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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to contemplate getting DS1 (aged 7) his own laptop?

35 replies

brexitschmexit · 10/12/2016 15:52

What are people's thoughts on a 7 year old having their own laptop? He would absolutely love one, as he often spends ages using my knackered old one to write his own PowerPoint presentations about Christmas, to write poetry or to make registers for playing schools etc. Mine is so worn out it won't even connect to the Internet, so I can never send stuff he creates to DH to print off which is a pain (I could of course just try and fix our printer at home....) It is also ridiculously slow to do anything and the memory is full.

Also DS often has homework on mathletics and the like. He can't access it on my iPad, and my laptop doesn't work, so he has to wait to use DH's laptop at the weekend, which can be inconvenient. I've been thinking I must get a new laptop, but I rarely use it, whereas I know DS1 would use one loads (and generally for educational stuff rather than games, although that could be something he gets into later) so I started to think why not get DS1 his own and I can just use it for the occasional time I need it.

I would only be looking to spend around the £200 mark as I suspect this would get the sort of thing he needs. He did suggest a laptop for his Christmas list (with little idea how much they cost and that this would be an exceptional present!) but has very few other requests.

One other thing he asked for was a digigo, the vtech thing that can send messages and has a camera etc, basically a kids phone. I'd rather not get him something like that though (he already has a cheap digital camera and has no need to send texts!), plus the reviews aren't great. I feel like I could end up getting him a few smaller £20 ish presents that I know he'd like but aren't that amazing, or just treat him to the laptop this year on the basis of how useful it would be over the next few years (with a couple of small fun £5-10 presents at the side). I know he'd be amazed to open it on Christmas morning too as he wouldn't expect it (I've told him they are very expensive!)

Would you do it and if so (or if you have DC with a laptop), do you have any recommendations please as I'm fairly clueless!

OP posts:
Areyoufree · 10/12/2016 15:57

I see nothing wrong with it. I'm a computer scientist and wasn't much older than your son when I started coding. He's already shown he can respect a laptop, so why not? Obviously lots of internet restrictions and supervision, but it sounds like he is pretty computer savvy, which can only be a good thing!

Original poster
brexitschmexit · 10/12/2016 16:01

Thanks Areyoufree, I did wonder if he might quite like coding actually. I do feel I'd rather get him a laptop than a tablet or digigo as he would be using it for homework and educational purposes primarily, but with the option of games etc as well. I think he'd get as much enjoyment from PowerPoint and excel as from the average computer game though to be honest!

OP posts:
Original poster
brexitschmexit · 10/12/2016 16:02

You don't happen to know any good budget laptops that would be ideal for kids/students do you?

OP posts:
Twinchaos1 · 10/12/2016 16:03

My pair got laptops at that price last year when they were 7 for the same reasons you outlined. My only comment is that I find the laptops a bit rubbish and wished I had spent a bit more.

Original poster
brexitschmexit · 10/12/2016 16:07

That's interesting Twinchaos1.....what did you go for? I did wonder about the risk of making a false economy (driven at least partly by worry that I am being extravagant to buy a 7yr old a laptop!) Would rather get something he can keep for a good while and that will serve him well, whilst not going over the top.....

OP posts:
Areyoufree · 10/12/2016 16:07

It's funny isn't it - most people probably wouldn't think twice about getting a child a games console, but a laptop feels different somehow! Am afraid I am not so up on recent laptops - been using Macs for the last few years, and they would be a bit extravagant for a child! I would just see what deals are on at your local Curry's etc. You can often get pretty good deals on refurbished laptops too.

neonrainbow · 10/12/2016 16:08

What about a netbook? Just like a small version of a laptop and they're pretty portable.

lessthanBeau · 10/12/2016 16:08

Yes I would my dd7 has one and wants a new one she'll get another year out of the old dog though so it will be on next year's list.

Original poster
brexitschmexit · 10/12/2016 16:15

Hadnt thought about a netbook, thanks for that suggestion, I'll definitely take a look as that might be ideal for him.

OP posts:
Original poster
brexitschmexit · 10/12/2016 16:17

I've noticed that places like PC a World often have a bundle which includes eg Microsoft office and Mcafee for a year. I'd definitely want office, but do I need to pay for the Mcafee or are there better/cheaper alternatives? Sorry, I really am not computer savvy!!

OP posts:
heymammy · 10/12/2016 16:18

Tbh I'm not sure you'll get anything very decent for around £200. We made the same mistake with dd1's first laptop, only spent £179 (on an HP Stream) and its utter shit. There's only 32gb of storage and I think 2gb of ram so it barely functions Angry she can't have Minecraft on it and can barely use the Internet.

It sounds like he would really get good use out of his own laptop so I'd go for it, but spend a bit more, if you can, to get something work keeping.

Original poster
brexitschmexit · 10/12/2016 16:18

Also is 2GB of RAM and 32GB storage ok, or would I need to add to that (and therefore make sure I'm buying one that you can upgrade/add to)?

OP posts:
Original poster
brexitschmexit · 10/12/2016 16:19

Cross posts heymammy!! I was just looking at the HP stream! Have no idea what's good in terms of RAM and storage, what should I look for do you think?

OP posts:
Areyoufree · 10/12/2016 16:24

32GB is not a lot of storage, to be honest. Plus, modern operating systems tend to be a bit bloated, so you might want a bit more RAM. Upgrading RAM tends not to be too tricky (unless you have a sodding Mac), but it's probably better to start with enough. I would be tempted to get a higher spec, refurbished machine over a new, lower spec one.

Original poster
brexitschmexit · 10/12/2016 16:32

Thank you, really appreciate the tips. Would you say 4GB RAM and 1TB storage was adequate?

OP posts:
Areyoufree · 10/12/2016 16:38

That would definitely keep him going for a while! Yes, more than adequate!

FuckYouDailyMail · 10/12/2016 16:41

Will he want to play games on it? If yes you might want to go for a higher spec as a lot of games will struggle on a laptop.

youarenotkiddingme · 10/12/2016 17:12

I think it's at great idea - like you say he uses one to do stuff that will benefit him when older.

There are also many books for children about coding related to the curriculum (KS2) as they do a lot of this at that age. I know there's a carol voder man one but I'm sure you can find many options if you google! That would be a nice present.
I'd also suggest a carry bag, mouse mat and a wireless mouse, maybe a memory stick too. I got Ds a personalised mouse mat off the internet the other year.

Toomanycats99 · 10/12/2016 17:17

There is a dk scratch coding book by Carol vorderman. About £4 through book people. My 9yo dd loves it.

SnorkelParka · 10/12/2016 17:20

We like the HP stream and I was recommended it as popular with students as the speakers are not bad. Be aware it does not have a cd drive though. I think to overcome the storage issues you use 'one drive' cloud storage with your microsoft windows account, or get google cloud storage which they told me at the time was free and unlimited.

itstheyearzero · 10/12/2016 17:26

My DS has just turned 8 and my other half has built him a PC for Christmas this year. I think it's brilliant, and if he can use a computer proficiently he will be way ahead of his peers when the time comes when he has to start writing essays for school etc.

I am a STEM Ambassador and I have recently been involved with kids from local primary schools, and I'd say about 80% of the kids I have been involved with have no clue how to use a PC , mainly I guess because it's all about tablets and I Pads these days. So I say..go for it! Grin

beggingbehind · 10/12/2016 17:45

I think it's a good idea as a previous poster has stated he's proved he can look after it I just think it's important to but in strict rules regarding tim and what he uses it for, respecting it ECT. But it sound like hell do that already I have got a coupl of suggestions. Re laptop
www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/asus-vivobook-a540-15-6-laptop-black-10153701-pdt.html
there's this one that I actually have! its a bit over budget but as others have said it might well be worth it. And it's very good at running programmers like power point and word. (In fact I think it's made for it)

www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/linx-1010b-10-1-tablet-keyboard-32-gb-black-10143641-pdt.html
And this one which I believe is along the same lines as the laptop but in tablet form under budget and on sale. And might be good for a 7 year old for size and if you look on the bottom you can make your own bundle so you can get office and something else you feel useful.
Hope this helps

EveOnline2016 · 10/12/2016 17:48

Do it set up an additional user as your child and lock it down with parantal control.

Weedsnseeds1 · 10/12/2016 20:27

We have a couple of businesses in town that sell second hand laptops and IT support. You'd get more for your money. The owners of the shops here are really knowledgeable and helpful.

DailyFail1 · 11/12/2016 00:45

Lenovo netbook for £120 from amazon was a good deal but u do need a usb stick