I plan to introduce computers and programming to my 9 yr old. He uses (rather plays) computers at his school and daycare; but my wife and I wanted to wait for some years before getting him interested in computers. This way we were able to inculcate a great reading habit into him. He is a voracious reader.
I would like to get (build or buy) a simple and less expensive computer for him. If he has the aptitude then maybe sometime in the future we could look at other upgrades or newer systems.
Apart from programming, he might use it for playing games, and an internet connection would be necessary for downloading programs and software.
What are your suggestions for hardware and software?
I was looking at KPL (http://www.kidsprogramminglanguage.com/kids.php). Any thoughts?
And, thanks for all suggestions that are going to pour in.