OT - Google Chromebook for DS10?

[wrighter]

We'd like to get DS10 a "laptop" device of some kind for Christmas. We have an ipad, the kids have ipods, but in general we try to stay fairly low tech at our house - we're sort of old fashioned that way. Human interaction, and all that nonsense. But we think the time is right to enter the next phase.

DS10 is in 5th grade, and his school just began distributing Chromebooks to the students. This year it is just the 8th graders, next year it will be 7th and 8th grade, the following year 6th, 7th, and 8th. Etc. We had planned on getting DS a regular ol' "old school" laptop - but are wondering if we should go the Chromebook route instead. (No MacPro or MacAir for us. We don't need all those bells and whistles - or the price tag!)

We chatted for quite some time at Best Buy with a Google rep and a Best Buy employee, but haven't pulled the trigger yet. Does anyone have any input they think might be helpful as we make this decision? All input welcome!

Thanks, guys!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Personally, I'd go with a regular laptop; much more versatile. There are a number of threads on the boards discussing this; try a search to get more information.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

DD8 wants one because she uses it at school. Ultimately, we decided its not enough of an upgrade over her Kindle Fire to be worth it.

 

[lyncecelia]

It depends what your son is going to do with said device. Chrome books are awesome (we have a couple), however, unless he is going to use a Google Drive, there is no way to install any word processing program on there. As he is getting older in school, having the ability to type documents as well as other programs in the Microsoft Suite (ie Powerpoint etc.) might be useful.

If you have a family computer that he can use to do these things, the Chromebook should be fine. But if you want him to have his own place to do these things or install any other games or programs on, I'd recommend a normal laptop. It all depends.

Also, even though we are tech junkies in our home, I COMPLETELY understand not getting your son a Mac. Those computers are very expensive, and the price tag is only "worth it" if you are doing something specific to it. A 10 year old boy will not be. Plus, kids tend to be very rough on their possessions, so I would never want to drop that much on a child's computer either!

Also, keep in mind, having knowledge of PCs is very useful.

I wish you luck in you decision .