Computers at home - what is your set-up when dc want/need to use too?

[Earlybird]

Curious as to what others do about computers at home.

Do you all share one computer?

Is there an adult computer and another one(s) that is used by dc?
What age did you buy a computer for your dc?

DD has been using my old laptop, but at nearly 8 years old, it is a real 'artifact', and now malfunctions a great deal, and/or can't handle much of what she needs.

I am not ready to buy a computer just for dd (she is nearly 10), but also don't want to/can't share mine as I work from home and use it a great deal.

Maybe I should get the most basic/cheapest laptop (with dd as main user), and wait to buy one specifically for her when she is older?

Any solutions/suggestions much appreciated.

The same as cat64, the family computer is a Mac desktop, which it's really easy to set up with limited time for the DC's each day.

Yes, my 'work from home' computer is a desktop too.

Dd messes about on Club Penguin or other sites on the laptop, but now school have asked that she practise touch-typing at home every evening. I finally was able to download/install the program for it last night, but got a sense of just how antiquated the laptop is. I think it will seem increasingly inadequate.

Do most families have more than one computer at home?

We have a mac in the study which is our main desktop, but the kids sometimes use, and one in the kitchen diner bit that is nominally theirs. I have a mac air laptop which is just mine, and DH has an IPad which the children have yet to see

Maybe get her a basic netbook?

we got a mac for the kids when ds1 started school.

they have their own desktops now (ds1 now in secondary school)

dh and I both have laptops too

I have been wondering about getting a netbook.

Can anyone share their experiences/knowledge? Are they essentially smaller/cheaper laptops?