Computer for kids (10+)

[TLmac]

Just want some advice about what to look for to get for kids who need a computer for some homework. I am not interested in any type of Windows computer but I don't feel they are ready to take care of an Apple laptop. It would be a family computer that all would use so this isn't for a kid solely. We currently have an 8 yr old Toshiba that has been great but it's become very slow!

Is a Chromebook the next best computer to an Apple?

 

[tbayrgs]

Depends on their needs. Assuming they don't have to have access to very specific software (i.e. must use MS Office), a Chromebook is probably ideal. I have one for my 2 youngest to use (7 and 10 yrs old), and as all of their current uses are web based (their school uses Google Drive/Docs) it's a great solution. Do your research though as many models are very cheap and sadly, you often get what you pay for--some have terrible build materials/quality.

 

[TLmac]

I know my older son uses Google at school (9th grade). So I know as my twins get older, they will use Google at school as well.
That's kind of what happened to me when I upgraded 2 yrs ago from the 8yr old Toshiba I'm referring to above (I replaced it with an HP that is AWFUL, Black Friday HP computer....Oddly, My oldest uses that one now since I got my mac back in April and he's been ok with it).

Thank you for your input!

 

[andy2141]

Just want some advice about what to look for to get for kids who need a computer for some homework. I am not interested in any type of Windows computer but I don't feel they are ready to take care of an Apple laptop. It would be a family computer that all would use so this isn't for a kid solely. We currently have an 8 yr old Toshiba that has been great but it's become very slow!

Is a Chromebook the next best computer to an Apple?

No Windows based laptop and not ready for a MacBook. That doesn't leave a whole lot of options

I just purchased two HP Streams for my 9 and 11 year old. For £200 and what they are they're pretty good.

 

[MRU]

No Windows based laptop and not ready for a MacBook. That doesn't leave a whole lot of options

I just purchased two HP Streams for my 9 and 11 year old. For £200 and what they are they're pretty good.

Was actually thinking HP stream myself. Yes it's Windows but it's a nice inexpensive and snappy little computer with decent battery and more software support than any chromebook. If your child has homework or specific software your likely better served with it than a chromebook.

 

[andy2141]

Was actually thinking HP stream myself. Yes it's Windows but it's a nice inexpensive and snappy little computer with decent battery and more software support than any chromebook. If your child has homework or specific software your likely better served with it than a chromebook.

Plus a year of Office 365. They love them. One blue, one pink.

Great little Minecraft machines. Oh and they do homework as well!

 

[TLmac]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/toshiba...70473818&skuId=8790147#tabbed-customerreviews

maybe this

 

[andy2141]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/toshiba...70473818&skuId=8790147#tabbed-customerreviews

maybe this

Looks like your already sold on the Chromebook idea. Personally I wouldn't as it limits options too much, but if that's what works for you..

Just remember... You don't need a ChromeBook to "use Google"

 

[TLmac]

Looks like your already sold on the Chromebook idea. Personally I wouldn't as it limits options too much, but if that's what works for you..

Just remember... You don't need a ChromeBook to "use Google"

Not sold, just looking.

Limits how? Just curious what you think limits it.

And I know any computer can use Google.

 

[gotluck]

limiting just in the sense that it cant run x86 stuff, which many people really dont need

I've been meaning to get around to trying a chromebook, havent yet.

Heard plenty of good things about those HP Streams too though - especially if you do a little debloating. Chromebook would be more hands off, less potential 'issues' with the OS, junk programs autostarting, stuff like that.

 

[nickchallis92]

Honestly I'd buy a cheap £299 laptop and throw an SSD in it.

 

[jamezr]

Not sold, just looking.

Limits how? Just curious what you think limits it.

And I know any computer can use Google.

It really depends on what you are going to use it for. If it is just basic web browsing to do research for school work then a chrome book would probably do just fine. But they do have very small hard drives to keep them in the cost range they have. If you need local storage then a chrome book might not be a good fit. So it comes down to wants and needs.

 

[MacAndMic]

Hardware wise really comes down to your budget but I would recommend a machine that has or can run the same OS that your children use in class.

My 13 year old uses Google as well but they also run MS Office and Solidworks. His complaint with our Mac Air was that the programs are not the same from OS to OS in look and feel and it disrupts the end goal, the actual lesson at hand.

 

[viskon]

I got this for my middle schooler after he first dropped his original 15.6" laptop, cracking the casing ( it being unwieldy to carry around) and then misplaced its charger at school. This new laptop cost me $99 on Black Friday last year. It's light to carry around, gets 10 hours of battery life, so he does not need to carry his charger to school. Highly recommended.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-11...flash-storage-blue/3953761.p?id=1219610986272

 

[lowendlinux]

My daughter started on a 12" G4 PowerBook, then onto an E6500 with Linux Mint, for Chirstmas last year I built her an ITX desktop.

 

[maflynn]

My kids use my Surface Pro and MBP without any problems. I don't let them out of the house with them but in the house they're fine.

 

[jamezr]

My 7 year old uses my iPad and rMBP daily without issue. But he is supervised just about all the time. We take the iPad just about everywhere we go.

 

[Fernandez21]

I don't know if this is an option, but for my son i got a desktop computer that's set up in the family room, this way he has access to everything he needs, but it's in a family public space where we can easily see what he's doing. I'll get him a laptop when he's older.

 

[ucfgrad93]

I don't know if this is an option, but for my son i got a desktop computer that's set up in the family room, this way he has access to everything he needs, but it's in a family public space where we can easily see what he's doing. I'll get him a laptop when he's older.

Agreed. An inexpensive desktop in an open space is the way to go.

 

[M5RahuL]

I don't know if this is an option, but for my son i got a desktop computer that's set up in the family room, this way he has access to everything he needs, but it's in a family public space where we can easily see what he's doing. I'll get him a laptop when he's older.

I like this ...

 

[Renzatic]

An inexpensive, easily movable not-Windows desktop machine you say?

CHROMEBOX!

It's not fancy at all, but it'll do the job.

 

[spinedoc77]

I opted not to dumb my daughter down with iOS or Android, she uses my Vivotab note 8, she's only 3 1/2 though and mostly just watches youtube and plays educational games. I already have her producing and uploading her own instructional videos on youtube, she likes making playdoh stuff.

She does have an ipad sitting around, and she has been asking for an ipad mini. I'll probably get her an ipad mini when traveling because of the battery life, and set her up with my wifes retired MacBook Air for when she's home.

 

[j26]

This looks like a decent option - tablet and laptop in one. My daughter is quite taken with it and wants one.
http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc...d-netbooks/hp-pavilion-x2-2015-1297257/review