Kids computer

[Michele]

My crew needs access to a computer for school work. I really don't want to put my iMac out in the playroom for general use. I haven't bought a computer in over 15 years. I have no idea what I should red or what I shouldn't. For you experienced parents, is a laptop ok or should I get a desktop? I don't want to go with apple for financial reasons, but if the headache of viruses with kids and the Internet is bad enough to make the premium worth it.....

I'm also a bit terrified of giving my kids Internet access! They have Kindles and DSes at their dad's house. So I probably should start the safety talks now.

[SoonerTexan]

You said your iMac is on its way out right? What about giving it to them and upgrading for yourself?

I'd definitely go with desktop vs laptop for kids


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[Pollyanna]

You said your iMac is on its way out right? What about giving it to them and upgrading for yourself?

I'd definitely go with desktop vs laptop for kids


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This. I would stick with Apple.

[spotty_dog]

We have an Apple laptop that's on its way out. We bought it used on Ebay about 3 years ago. We keep it parked in the living room. DH uses it if he needs a computer for a work meeting, or if we're just slothing in the living room, but it's also available for the kids to watch Minecraft videos on Youtube and for the occasional school project on Google Drive. The casing is cracking but otherwise it's just fine for them. (Can I insert an anti-homework rant here? I detest the requests to go on IXL math or RazKid reading at home! I don't feel like the screen time is worth it, especially when they've been on iPad all day at school! And a good chunk of kids don't have internet at home anyway. I ignore those requests half the time. My kids do LOVE Raz though.)

Only DS has ever been given permission to browse freely on the internet and he's a total rule-follower who will close a page in an instant if he feels it might be "kid-inappropriate". (Yet, somehow DD proudly informs us that "she's not the only person with her same first, middle, and last names, because she put it in the search and a lot showed up." Derp. Time for the kid-friendly Google preferences I guess.) We're not really going to be in a position for them to have their own desktop computer for a while (though it's a little tempting to get something they can play Minecraft on that isn't DH's "work" desktop upstairs.)

I don't remember where I heard the reference to commonsensemedia.com but it's a pretty good resource I think for kid-appropriateness and internet safety.

[Michele]

I rarely use my iMac, and I'm definitely not in a financial position to upgrade it. I might let them use it if Apple is the better bet instead of buying a windows based PC. I'll look into commonsensemedia. Thanks!

The RAZkids and the like have been fine on my mom's iPad or her Nook. But this most recent spellingcity thing needs flash and none of our mobile devices can run it. D often has to research stuff and usually I just do it on my phone when I get home, but I'm working a bit more now and he's having more work that requires it. Spellingcity has an app but you have to pay for it.

[SoonerTexan]

Would buying an iPad work for your needs?


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[SuzySunshine]

I know nothing about parental software on a PC but I can clamp down my kids imac VERY hard - they only have access to what I say they have, they have very limited time, everything is password protected. Its very secure IMO.

[Michele]

The iPad can't access some of the sites, mostly because of flash.

Y'all have convinced me to try them out with limited access to my iMac. That and I can't find a new PC (with monitor) for less than $450. I hope everything is backed up to the time capsule. I have visions of cracked screens and permanent damage. And since my divorce I've realized how technologically UNsavvy I am.

[SoonerTexan]

http://www.apple.com/mac-mini/

It's still $499, but if you could find a screen cheap somewhere (even secondhand--it doesn't have to be great for the kids) a mac mini would be a great option.

As for the iPad, I was thinking more of it being for you when the kids are using the iMac--then you can have portability, but they don't. But if it is between an iPad and a Mac Mini, I'd go with the latter

[peggyfromwastate]

I decided to have a combination of PC and apple so they can learn both. The kids mostly use PCs (HP laptop- and I just got a new ASUS one at Costco for around $500 bc we need to do homework at the same time for 3 kids). They can go on my MacBook but I haven't decided if I'll let them touch my new iMac.

Ds11 gets a chrome book through his school. Personally I like chrome books but they are kind of a waste if you want to invest the $ into a purchase-- as a school issued rental they are perfect though.

The other kids need to use programs that run better on a PC vs a Mac. In my experience, google drive works better on a PC and it's a big RAM hog and so is the Mac iOS. I find problems running chrome on my MacBook that I don't have on my HP, and the MacBook has a "better" chip (i7 vs i5).

My advise would be to find a relatively inexpensive PC laptop that has a 1 TB hard drive and at least 8 GB RAM. I'm also biased towards Intel chips vs AMD or whatever the cheaper one is. An Intel i5 should be enough.

I don't like MacBooks (mine and my mothers are failing after light and careful use). I really hate the recent "upgrade" to photos which slowed the whole computer down and screwed up my entire filing system.

If you get a desktop I'd go with an all in one PC. Less cords to mess with. Doesn't sound like you are worried about trading out components and motherboards etc, so you probably don't need a tower.

Whatever you get the kids will probably need to be familiar with chrome, because google docs is the norm for sharing assignments (at least here and in CA it was). And with a Mac they will run into programs that they "need" for school but can't download. Mac just makes it a bit harder imho to run Adobe flash files, etc.

I'm butchering all tech terms here. Completely. I'm not tech savvy and I hate computers, but they are kind of like pens and pencils. Parents are expected to provide these things, with a working internet connection.

Also buy at Costco bc of the return warranty. I've had to return a couple of laptops (an HP envy and a Dell) and Costco has been great to work with.

[Michele]

Thank you Peggy! I was talking with my mom last night and she was pushing me to buy the kids a computer. I didn't even think of checking Costco. I have to work all weekend (guess where the extra income is going! ) so it probably won't be until next week that I am able to actually shop.

The mac mini looks cool! And if I ever decide to replace my computer, I may look into it! However by then, phones will probably have full functionality!

[spotty_dog]

Our main desktop computer has been a Mac mini with a Walmart television as a monitor for the past ~5 years!

[Thirteen]

I'd go Costco for a cheap PC, and a Mac Mini for something that has longevity/stays put.

(Great minds, [MENTION=820]peggyfromwastate[/MENTION]!)


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