Community Newsletter: Q&A: Laptop recommendation for children
- 6/20/08 12:13 PM
laptops for students
by greensouthern - 5/17/08 5:25 PM In reply to: Laptop recommendation for children by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hey Bob,
We have a home based business which uses several computers, including a couple laptops & my son had started out with an OLD toshiba (i think) - mid 90's model. He couldn't hurt it & we put all kinds of school type programs on there for him so he could be in the office with us. When he turned 5 & we started home-school, we bought him a Dell w/ 14" monitor - we have loaded dozens of his school & game programs on it & he uses it every day. It is a workhorse - not super fast, but enough so that his games & videos on Encarta don't stall, plus it takes the 'rougher handling' of a child, especially a boy. (The ONLY program it has choked on was Ship Simulator- the FLight programs work great.) That was around 2002 or 2003 & it is still going strong. The software that came with it was not real sophisticated, but sufficient for him. We went online to Dell & found one already built that was around $700 w/printer, got the extra warranty, but never needed it. Never a hiccup! He doesn't take it on the road with him (we travel, too) but he drags it into the kitchen or on the floor in the living room; which brings up battery life. That has been really good, too - when he doesn't bother to bring the power cord he can still work/play quite a long time before he has to plug it back in.
As an aside - we have had 2 Toshiba's with screen problems that were only used by responsible adults & they haven't held up nearly as well.
Hope this info helps you make an informed decision.
Yes, you are delusional, but...
by adrienne50 - 5/17/08 7:36 PM In reply to: Laptop recommendation for children by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Kids only rarely fully understand how pets, glassware or electronic components need to be treated, so teach them well. Don't buy such a prize that you will have to chop their heads off when they drop it down a flight of stairs. If they have successfully managed an mp3 player or a cellphone, though, they do okay.
If I were shopping for something that could be used and abused by my kids, I'd probably look for a refurb, or second hand on Craig's list or something. I don't know the game you speak of, but you can look up and see what the minimum requirements for the games they like are, and then go for something a little better. If the computer survives their computer care learning process, they may get a good run of use.
You don't say what your budget is, and "reasonable" is apparently a meaningless term in the laptop gaming computer business. I've been looking at gaming laptops for myself, since I also travel, and have been underwhelmed by the prime brand prices. Systemax (who I don't really know yet as a brand) however, I've noticed builds custom middle-wieght gaming computers. Less expensive than the big names, but more expensive but with more options than the average prefabs. I was able to put something together I thought would be good for me for around $2000 with a nVidia GeForce 8600M with 2.5 Ghz core 2 duo processor and 2gb memory upgradeable to 4. With the big names it was closer to $5000, but there you can buy a faster graphic card (which I've been reading in some articles, is necessary for heavy gaming). I'm still a bit confused, and reluctant to sink a lot of money into a laptop, or to pay less and then regret buying something that became obsolete too quickly. But perhaps in your case, with two young sons, that might not be such an issue.
I would suggest that you begin by reading up on video game requirements. You will likely want one that has upgradeable memory (starting at 2gb, 4gb capable), a good solid graphic card, and relatively fast processor. The last article I read said that nVidia GeForce 8600M was the lowest you should be getting if you are a gamer, but that may not apply to your children's games.
Good luck to both of us!
Laptops For Children
by waytron - 5/18/08 5:30 AM In reply to: Laptop recommendation for children by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
It is not my place to preach on the pros and cons or the morals of giving pre-teenage children their own laptops and I am sure there are plenty of parents out there that would be horrified at the thought. I will have to say that I have seen my fair share of abused laptops come in for service that were owned by young children. Putting aside the moral and financial issues revolving around giving computers to children, selecting a laptop computer for anyone of any age can be a difficult task. You can see laptops advertised for as little as $400 (after rebates) to as high as $3000 and more. It is tempting to take the cheap approach, thinking that if they ruin it in a few weeks then you are out only $400 vs. $2000. However, as soon as you mention the word GAMING, it can change the entire scenario depending on the type of game. It would be similar to walking into a car dealer and asking for a car that gets ok mileage, can keep up with traffic on the expressway, is easy to park and primarily used to commute to work… and then adding, I would also like to take it to the track on weekends and race it. The big question is what kind of GAMING. There is one level of gaming like Solitaire, Scrabble and Free Cell which any computer can play and then there are the high end games such as Counter Strike, F.E.A.R and Quake, which can require higher end computers with faster processors, more memory and better video cards. You had mentioned the online game Runescape, which pretty much any computer with a fast internet connection can play. But if your children start getting into the higher end games, the type of computer you choose can make a big difference in what they can do and how fast they can do it. Playing some of these games is one thing but actually competing is another.
Before I get into any specific recommendations, I would like to first give you a really broad overview of how and what affects the price of a laptop. If you start with the basic laptop for about $500 you typically get a 14.1 or 15.4” screen, low end processor (Celeron or equiv), 1 gig of ram, mid to small mechanical hard drive, Windows Vista Basic and a total weight of about 6 lbs. Now don’t jump all over me, because these basic specs change all the time and I am just trying to give you a general idea of how this all works.
Now that you have this basic $500 laptop the price starts to increase as you start changing the size and quality of the screen, the overall weight, battery life and the individual components such as Processor, Memory, Video Processor and hard drive. You generally pay extra for either smaller lighter weight models as well as larger screen models. Here is a rough idea of the additional costs and how they can add up.
$100-500 for a larger screen
$50-$300 Upgrade to Sharper, brighter Screen
$100-$300 for ultra-light weight design
$100-$900 for a faster processor
$50-$400 for more memory
$100-$500 for high-end graphics processor
$50-$200 for larger hard drive
$500-$1000 for Solid State Hard Drive
$100-300 for longer battery life
$50-100 Upgrade to Wireless N
$100-$200 for Internal WWAN card (Verizon, Sprint or AT&T)
$100-$400 Extended Warranty
$100-400 Accidental Damage Policy
$50-$100 Upgrade to Vista Premium or Ultra
$100-$400 Microsoft Office (Word, Excel etc.)
$30-$200 Internet Security Software and Virus Protection
$20-$50 Built-in WebCam
$20-$50 Fancy Color Chassis
GENERAL SPECS
For a good all around machine, I would usually suggest a mid-range Intel Core 2 Duo for the processor, 2 gigabytes of ram, 80-120 gig hard drive. Personally, at this moment, I would probably recommend ordering a machine with Windows XP and hold off on Vista or even go with a MAC. You will need the extra horsepower above to run the full internet security package that you will want to install, especially for children. Children have a unique way of surfing, downloading and file sharing that tends to virus and Spyware infect their computers. Careless typing and misspelling can often lead them to infected websites very quickly.
My personal preferences for decent laptops that have a good mix of performance, durability and reliability are:
IBM (Lenovo) ThinkPad T series
Dell XPS Series
Fujitsu Lifebook V1020
Sony FZ or CR Series Vaio
MacBook – Apple makes excellent laptops that are very durable if you don’t have anything against the MAC platform. This can be a great choice for young children.
I would avoid laptops from Gateway and Acer, again just my personal opinion.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
WWAN - You had mentioned that you travel a lot. Depending on where you travel and if money is no object, I would suggest that you consider purchasing laptops with built-in WWAN ( I prefer Verizon vs. AT&T or Sprint). This option plus $60 per month (per Computer) will give your children continuous Internet without the hassle of searching for and connecting to WiFi hotspots. You can also purchase external WWAN cards or USB adapters, but for children, you really don’t want to be dealing with losing or breaking off separate or external devices.
BATTEY LIFE – Again depending on your exact type of travel and the conditions under which you will be using your laptop, the battery life can be very important if not the most important specification. Some laptops have the option of ordering a longer life battery or even a second battery for extended life. I can be very frustrating to have your battery die half way through a good movie and have no place to plug it in.
SOFTWARE – For the Kids you should be able to get by with Microsoft Office Student/Home (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), which I would not order with your computer but rather purchase from your local computer store or Staples. The retail version sells for about $119-$149 and is licensed for up to 3 home computers. The other option is to download the FREE Open Office package.
SECURITY SOFTWARE – I normally do not recommend the All-In-One Security Suites such as Norton 360 or McAfee because they are so bloated and typically will slow down even the fastest computers, but for children it is very important to have full protection so you will have to sacrifice some performance. An Excellent choice for Full security would be NOD32 or if you prefer going with the Free downloads, you will really want to download a separate Antivirus Software, Antispyware software and firewall.
EXTENDED WARRANTY – I am not a big fan of extended warranties but again for children the rules change. If you end up with a couple of $500 laptops, then paying an extra $200 each for an extended warranty may not make sense, but if you decide to go with $1000 and up laptops Extended Warranties and Accidental damage coverage may make sense. Always double and triple check what is actually covered with any of these warranties. Some do not cover any form of software issues including viruses and Spyware, which tend to be the majority of the problems. Others may or may not cover any physical damage such as a broken screen. Just keep in mind that laptop repairs can be very expensive.
Dana
Wayland Computer
and teachers, too.
by txleahl - 5/24/08 12:52 PM In reply to: Laptops For Children by waytronDana,
Thank you for your incite. I found it very helpful. I am looking a purchasing a personal computer that will go with me to school and back. Just having it in the room with children means I should really listen to some of your advise. Thanks, LL
Choosing a laptop (for children)
by Peter Waugh - 6/21/08 12:09 PM In reply to: Laptops For Children by waytronDear Dana,
As you can see this is going to be helpful to nobody confronted with this task of choosing an appropriate laptop for a child. However, having read your very helpful response to that question and having so little computer knowledge myself - oh, and as well, being over seventy,
I just wanted to say how much I appreciated the information, the way your letter was structured and the very approachable style.
Light spec?
by R. Proffitt - 6/21/08 12:12 PM
In reply to: Choosing a laptop (for children) by Peter Waugh
Look at the OLPC and the EEEPC. (what are those? See google.)
Kids and mobile computing
by Forgewizard - 5/18/08 8:03 AM In reply to: Laptop recommendation for children by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
HI Bob,
You may want to consider something more along the lines of a pocket device rather than a regular laptop.
I'd suggest a Palm platform device these are quite stable, easy to use and VERY durable (within reason). There are many programs and games avalable for them and at least one of them has Wifi for internt connectability. That device also has an exceptionally large screen!
Besides the durability of the devices themselves there are scads of protective cases available for them.
Programs can be downloaded to SD cards, there are bluetooth programs available for device interchanges and personal chats. Programs that kids can create drawings, color in, animate and exchange!
You can't beat them for portability either. Battery life is superb as well as many options for extended battery add ons, not to mention 12v connectors!
You can convert DVDs to an SD card and depending on the size of the SD card, can have several DVDs on one tiny chip!
Ebay may be a great source for used devices too. Devices that people no longer use because they've upgraded.
The Palm devices do NOT have any histories of battery burn ups, blow ups or leakages and won't get hot on the kids laps.
Hope this helps!
Cheers!
Kim
One more thought
by sterghe - 5/18/08 10:24 AM In reply to: Kids and mobile computing by ForgewizardHello,
Just a quick thought ... your kids are old enough to do some of their own research. Take them to TigerDirect (which has some good how-to-choose articles mixed in with its usually low-priced merchandise) and other sites, and tell them to come up with a list of what's important to them in laptops. Encourage them to prioritize and consider prices, making their requests fit your budget. Is there a way they can contribute their own money (if they have any) to the purchase, or at least "earn" the components they want? Talk about it.
Then take a good look at what they chose. It might just make sense! If not, talk to them some more, and let them look some more. Eventually, you'll work out what you want. More importantly, your kids will have learned something about how to do background research for a major purchase. Also, the dialogue and the process of being involved in the decision will give them more "ownership" of the choice itself, leading to fewer headaches and better care of the purchased machines in the future.
Just two more pennies ... happy computing! 
Sterghe
Laptops
by aussiejock - 5/18/08 11:39 AM In reply to: Laptop recommendation for children by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi Bob, I have always thought of buying a Laptop, albeit U wish to purshase for Ur Children but the same thing applys as far as I am concerned, get the best deal for the Money U wish to spent.
Also add the best Childrens Security U can find, keep Ur Kids Protected my Friend.
Aye Yours Jock in Australia
Laptop for youngsters
by brunole - 5/19/08 4:08 AM In reply to: Laptop recommendation for children by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Somehow, parents like to offer a computer to a kid because it will give him/her a boost in life (studies/educational software/social life/opening to the world etc), which is right, because kids without easy access to "their" computer are left behind the others in their own environment.
For the kid, this coveted computer is the gateway to gaming (n°1 for boys), e-communication (chat, mail, n°1 for girls) and media (downloaded music and video).
There is plenty of common ground between the parent's intent and the kid's expectation, provided that this computer has the right features for both.
1/ laptop: mobility is a concern for teenagers, but less for preteens. The main reason why preteens (especially boys) will prefer a desktop is graphics abilities. Better screens, but more important, better graphic boards. The graphic board of a mid-priced laptop may be insufficient to play the kid's latest game, and the cherished laptop might become soon unloved. Buying an external screen will not help.
2/ power: it is important to have a reasonably good processor, but extra RAM may be more important. Games are much greedier than any other software, and educational software tends to be greedier than business applications.
3/ system: while Linux or Apple are great options for grown-ups, Windows - and the latest one, Vista - is the only option for games and educational. Hence the only option for kids. Vista implies 2GB RAM.
4/ communication: the easiest bit. Any laptop will do for an addict chatter, and it may even go to bed with the kid ! This depends only upon your DSL/WiFi access.
Hope you will find a solution that will make your kids happy !
Bruno
Laptops and Kids
by pllam - 5/19/08 4:47 AM In reply to: Laptop recommendation for children by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Why on earth are you giving your kids laptops!? I speak to hundreds of parents and more than a thousand parents every year about keeping kids safe on line. It is the avoidable issues that get me the most. We tell parents to place the children’s computer in a public place in the house. Kids with laptops, and I would bet, WiFi cards, can now be anywhere and be online. Yes, kids also have cell phones with Internet Access, but that is another topic.
Unless your kids have a real need to have a laptop, buy desktops. Put them in the living room or the family room, someplace where there is traffic. Get involved with what your kids are doing online, have them write usernames and passwords down and put them into an envelope. When you (if you) taught your kids to swim you did not say "I'm going to the store, there's the pool, have at it." The Internet can be a dangerous place, don't send your kids out without teaching them right from wrong.
By giving kids laptops they can use in private places like their bed rooms I think you are asking for trouble. Your kids may be good kids but there is a lot of peer pressure here and lots of new toys to try out. Your kids are also getting to that age where they will be exploring their sexuality soon, a few mistakes now could haunt them for a long time to come.
I would recommend Dell Factory Outlet Store
by kcbowler - 5/19/08 10:06 AM In reply to: Laptop recommendation for children by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Bob, I don't know if you are considering buying refurbished. I too have a 11 year old son, although he's not up to the point that he would require to carry a laptop to school, he often needs to do online research for his homeworks. A few months ago I purchased a refurbished desktop for him with very good specs for under $300 from the Dell Outlet. At the same time I was also checking their refurbished Inspiron laptops, some of them with very nice specs are around $500 with shipping and tax included. I have 3 computers from Dell for the past 10 years, the last 2 were refurbished, and I have good experience with them (p.s. I don't work for Dell).
Laptop recommendation
by gulmer - 5/19/08 3:25 PM In reply to: Laptop recommendation for children by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I would recommend the Asus Eee PC laptops for your sons.
They come in many sizes, colors,configurations and prices that should match your sons needs.You could get different colors so they could tell them apart with no "he's got mine" arguments. From what I've heard they are quite durable and can take the rough handling from kids. Check them out.
Asus Laptop
by nazirp - 5/23/08 8:26 PM In reply to: Laptop recommendation by gulmerI am an adult who asked his son for advice on purchasing a portable laptop and he suggested Asus.
However he also told me that for a $100 more I can get a regular laptop with more features and memory.
The top model Asus sells for $365 to $400 plus.
When I last checked tigerdirect canada.
Young-Kid-Computer-Spectacular-And-All-That-Stuff
by luckx - 5/23/08 9:06 PM In reply to: Asus Laptop by nazirpAs someone who's grown up in the age of computers and had a laptop since I was about five [although, I didn't have internet until I was around 13,] I definitely have a few things to put in here-
The computer needs to have excellent battery life, in my experience, this doesn't come very easy- and the worst I've personally found have been in HP's. However- these HP's in question were in fact from the age of Windows ME, and were used in the beginning stages of Vista. But, battery life of probably at minimum, 2 hours, is quite necessary, and common now, thankfully.
The thing that leads me into next is that you might want to consider something that isn't necessarily brand new and the best of the best- you can look into used and refurbished computers, with my early computers up until my current one, they were hand-me-downs from my father's business. Although they may not be the best thing in the world, kids will be kids and we will accidently hurt things.
If you don't like the idea of getting something that might already have been used and abused, then I'd suggest getting a VERY strong warranty. And shopping around for that might be a high priority.
Now I know that you trust your kids enough to let them get laptops, but another concern is always safety nowadays. You could always look into a software that blocks questionable sites and monitors major issues. This, of course, will sound like a breech of personal security to them as they get older- but sometimes talking to them about these things isn't quite enough. And just give them the straight facts when telling them why you don't want them to go to these sites and what the consequences are. Trust me, my parents setting down ground rules for me was very helpful.
The final thing I need to touch on is antivirus. Viruses are more common than reality tv shows, and a good, stable virus protection will save your laptops from any internal problem. Of course, saying "I want a good stable antivirus" is more easily said than purchased [or downloaded as free-ware] and truly is hard to tell what's the best these days. You'd have to research that A LOT. Personally, I use Norton, but I'm not actually sure if that's sufficient anymore/ anywhere close to effective. And after your antivirus expires if you purchased it -renew it. It's worth not having to replace a completely un-fixable computer with a massive virus on it.
I suppose my last remark is- stay away from Vista, if possible. I don't know if that is possible, however, it's done nothing but cause problems for me and my family.
Bonne Chance!
[luck]
| Forum legend: | |
 |
Locked thread |
 |
Moderator |
 |
CNET staff |
 |
Samsung staff |
 |
Norton Authorized Support team |
 |
AVG staff |
 |
Windows Outreach team |
 |
Dell staff |
 |
Intel staff |
