laptop/tablets worth getting for secondry or not.

[lexcat]

I only ask as niece in oz told dd she will need her own computer as this is standard when starting secondry. Plus a lot of dd freinds have thier own laptop or more resently tablets are the craze. Plus was thinking of getting a kindle for dd and not sure if she would be better off with a tablet.

We've got the mobile as told this is needed especially as dd will be on the bus for the first time.

DS has him own computer, but I don't think it's necessary, he could use the one downstairs. You will need a printer, though.

Maths homework is done on line, but kids who don't have a computer at home can do it school at lunchtime.

I think a laptop is useful, a tablet far less so. It depends what the demands on the family computer are.

I think a laptop would be more useful than a tablet.

Your DD will probably be expected to have access to a home computer and a printer. Doesn't need to be her very own personal laptop though.

And if you have problems with that then talk to the school. They should not make her feel, nor be, disadvantaged because of a lack of home pc and printer.

Also, mobile phone, whilst useful, is not essential in Year 7, ime.

Thinking about it, I would actually say a tablet is useless TBH.

It would be useful if your DD doesn't have access to a computer in the evening, but if she can use a home computer when she needs it then I don't feel it's a necessity. I definitely wouldn't feel comfortable with a Y7 taking a laptop/tablet into school.

I can't think of anything that I would expect of a student that would require a tablet.

Computer/Laptop more useful but not essential as DC can use computers at school. A printer and a memory stick probably more essential.

Oh yes. A memory stick!

..definately no taking laptop to school. Yes to taking the memory stick in though :)

Tablet better than kindle as most tablets have a free kindle app but laptop more use for school as can print and store more on laptop.

"Your DD will probably be expected to have access to a home computer and a printer. Doesn't need to be her very own personal laptop though."

All of DD's homework is now set on line so she needs access to a computer and printer at home. IMO only having access to a computer at school isn't enough. A USB stick is a good idea as well, but the school might have a policy regarding these as viruses can be easily transimitted with them.

I would advise that you have the latest Microsoft software as well - Word, Excel and Powerpoint. OH has Open Office on his desktop and the formatting goes all over the place when you bring in something from Word.

I have a cousin in oz- and your neice is right- they are expected to arrive on first day with a fully loaded laptop. However, this is not OZ.

Both dds have had laptops and i do not believe them to be necessary if you have another computer at home. You can get a full software package from software for students website for a fraction of the usual price ( think we paid about £20 for 3 licences for full microsoft package).

We got the student's software package as well, but as OH works from home he didn't put it on his PC because he is scrupulously honest.