is a laptop good enough for my primary 1 to do computer work on?

[anothervisittothepark]

Or do we need to get a desktop? My ds got his first computer based homework exercise and it made me wonder if laptop not really very child friendly and if he needs a desktop to work on. Or is it all about ipads now ?!

A laptop should be fine, we have them at work instead of desktops but you should maybe get a stand so it's raised up, better for typing and screen. Or you could get an external screen, keyboard and mouse which would make it like a desktop but cheaper.

Thank you

Depends on how long he will be looking at the computer. Desktop aren't good either unless you have adjustable table and chair. And also monitor stands. I work as a software developer and there are h&s standards on how it all has to be adjusted. We use laptops with a docking station and external dual monitors and keyboard and mouse. If your feet doesn't reach the floor you need a foot rest too.

laptops actually tend to be better because keyboard is smaller and keys less hard to push. Also can be set-up anywhere - so if DH needs his computer for work that night, we can use my lap top downstairs on the kitchen table.

Personally the issue is speed - internet connection/ broadband width. What you don't want is a game pausing at odd points or crashing. As long as that's o.k. - it doesn't matter whether it's lap top or standard desk top type computer.

DDs have never been on the lap top for huge amounts of time and I tend to have them take turns (both have computer based homework).

In general agree - limiting 'electrical time' as we call it - is a good thing - too much computer screen (DS/ Tablet/ smart phone) time - working or playing games - is not a good thing. We try to keep it to no more than 1 hour and then a good long break away from the screen.

As a primary school TA, I ran touch-typing and computer clubs, as well as giving ICT training to other TAs, and personally I would always prefer and recommend an 'office style' computer over a laptop. And on this rare occasion I disagree with PSBD, on the keyboard, as a 'proper' keyboard usually has a better 'feel' and is easier to position closer to the user. The 'track pad' on a laptop puts the keys further away, and many have no 'feel' to them at all.

If possible, learning to touch type, gradually over time, makes later increased use of computers quicker and easier, for secondary school and university eventually.

But if a 'desktop' is difficult for you, then a laptop is suitable.

I have a laptop but connect an external keyboard and trackpad (it's a mac). I should probably get a mouse but love the trackpad.