What kind of things can a 3 year old do with a computer? An actual computer? Check out the games on pbskids.org - esp. the Curious George ones. For under <3s,

What kind of things can a 3 year old do with a computer? An actual computer? Check out the games on pbskids.org - esp. the Curious George ones. For under <3s, you will probably need to "drive" the mouse while the kids tell you what to do. The iPhone has a myriad of kid-friendly apps suitable for the toddler set. Try AnimalSNAP, Scribble, PreSchool Playground, Matches, and Wild Animals jigsaw. While obviously the iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad is not a substitute for real play, it has certain advantages, such as encouraging seriously fine motor control, a level of abstraction, and being a compact source of amusement for plane rides. Also check out the kids books "with synchronised images" from audible.com. It allows the iPod to pretend to read books to your child. Again, not a substitute for you doing this, but a good tool for your emergency arsenal. I have to say though, that the most educational thing on the internet for the preschooler is youtube. There is nothing like, say, talking to your kid about the instruments of the orchestra and then being able to pull up somebody playing the tuba right there and then. Indispensable. That said, get your timing right. I kept my kid away from the TV till she was two, and away from gadgets till she was three. I think the level of engagement you get by introducing things at the right time is much higher than if you expose too early.