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Lockdown learning
Best computer for home schooling
DarlingCoffee · 06/01/2021 12:21
Can anyone recommend to me a suitable computer for home schooling? It needs to have a video camera and be MS Teams compatible. I am debating whether a tablet, iPad or laptop would be better and also for future learning on it so longevity is a factor. Thank you. I have no idea where to start on this. Kids are primary aged.
inappropriateraspberry · 06/01/2021 12:43
I've fried my brain today looking at tablets! What age is it for? My daughter is only 5 so it doesn't need to be particularly fast or fancy! Just good access to Google classroom etc.
I'm sure it will be used for other things as well. I was considering a tablet with Bluetooth keyboard. More flexibility, touchscreen - which is easier for younger ones, and more portable.
sosotired1 · 06/01/2021 12:43
I would buy a laptop first and then an ipad if you have any funds left over. What do you use? If you have macs buy a reconditioned macbook (apple store sell them amongst other places), if you use PC's then you can pick up a cheap laptop suitable for students like an ASUS Vivobook. We have both, the ASUS was only a £100 (secondhand but actually in the box and unused on eBay). We always buy secondhand iPad's and have never had a duff one. I wouldn't worry too much about longevity too much as tech dates so quickly and gets damaged. I would concentrate on something that you and they can use (and more importantly troubleshoot) easily.
rslsys · 06/01/2021 12:44
Laptop for my money. Proper keyboard, decent expansion (external mouse, second screen).
Bigger than a tablet or iPad so less likely to get lost/sat on. Camera built into top of screen so no need to juggle stuff in order to prop it up.
sosotired1 · 06/01/2021 12:46
Useful article below. £700 is a good budget you could get a mac and an iPad for that:
www.macworld.co.uk/how-to/buy-apple-refurbished-3448814/
TheThreeHeadedBeast · 06/01/2021 12:48
First question is where they will be learning, if they have their own desk, I would go for an All-in-one. Doesn't take up too much space and a proper keyboard. The one DD got for Christmas has a very good webcam built in - her singing teacher was v impressed. However she also has a surface pro to take into school, she is 16 and is authorised to use a laptop in exams.
How old are your children? Are Rhett likely tho need need to take it into school in a year or two?
DarlingCoffee · 06/01/2021 12:49
Thanks this is all really useful to know. Two DCs - 5 and 9. Will check out the ASUS and am also considering an older model iPad.
MsJuniper · 06/01/2021 12:50
I am a primary teacher and children using tablets have far more problems accessing the work, viewing the presentation during lessons etc.
My son is working on a simple £100 netbook which is fine for his needs. The main requirements are online access so that is the priority.
I'd expect any laptop in the £700 bracket to be more than adequate.
DrDolittlesParrot · 06/01/2021 13:02
If buying a second hand laptop what spec would be sufficient?
DarlingCoffee · 06/01/2021 13:52
Thank you everyone for all your help. We are going to go for the laptop after your advice and have found a reasonable ASUS Vivobook.
Chickenkatsu · 08/01/2021 18:08
www.argos.co.uk/product/8764348?clickSR=slp:term:asus%20laptop:3:52:1
Maybe two of them so that you can both play minecraft?
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