Computer for the kids- Suggestions?

08/26/2006 08:15:47 PM · #1

We are starting to consider getting the boys a computer. Nothing fancy....just the basics for playing their educational games and learning how to use the internet and email. IMO, it is very important for them to become computer savvy in this day and age.

It looks like we can get a basic desktop for around $400 and a basic laptop for $500. Which would you recommend? Keep in mind, my kids are very young, 3 and 4yrs old.

It makes me SUPER nervous when they play with my computer, considering I use it 99% of the time for my photography related stuff.

Thoughts?

klstover

Panasonic DMC-FZ8

08/26/2006 08:18:17 PM · #2

Originally posted by JRalston:

Keep in mind, my kids are very young, 3 and 4yrs old.

A desktop would be more physically sturdy. ;-)

Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX Aspherical DG DF for Minolta

08/26/2006 08:29:20 PM · #3

Originally posted by klstover:

Originally posted by JRalston:
Keep in mind, my kids are very young, 3 and 4yrs old.

A desktop would be more physically sturdy. ;-)

That is my argument for a desktop as well. Then I think that it would be a lot easier to pick up the laptop and put it in a closet to keep them away from it when not in use! I keep going back and forth. Heck, it isn't even a for sure thing we are going to get them one yet!

I want them to learn to use the computer....but I just don't want them to learn on mine..LOL!!! Is that messed up?

MrEd

Sony DSLR-A100

08/26/2006 08:30:53 PM · #4

Check out Circiut City and Best Buy. Their both having 'back to school' sales.

Jaded_Housewife

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

08/26/2006 08:41:37 PM · #5

my kids (5 and 3 now) started with a laptop and they broke it fairly quickly. within a year. since then theyve had a cheap emachine desktop computer thats held up well. and they are pretty rough on it weve had to change mouses a few times and the keyboards kinda limping along but the computer itself is going strong. my son the three year old is soooo great with the computer. hes a bit obsessed with it though but he can download his own games from nick jr. and install them and play them and use the desktop shortcuts and everything. it's amazing. I'm definately an advocate for early computer use. good luck in whatever choice you make.

Crystal

fotomann_forever

08/26/2006 08:49:41 PM · #6

The nice thing about desktops over laptops for kids is that if something gets spilled into the keyboard a laptop is fried.

With a desktop, you cn replace the keyboard, if a simple drying doesn't fix it.

Jaded_Housewife

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

08/26/2006 08:55:10 PM · #7

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

I'll second that. thats exactly why my kids keyboard is messed up right now.

Canon EF 300mm f/4.0L IS USM

08/26/2006 08:57:36 PM · #8

I think you guys have made a really good argument for a desktop. Being able to replace the keyboard is a big positive for a desktop. I didn't even think of things getting spilled!

Crystal- It is reasurring hearing your kids have done so well with the computer. I started using a computer when I was very young, too. I am *almost* 28yrs old and my first computer was a Commodore 64...LOL

I didn't even think to check back to school specials. Great idea. We were thinking of maybe waiting and making it an xmas gift...but a good deal would be hard to pass up.

Jenn

lynnmarie

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

08/26/2006 09:00:36 PM · #9

My 2 oldest are 18 and 15. They have had access to computers in our home since they were in 5th and 2nd grade. Teaching kids to learn computers at an early age is fine - just be sure to exercise control in the amount of time spent on them from an early age. Just like tv, it can become a babysitter!

Our high school is in it's third year loaning all students laptops (iBooks) for use throughout the school year. It is wonderful for the kids to be able to access information for their classes, but there is definitely the potential for misuse (I know - I teach there), but we'll never go back. I think that it just caught a lot of parents offguard because they were not prepared for having to establish "computer use" rules at home.

IMO: a desktop is less likely to get damaged, and you can keep it in one room where you can see what your children are doing. Platform does not really matter - but the high school kids really like Macs bc of iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, etc.

By the way, I also have a 3 (almost 4) year old and I am in no hurry for him to get on a computer at all!

Message edited by author 2006-08-26 21:12:59.

ShaneBlake

Nikon D7100

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Nikon

08/26/2006 09:08:41 PM · #10

Originally posted by JRalston:

I want them to learn to use the computer....but I just don't want them to learn on mine..LOL!!! Is that messed up?

nope. not messed up at all... my mom just got a new computer and is shipping her old one to us for our son (3yrs old in dec) he's starting to play the games and we've even gotten him his own small mouse (mine's too big for his hands)

i would also suggest a desktop. it's not going to break as easily, and not only can keyboards be replaced, but they even make kid friendly keyboards... spongebob rules! (though this one might be a better bet)

08/26/2006 09:19:16 PM · #11

Originally posted by kudzu:

i would also suggest a desktop. it's not going to break as easily, and not only can keyboards be replaced, but they even make kid friendly keyboards... spongebob rules! (though this one might be a better bet)

They would FREAK over that Spongebob keyboard. It is so cute and they LOVE SB. I didn't even know they made kid friendly keyboards...LOL

08/26/2006 09:24:40 PM · #12

Originally posted by lzimmerman:

That is the main reason I was leaning toward the laptop. It's easier to hide! After everyone's suggestions, however, I think a desktop is the way to go because of their age.

Originally posted by lzimmerman:

IMO: a desktop is less likely to get damaged, and you can keep it in one room where you can see what your children are doing. Platform does not really matter - but the high school kids really like Macs bc of iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, etc.

Did you know that I never used a Mac until about a month ago because the newspaper I started freelancing for uses them? LOL

Originally posted by lzimmerman:

By the way, I also have a 3 (almost 4) year old and I am in no hurry for him to get on a computer at all!

My boys both show a lot of interest in the computer, as I spend a lot of time editing pictures (and talking on DPC) LOL I just want them to learn early as well. :)

margiemu

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

08/26/2006 09:30:15 PM · #13

definately go with a desktop. We always cycle our computers down... so when I need a new one, the old one goes to the older kids, what the older kids were using goes down to the middle age kids, and theirs goes to the little kids... so my little kids have rather old and clunky machines, that I don't freak out over when they just hit the off button to shut off instead of shutting down properly.
Kids knowing how to use the computer is both a blessing and a curse. I am constantly waging the 'screen time' battle - whether it's TV, X-box or computers... (especially on those days that I get sucked into the dpc forums Ã�)

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

08/26/2006 09:33:48 PM · #14

Is 256mb of Ram enough for them, or should I get 512 for @$50 more?

Kelli

Canon EOS-D60

08/26/2006 09:45:36 PM · #15

Get the 512 - alot of those kid games are memory intensive, believe it or not. My son uses the desktop at home and a laptop in school. They start with the laptops right in kindergarten here. The only thing is, I left my computer signed into ebay the other day and he went and hit a "buy it now" auction! LOL. The people were very understanding and just canceled it. I won't do that anymore.