I want to buy my seven year old a computer...

Here's my response to a colleague who wants to secure a device for her seven year old to help her succeed in the current distance learning environment.

Full disclosure. I am biased. As an ed tech integrator, I don't like wrestling with balky devices, supporting devices that have more features than required, or maintaining devices using add on management kludges. I don't even like having to press an upgrade now button. For the overwhelming majority of ed tech needs, a Chromebook will do everything your child will be required to do, and more.

If you have an older desktop or laptop that still runs but is no longer used because it is sluggish or no longer supported by the OS vendor, consider turning it into a Chromebook/Chromebox using Neverware's Cloudready. I've performed the Cloudready upgrade to dozens of obsolete machines, turning them into reliable, responsive machines while delaying their inevitable shipment to a landfill another five plus years. The upgrade turns a slow piece of junk into a speedy Chrome device.

If you want to purchase a new device, 

• don't spend a lot on any device for a young child. Spills, falls, bubble gum and maple syrup happen. Don't spend a lot!
• Chromebooks are hot right now. Distance learning and the clamor for devices has eliminated all deals on Chromebooks. Good luck finding a sale.
• Pay attention to automatic update expiration (AUE) dates for any device you're considering. Use this page to make sure the device you are considering offers at least five years of updates. Beware of old devices being sold as new stock.
• A touch screen is important now, and will be more so in the future. Don't buy a new device without a touch screen.