I'll add to the good responses you got.
If you get the RPI5 (I would), also order the battery for the real time clock. All the computers since dinosaurs roamed the earth (well, almost) came with a battery embedded on the mother board to keep the computer's internal clock going even when off so that it had almost the correct time when booted. When the internet connects, they all go out to NIST to get the true time to make the minor adjustment. The RPI never supported the real-time-clock until the RPI 5 but still doesn't include the battery to drive it. It only costs $5 at Cana-kit (plus shipping) so buying with the RPI, case, and everything else is a deal if it is not included in the kit you buy. The battery means the RPI can be like a real computer - and remember it's time instead of having to change it from the last time you shut it off.
Remember, all the software he'll ever need is free so paying more for a kit that includes software is not a bargain. All you need is a basic system and even that can be downloaded to another computer.
A 32GB micro-sd card will hold lots of stuff. Buy a few extras of whatever size card you get for backup especially if you buy cheapie cards which fail more often than the expensive ones. Backups are simple. But you will need a USB to micro-sd adapter (a few dollars) if one is not included in the kit.
Some of the more expensive kits, where multiple options are offered, just get you unneeded things. You want the Pi, a good case, a fan, an official power supply (as many cheapies are poor quality and not the power they claim), the battery and a good cable. Beyond that, Amazon and Walmart can supply you with the extras.
You'll need a monitor. Good quality HDMI monitors are not expensive, especially on sale. Used USB Keyboards and mice are often an inexpensive at a local thrift shop but you might want to get a wireless one that uses a plug-in USB transmitter if you don't have a spare keyboard or mouse at home.
If you already have a PC at home, you can download the RPI system installer program and the latest (full)version of the software. Then download all the apps you want after booting your PI. Unlike Windows, the linux does not include junkware or "trial versions" of software. There are no initial or recurring costs for any "official" software and you have multiple choices for different display managers, file managers, and most everything else - including free "Office" products (like Microsoft Office) that are truly free with all updates included. Kits usually include a micro-sd with the same system pre-installed but it's not worth paying extra just for that.
The system "disk" is a mcro-sd card so the first time programs run, they have to be loaded from that. However, re-running them is fast as the RPI makes very efficient use of memory. However, if your son really gets into it, you might eventually want to buy him an SSD card that directly attaches to the RPI. Will make a nice birthday or Christmas gift as would a RPI 6, 7,8,... when they are released some time in the future. In most cases, that just means replacing the RPI board in the little case.
And if your son loses interest or eventually wants to get something bigger and better (running Linux, of course), you can always use the Pi for something else. I bought an A400 (RPI-4 inside a keyboard) a few years ago and after playing with it, just put it away. A few weeks ago, I installed the latest RPI software, bought a touchscreen monitor and, downloading standard RPI software, made a digital calendar out of it - for only the cost of a monitor. But since that's such a simple application, I might use one of my older RPI 3 units and use the A400 for something else. Now, I only buy RPI-5s.
You will find a full-system software RPI to be very Windows-like. The names of the programs are different (instead of Notepad, you have a choice of multiple apps like Geary, Mousepad, etc and load them all if you wish). Some things are done differently but the basics are not that different. Try it yourself. You might decide you like Linux better than Windows and you can have the latest Linux on your old, obsolete Win10 and Win 8 (and earlier) computers - without spending a dime. There are even free applications that allow you to run many Windows programs on a Linux system (like I did with my old Quicken 10!) and there is even an Android emulator that runs Android apps inside Linux - even on the Pi!
If you get the RPI5 (I would), also order the battery for the real time clock. All the computers since dinosaurs roamed the earth (well, almost) came with a battery embedded on the mother board to keep the computer's internal clock going even when off so that it had almost the correct time when booted. When the internet connects, they all go out to NIST to get the true time to make the minor adjustment. The RPI never supported the real-time-clock until the RPI 5 but still doesn't include the battery to drive it. It only costs $5 at Cana-kit (plus shipping) so buying with the RPI, case, and everything else is a deal if it is not included in the kit you buy. The battery means the RPI can be like a real computer - and remember it's time instead of having to change it from the last time you shut it off.
Remember, all the software he'll ever need is free so paying more for a kit that includes software is not a bargain. All you need is a basic system and even that can be downloaded to another computer.
A 32GB micro-sd card will hold lots of stuff. Buy a few extras of whatever size card you get for backup especially if you buy cheapie cards which fail more often than the expensive ones. Backups are simple. But you will need a USB to micro-sd adapter (a few dollars) if one is not included in the kit.
Some of the more expensive kits, where multiple options are offered, just get you unneeded things. You want the Pi, a good case, a fan, an official power supply (as many cheapies are poor quality and not the power they claim), the battery and a good cable. Beyond that, Amazon and Walmart can supply you with the extras.
You'll need a monitor. Good quality HDMI monitors are not expensive, especially on sale. Used USB Keyboards and mice are often an inexpensive at a local thrift shop but you might want to get a wireless one that uses a plug-in USB transmitter if you don't have a spare keyboard or mouse at home.
If you already have a PC at home, you can download the RPI system installer program and the latest (full)version of the software. Then download all the apps you want after booting your PI. Unlike Windows, the linux does not include junkware or "trial versions" of software. There are no initial or recurring costs for any "official" software and you have multiple choices for different display managers, file managers, and most everything else - including free "Office" products (like Microsoft Office) that are truly free with all updates included. Kits usually include a micro-sd with the same system pre-installed but it's not worth paying extra just for that.
The system "disk" is a mcro-sd card so the first time programs run, they have to be loaded from that. However, re-running them is fast as the RPI makes very efficient use of memory. However, if your son really gets into it, you might eventually want to buy him an SSD card that directly attaches to the RPI. Will make a nice birthday or Christmas gift as would a RPI 6, 7,8,... when they are released some time in the future. In most cases, that just means replacing the RPI board in the little case.
And if your son loses interest or eventually wants to get something bigger and better (running Linux, of course), you can always use the Pi for something else. I bought an A400 (RPI-4 inside a keyboard) a few years ago and after playing with it, just put it away. A few weeks ago, I installed the latest RPI software, bought a touchscreen monitor and, downloading standard RPI software, made a digital calendar out of it - for only the cost of a monitor. But since that's such a simple application, I might use one of my older RPI 3 units and use the A400 for something else. Now, I only buy RPI-5s.
You will find a full-system software RPI to be very Windows-like. The names of the programs are different (instead of Notepad, you have a choice of multiple apps like Geary, Mousepad, etc and load them all if you wish). Some things are done differently but the basics are not that different. Try it yourself. You might decide you like Linux better than Windows and you can have the latest Linux on your old, obsolete Win10 and Win 8 (and earlier) computers - without spending a dime. There are even free applications that allow you to run many Windows programs on a Linux system (like I did with my old Quicken 10!) and there is even an Android emulator that runs Android apps inside Linux - even on the Pi!
Statistics: Posted by jpezz — Mon Jan 26, 2026 2:54 am