Computer kits are a great way to learn about coding and building, and they're perfect for adults and kids! So we want to make sure you know which kit is best for you (or your child).
Kano Computer Touch Kit
Smart on the go.
Pros
- Slim-built
- A variety of programs to try out
- Program on the go!
- Easy to build
Cons
- Doesn't teach STEM on the same level as the Piper Kit.
- Lack of touchscreen support for some apps
The Kano Computer Touch Kit has nearly everything that the Piper Kit has, but with the added bonus of being able to program on the go. Not only is it slimmer, and thus much lighter, but it takes a lot less time to build. The only downside is that it costs $10 more, but for the added interactivity and movement, I reckon that makes it worth it.
Piper Computer Kit
Minecraft Wonderland
Pros
- An LCD screen
- Handcrafted wooden case
- Raspberry Pi Edition of Minecraft included
Cons
- Instructions are far too difficult for certain age groups.
- Battery drains quick
- Takes more time to build than the Kano
- Much larger
- No full keyboard
If you or your kid are real avid fans of Minecraft and are fond of LCD screens, then you most definitely won't be ashamed to show that off with the Piper Computer Kit.
Which should I get?
The Piper Computer Kit assumes that you know some things about STEM, and thus doesn't hold your hand all of the time. The price of it can be off-putting, but the components involved are valuable. The Kano Computer Touch Kit, however, is $10 more and possesses the ability to move around and the use of a touchscreen. So, not only are you able to access near enough the same things as the Piper Computer Kit, the Kano Computer Touch adds more interactivity. Plus, it's easier to build for those looking into their first computer kit.
Of course, the packaging of the Piper Computer Kit is a lot more appealing. For children, the Minecraft advertisement may win them over more than the actual kit. The Kano Computer Touch Kit is great to look at but is somewhat generic looking in comparison to the Piper Computer Kit.
Kano's story mode is hard not to like.
Depending on who you are, you may feel more frustrated that building the Piper Computer Kit takes a lot more time than putting together the Kano Computer Touch Kit. While the Piper adds much more to do, even giving you your very own screwdriver, the assembling time in comparison to the Kano is much, much longer. The Piper gives you screws, hinges, binders, and ledges to assemble, which is great, but the Kano gives you far less without losing even an ounce of quality.
| Piper Computer Kit | Kano Computer Touch Kit | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | 2 Hours | 3 Hours |
| Monitor | Yes | Yes |
| Screen Resolution | 800 x 480 | 1280x800 |
| Mouse | Two Button Mouse | Touchpad |
| Keyboard | Buttons/not a full keyboard | Yes |
| On the go | No | Yes |
| SD Card | 32GB | 16GB |
It may be complicated, but the Piper excels in giving an introduction to electronics and a huge amount of games, which is perfect for young children. However, the Kano Computer Touch Kit goes that step further by providing a level of interactivity that, to be frank, the Piper Computer Kit just can't match. The Kano cannot only help you hack Minecraft and make games, but you can create your own art, learn how to animate and even make music — all with the use of your finger.
The simplicity of the Kano is also one of its stronger points. While you can do most of everything with a mere touch, the addition of a full keyboard can be helpful. However, the Piper lacks even that and overcomplicates with not having a full keyboard at all, just buttons. While this can be seen as creative, it can also be very unwieldy and frustrating for those who only want to do simple tasks with the kit.
Overall, I'd have to say that the Kano Computer Touch Kit left this showdown as the victor. While the Piper Computer Kit offers more for advanced users, its poor battery life and chunky build make it a poor match to the Kano Computer Touch Kit's smooth, slim interface. The lack of portability for the Piper Computer Kit is also hard to ignore, especially as it comes in such a massive box. The Kano Computer Touch Kit is practically a tablet, and thus portability is not an issue. Even though the Piper kit has Minecraft, the Kano Computer Touch Kit truly stands out as a kit that is a must-have, no matter the age of the person using it. Its simple design doesn't complicate what it sets out to do: teach you something new.
Kano Computer Touch Kit
Touch and go.
Everything you need, no added price.
The Kano Computer Touch Kit lets you do what you want on the go. You can even get a stylus to use for it, in case you don't want to dirty the screen.
Piper Computer Kit
Worth a look.
A serious price for serious coding
A product that, while expensive, deserves your attention if you have the money to buy it. The already-installed Minecraft is also an added bonus
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