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If your kids aren’t clamoring for computer time yet, they probably will soon.
You see, aside from the fun they can have playing games and watching Pewdie Pie on YouTube, they are also asked to do research using Mr. Google. Other really smart ones compose music or make their own computer software programs (Seriously! I know kids who do!)
Unless you’re a graphic designer, a professional gamer or a programmer yourself, chances are your current desktop or laptop won’t grow with your kids’ needs. When you decide it’s time to shop for a new family computer, there are lots of options. That means you will be able to find something that ticks all the techie boxes and doesn’t blow your budget.
To help you get the combination that’s best for your family, we will walk you through the questions you should consider before you buy.
Should I buy a laptop or a desktop?
One option isn’t better than the other – each has its pros and cons. Desktop computers are easy to customize now and also modify down the road; and because they’re built to stay put where you plug them in, they can’t slip out in little hands. Another bonus: Setting up a stationary desktop computer in a communal area of your home allows you to keep a closer eye on what your kids are doing online.
Still, laptops are increasingly the more popular choice for families. They’re a little pricier, but they offer the convenience of portability and built-in wireless connectivity (meaning you can access the Internet without any cords), allowing kids to do their homework at the kitchen table, then move to the family room to play online video games. You can also take it to the cottage, or bring it in the car or on an airplane – you can’t do that with a desktop. And while a laptop could fall off a bed or coffee table, some models are specifically built for ruggedness. Something as simple as rounded corners on the laptop housing can keep the screen from cracking.
What size screen should I get?
For a family desktop computer, bigger is always better. A 24-inch monitor will make watching videos and and playing games more enjoyable. The bigger the screen, the more detail it will show. When it comes to laptops, a bigger screen typically means a heavier computer and less battery time. Most people find a 15-inch screen is a good compromise between screen size and weight.
MAC or PC?
Choosing between a MAC and a PC boils down to prize, what software you want to run and personal taste. A Mac laptop could cost you up to $500 more than a PC laptop with similar specs. That’s because not only do Macs have a lot of style but they’re exceptionally well-built, thanks to Apple’s commitment to quality control. (Windows licenses its technology to PC hardware makers around the world – Toshiba, Acer, HP, Dell, Lenovo and others – whereas Apple is the only company that makes Macs.)
The fact that a number of different manufacturers make PCs means more choice for shoppers when it comes to price, screen size, colors, and materials. Plus, almost all software works on PCs, but some doesn’t work on Macs. If you go for a Mac, be sure to check if the games and work software you plan to use are Mac compatible.
What about Processing Power, Memory and Hard Drive?
A processor is the engine that drives your computer’s performance. When shopping for either a PC or Mac, you will likely hear about Intel’s popular family of processors: Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7. It’s a good, better and best scenario. An i3 will suffice for basic computing such as web browsing, checking emails, viewing your digital photos and watching YouTube videos, but splurging for an i5 will give you a machine to grow into.
Memory or RAM is used to store data temporarily while the computer is on. The more RAM, the faster the computer. Memory is measured in gigabytes (GB), and 4GB is typically plenty, unless you will be editing videos or playing graphics-intensive games.
The hard drive is where your programs, documents, pictures, videos and music are stored. Computers come equipped with anymore from 250GB to one terabyte (TB) of storage. 500 GB is plenty for most families, but 1TB is common in today’s computer specs because buyers are asking for more complex programs, especially new complex 3-D games, that require more. The price of extra memory has come down so much recently that it’s an affordable splurge, if you think your family might want it down the road.
Graphics-intensive video games require a dedicated or “discrete” video card (as opposed to one that comes built in, known as “integrated’). This will bump up the price of your computer, but will be necessary to run the newest sophisticated 3-D video games.
What about a tablet?
Thin, light and with a long battery life, tablets such as the Apple iPad and the Samsung Galaxy Tab are easy for kids to operate with intuitive fingertip gestures. But they have limited storage space for files and, more importantly, no physical keyboard – a downside if your family we be doing a lot of typing.
My 5 Top Picks for Families
1. Acer Aspire Desktop, Intel Core i3-6100, 8GB DDR3, 2TB HDD, Windows 10 Home, AT3-710-UR51 – $499
Features:
2. Toshiba Satellite Fusion 15 L55W-C5357 15.6″ Full HD Touchscreen IPS 2-in-1 Notebook Computer, Intel Core i5-6200U 2.3GHz, 8GB RAM, 1TB HDD, Windows 10 Home – $749
Features:
- 15.6 inch diagonal LED-backlit Full HD TruBrite IPS touchscreen (1920 x 1080), 10-finger multi-touch support
- Intel Core i5-6200U 2.30 GHz with Turbo Boost Technology up to 2.80 GHz
- 8GB DDR3L 1600MHz; 1TB 5400 RPM HDD
- Intel HD Graphics 520 with shared graphics memory
- Windows 10 Home, 64-bit; Backlit keyboard, Stereo speakers tuned by Skullcandy, WiFi, HD Webcam, Bluetooth, Memory card reader (SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC)
3. HP Pavilion Desktop- 6th Gen Quad Core Intel I7-6700T Processor up to 3.6GHz, 8GB DDR4 Memory, 2TB 7200rpm HDD, DVD±RW, 802.11ac, Bluetooth, HDMI+VGA Dual Monitor Support, Windows 10 – $649
Features:
- 6th Gen Quad Core Intel® CoreTM I7-6700T processor （2.8 Ghz turbo to 3.6Ghz, 8M cache）, Intel HD graphics 530
- 8GB DDR4 Memory, 2TB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 rpm), 2 HDMI out put
- Ultra Slim Tray SuperMulti DVD Burner, Multidisplay support with HDMI and VGA, 7-in-1 media reader, 2 USB 3.0 and 4 USB 2.0 ports, Monitor not included
- Next-generation wireless connectivity 802.11ac Wireless LAN, Built-in 10/100Base-T Ethernet LAN, 5.1 channel audio
- Windows 10 Home 64-Bit, USB Mouse and Keyboard included
4. Toshiba – 23″ Touch-Screen All-In-One Desktop Computer – 6GB Memory – 1TB Hard Drive – Windows 8
Features:
- Touch Screen
- Webcam
- USB Sleep-and-Charge
- Memory Card Reader
- ENERGY STAR Qualified
5. Apple MacBook MMGL2LL/A 12-Inch Laptop with Retina Display Rose Gold, 256 GB)
Happy shopping (I am seriously considering the Macbook above, just because the color is so me!) 