As a boy, Thomas Edison exhibited many of the traits commonly associated with gifted students that differentiate them from their peers. Gifted and talented students: (1) are original thinkers; (2) are at ease in pondering the unusual; (3) can tolerate ambiguity; (4) are not frustrated by lack of closure; (5) have powerful imaginations; (6) display self-confidence and optimism; (7) enjoy being alone; (8) display a sense of humor; (9) have well-developed verbal processes; and (10) can quickly span the concrete, symbolic, and abstract phases of acquiring knowledge. The capabilities of the microcomputer appear to be especially suited to this population. Microcomputers can respond to the independent nature of these students, provide opportunities to develop cognitive skills, and permit the student to go directly to abstract levels. As a multisensory tool, the microcomputer corresponds to what is known about good learning sequences. Despite its potential, a niche for the microcomputer has not been found by educators. However, it is evident that they can be an effective tool for the gifted and talented. (DC)