Laptops for kids

[jensen]

Our family desktop computer just went on the fritz. It was about 6 years old, so we probably won't get it fixed. Instead we are thinking about buying a couple of laptop computers.

I have a work-issued laptop that I always use, so the desktop was really only used by the kids for playing games, anyway. We figure that buying them a couple of cheap laptops will be a better deal than investing in another desktop.

So, I'm wondering if you have any suggestions for where to pick up a couple of cheaper laptops for kids? Something that they can use to play games on the Internet and maybe watch movies... maybe do some homework. Whatever kids use computers for these days.

Thanks!

 

[HM]

Depending on the type of games your kids play, you might have to upgrade from cheap for better graphics and more memory.

My son needed a better laptop so we spent a lot on his. My DD didn't need as much so we got her a Samsung around $600 a few weeks ago to replace her Acer that died after 3 1/2 years.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I purchased a laptop from the Dell Outlet about 5 years ago. When our desktop finally got so out of date that nothing would work on it (last year), I spent about $20 upgrading the RAM in my old laptop and passed it along to DD. Then I bought a new laptop from the Dell Outlet.

This time, I spent a little extra and got a faster processor and more RAM, but I hope this laptop will remain adequate for several more years. I've been really happy with both laptops. Both were refurbs and both were about $200-$300 less than I would have spent if they weren't refurbs. I did have the LCD screen on my newest one start to give me problems about 9 months after I bought it. I contacted Dell and they had me ship it back (at their expense). They fixed it and I had it back and my possession 6 days after I shipped it to them. Very happy with that.

 

[*3*Mouseketeers]

Walmart has Acer laptops in their Valentines sale paper. They are 11.6" monitor size (bigger than netbook, but smaller than normal laptop) with 250 gb Hard drive. They are $278. I was thinking about getting one for DD8.

 

[jensen]

I'd rather the kids didn't play video games, so buying a higher end system with better graphics, etc. is nowhere on my radar. I'm really looking for something cheap, but functional.

Thanks for the suggestions thus far. I'll look into Dell refurbs and the Walmart Acer.

 

[BellePrincessBelle]

Walmart has Acer laptops in their Valentines sale paper. They are 11.6" monitor size (bigger than netbook, but smaller than normal laptop) with 250 gb Hard drive. They are $278. I was thinking about getting one for DD8.

Those do not have an optical drive(cd/dvd). I have an Acer laptop that I got for $299 @ Best Buy. It's a true laptop 15 in screen dvd drive.

 

[seashoreCM]

Enough screen resolution is a must, otherwise he will be stumbling all overhimself getting from one app to another, for example typing a report at the same time a Google search result is showing.

1024 x 768 is the bare minimum for which I actually give a grade of C to.

On an actual job (a temp job) in an earlier lifetime I was given some ancient computer to work on that had pitifully poor resolution. Everyone else had better computers. I immediately told my supervisor that I would be unable to work well and planned to telecommute on some days so I could use my much better home computer. A few months later they were able to get me a better computer.

 

[SplashMo]

These are fairly low priced and can take a knock or two...

http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/lenovo-thinkpad-t420/29327.aspx
http://www.logicbuy.com/deals/lenovo-thinkpad-t520/29328.aspx

 

[momto2inKC]

We love the Toshiba brand laptops. My daughter is on her 2nd one and we've never had any issues with them. She is able to play all her games online. We paid right under $300 for it at Best Buy a few months back.

 

[RunDanceSkate]

Those do not have an optical drive(cd/dvd). I have an Acer laptop that I got for $299 @ Best Buy. It's a true laptop 15 in screen dvd drive.

We have 3 of these, they were purchased because we wanted inexpensive computer that could go back and forth to school and on trips. They have turned into our favourite computers. We have one external drive that we share, although it is rarely used.

DD15 takes hers back and forth to school 5 days a week, she uses it for her photography class and has thousands of images on it. She also uses it a few evenings a week, when she has a 2 hr wait at dance school, as well as general homework, facebook and surfing. She has not touched her regular sized laptop in months except to back up photos. I think we will get her an external backup instead.

DS18 travels alot and finds it great to pull out in airports. much easier than a larger laptop. He unexpectedly found himself in Minn-St Paul yesterday for 3 hrs. He was able to quickly and easily communicate with me, and get some school work done. All while standing in line trying to ensure a seat on another aircraft. The computer easily sits on one hand while you stand there. he has taken it to Winnipeg, Regina, Anaheim, Orlando, Vancouver, Detroit and school (when he acutually attends LOL.) It still looks new. He does plan to add memory.

I use mine at home and for school. It does everything that I want it to do and is lightweight.

All 3 of us have laptops and desktops, but prefer these little acers.

DH has a slightly older but similar HP that he has been using for 3 years.