Review – Kano Computer Kit

I have worked in IT for 15 years and have done everything from writing code for software, fixing servers to building computers. Working in IT is a challenge and an enjoyable one. I was trained in software developer and writing code is something I’ve done for many years. My husband is a network engineer, therefore our children grow up watching us on laptops, tablets and doing work from home at times. They are far from technophobic and even my two year old can find her way around a gadget. Technology is the future, especially their future, far more than it was ours growing up. I want to encourage them to explore technology, not just to play with, but to find out what’s inside, what makes it work, the guts so to speak. The Kano Computer Kit allows this and so much more.

Inside the Kano Computer Kit you will find everything you need to build your very own computer. Really? It is simple, even if you’ve never even seen the inside of a computer, you can do this. It really is child’s play. I love that you can see the brain of a computer simply, there and build it’s body up, until it’s a fully functioning powerful machine. I wanted to see if this really was as simple as they said. I handed my 8 year old the box and watched. 

The booklets includes are clear, simple and have fantastic illustrations encouraging learning from the simplest form. Lucas took out the book and got to work. Even if your child isn’t a great reader, they can follow the illustrations.

How it all works. The inner workings of the computer come from this motherboard. This is a the Raspberry Pi. Building your computer brain really is as simple as playing with Lego according to Lucas and watching him, it really is. He following the instructions with ease, connecting the connecting the speakers to give your computer sound, wireless dongle so it will go out onto the internet, power and even memory. All tied up in this one little case, the brains of the computer and it looks great too.

You can chose from two covers for your computer and even personalise it with stickers. Making it your own individual computer.

Once your brain is built, it’s time to add the arms and legs in terms of the keyboard. It works using wireless technology and has it’s own touch screen pad as a mouse. We plugged it into the main tv, as I wanted to watch him use it. But, it comes with an hdmi cable and can be plugged into most monitors and tv’s.

Lucas was very proud of what he had achieved, who wouldn’t be. He built his own computer from scratch at 8 years old. There aren’t a lot of people who can say that now are there? I was in astounded and amazed. I was proud of him and with his little brother watching and learning too, they have both learnt what makes a computer, the ins and outs and what makes it work. This gives a better understanding into how everything around them, things they take for granted and use everyday work.

As with all operating systems, it takes time to update and this part is not the easiest. They were desperate to get going. Lucas looked through the coding booklet which is the book you follow once your computer is up and running. Then it came to life. It really was a lump in your throat type moment, seeing his face light up, knowing it had clicked, he’d actually built his own working computer.

It really is incredible. I setup the wireless password from following the instructions on the screen. Apart from that, Lucas did everything else himself. Next up is the coding challenges. You have to work your way through the different stages, moving on each time you complete them. From understanding about different colours, to adding on how long your snake is going to be. Playing Pong is one of the first challenges they will encounter, remember Pong? I do being an 80’s kid. Back in the day, I played this on my ZX Spectrum. It’s a simple game, but having coded bits yourself, his face lit up when he was playing a game he actually designed.

You move through from Pong to Snake and to the one they are all playing and that is Minecraft. My boys are obsessed with building and creating worlds in Minecraft and if yours are too, this will give them in inside into how it was created and designed. Giving them a better understanding of software as a whole.

Inside the Kano box is the power supply, cables, wifi usb dongle, the Raspberry Pi, keyboard, SD memory card, speaker and case. The Kano comes with it’s own operating system on the SD Card which is excellent, well designed, thought out and simple to use. Plus all the written materials you will need to get it setup and coding to begin.

The possibilities are endless with the Kano Computer it. I cannot recommend it enough. The Kano is a computer and coding kit, which is as simple as building something from lego and children from any age can use it. Once the build the brain of the computer they will be up and running within minutes. Then it’s onto creating real code. It is fascinating to watching the way they are having fun, playing, coding and getting a better understanding into all the technology around them. This is a base onto which they will built their future. Setting them apart from others and giving them an advantage in the technology based world we now live in. At an excellent price of £119.99 plus free shipping. I think this is great for what you get. You won’t regret it, not only will you learn a thing or two, but your children will have fun coding and learning games they love to play.

Not only that I have a code which will get your £5 off your Kano Computer kit. Use SUSANKMANN-5 at the checkout to receive your discount.

I’d love to know what you think of this? I am very excited and passionate about this piece of kit.

You can find out more about Kano by clicking here, and checking out their Facebook and Twitter.

Disclaimer:- I was sent through a Kano computer for the purpose of this review, but I love it and my opinions are my own.