Agreed, computers certainly aren't necessary. They are fun, educational and useful when used the right way, but the vast majority of the great minds of the 20th century and before certainly didn't have them as children, and they turned out all right. I also wouldn't give a child a computer early on out of a worry that they would otherwise turn out computer illiterate in the end (though I don't think it likely that the OP has that worry).

Now, if you're answering in the affirmative the OP's question about whether a computer for a youngster is a mistake, I'd have to disagree.

Striving to increase my rate of flow, and fight forum gloopiness. sick