let the Internet access be a reason not to get this or any other laptop. Look at easy-to-use, hidden monitoring software like to keep track of all your child's computer use).

Frankly, if you are on a budget, paying $350 or less for a fully functional laptop can be more comforting than paying twice that for a larger one. (You'll feel less inclined to melt down if he or she is careless with your investment.)

The Acer mini laptop has the power to do everything your child needs: word processing, creating graphics and presentation, going online for email and Internet access. I also does almost everything your child will want: play DVD movies, play music, play games, etc. If your child is into serious gaming or serious graphic design, you want to consider a desktop/monitor situation with very high-end graphic card. Otherwise, the Aspire One works as well as most laptops.

Plus with the ports, you hook up a printer, full size keyboard, mouse, or even full size monitor that is on the desk. If you are looking at the Acer Aspire One for your teenager or school-aged child, this is a good choice.