netbook or laptop - which is best?

[MNT568]

Which is best for a 12yo for Christmas?

Just got an email and am looking at these pcs - any opinions?

Compaq netbook CQ10-525DX (250GB)
Compaq netbook CQ10-405DX (160GB)
Toshiba Satellite Laptop

Which would be best? I am totally clueless!

 

[WDWisTheBest]

Which is best for a 12yo for Christmas?

Just got an email and am looking at these pcs - any opinions?

Compaq netbook CQ10-525DX (250GB)
Compaq netbook CQ10-405DX (160GB)
Toshiba Satellite Laptop

Which would be best? I am totally clueless!

I would suggest looking seriously at the Toshiba laptop. Is price a consideration? CNET.com has some good comparisons of laptop vs netbook, but there are many other websites to review.

 

[Darcy03231]

I'd go with the laptop. The netbooks don't have an internal CD/DVD drive which for me is the dealbreaker.

 

[jeepgirl30]

I'd go with the laptop. The netbooks don't have an internal CD/DVD drive which for me is the dealbreaker.

I think this is opens up a good discussion. How important is the cd/dvd drive? I very rarely use mine, everything is USB drives or downloads. I can watch movies online.

I'm considering getting the Compaq mentioned in the OP on Black Friday for my 10 yr old. At 149 it is cheaper than her DSI was! I am debating over the need for the dvd drive. For the price though I can replace this with a laptop in a few years as she grows into it. She has said she needs a laptop for homework next year.

 

[MNT568]

The netbooks are going for $149 and $199. The toshiba is $349. Basically my DS will be using it for facebook and on-line games. I was leaning toward the netbook because of the price. He is in 7th grade, so I figure he will need a laptop once he hits high school in a few years. We have a desktop at home with DSL, do I would just need to get a wireless router, right?

 

[CarolAnnB]

The netbooks are going for $149 and $199. The toshiba is $349. Basically my DS will be using it for facebook and on-line games. I was leaning toward the netbook because of the price. He is in 7th grade, so I figure he will need a laptop once he hits high school in a few years. We have a desktop at home with DSL, do I would just need to get a wireless router, right?

We gave DD16 a netbook last year for Xmas, she loves it. Uses it to Facebook and skype and for homework. Hers came with Word, not with Microsoft office, but she can convert it so she can print her assignments off our desktop. She loves it. It is small and lightweight in her bag as well. Yes, you just need a wireless router. I would go with the netbook, it will last him for a couple years, after that, he would probably need something new anyway.

 

[disney-super-mom]

I'd go with the laptop. The DVD drive is important. We use ours all the time. The kids can play computer DVD games, and wherever we go, they can take some of their favorite DVDs and watch them on the trip. And of course they can also use it for Facebook, email, homework, Hulu, etc.

 

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

My dd, 10, bought a netbook with her own money a couple years ago. Now, she is wishing she had held out and gotten a laptop. She loves playing online games, but you can't play all of them on a netbook. Webkinz is an example, although I know there are several that just aren't the same speed on a netbook. She got very frustrated with it, and never uses it anymore.

I would go with a laptop.

 

[dixonismydog]

I had a netbook and HATED it!!!!! It was soooo small! It actually ended up getting stolen, and I was so (secretly) glad!! Then I bought a laptop!

Facebook would be fine, but for gaming hold out for the laptop! Even a cheaper laptop would be fine, IMO. I think netbooks are great for travel....but that's about it.

 

[MNT568]

Thanks everyone!

I had gotten an email this morning from Best Buy, that I could get some Black Friday deals on-line today at noon.

I just ordered the the Compaq netbook CQ10-525dx. The original price was $330. On sale for $199 with free shipping. Then I had a $5 rewards coupon and $25 gift card (from mycokerewards). the final price was $182.18.

He will mainly use it for facebook and youtube. The games he plays on-line are mostly from facebook.

I hope I did OK.

 

[maggiew]

I'd go with the laptop. The DVD drive is important. We use ours all the time. The kids can play computer DVD games, and wherever we go, they can take some of their favorite DVDs and watch them on the trip. And of course they can also use it for Facebook, email, homework, Hulu, etc.

You can easily convert the DVDs you own to digital files and then you wouldn't need the DVDs. There are free programs out there. I have converted many of my DVDs and loaded them on my iTouch. Now I don't have to carry a big case of DVDs with me on vacation!

Maggie