As a first-time parent, you may wonder if purchasing a laptop for your child is a wise investment. After all, won’t they outgrow it in a few years? And won’t it be obsolete by the time they’re in high school? While it’s true that laptops do have a shorter lifespan than desktop computers, there are several benefits to buying your child a laptop that make it worth the investment.
Portability
One of the biggest benefits of laptops is that they’re portable. This means that your child can take their laptop with them wherever they go, whether it’s to a friend’s house, to the library, or on vacation. A laptop gives your child the freedom to work on their homework from anywhere, which can be a lifesaver on days when there’s no babysitter or when you’re running late from work.
Laptops are also more compact and lightweight than desktop computers, which makes them easier to transport. This is especially important for younger children who may not be strong enough to carry a heavy desktop computer.
Additionally, there are a few ways to maximize the portability of your child’s laptop. One is to choose a model that has a smaller screen size. This will take up less space in your child’s backpack or bag and make it easier for them to carry around.
You can also help your child protect their laptop from damage by purchasing a protective case or sleeve. This will help keep it safe from bumps and scratches, which can occur during transport. By doing so, you can extend the lifespan of your child’s laptop and ensure that it lasts through their entire school career.
Accessibility
As well as being portable, laptops are also very accessible. This means your child can use their laptop to do anything they want, whether it’s writing a paper, browsing the internet, or playing a game. Laptops also come with various software applications that can be used for schoolwork, such as word processing programs and calculators.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, schools have temporarily utilized online learning to finish the school year. This has put even more emphasis on accessibility, as laptops have become the primary device for students to use during their online classes. Additionally, many schools are now using laptops in the classroom regularly, which gives students even more opportunities to use them.
Another advantage of laptops is that they come with built-in wireless capabilities. This means that your child can connect to the internet anywhere there’s a wireless signal, without having to plug in any cords. This is especially useful when they’re on the go and don’t have access to a desktop computer.
Versatility
Laptops can be used for various tasks, including doing schoolwork, surfing the internet, watching movies, playing games, and listening to music. This versatility makes them a more valuable tool than a standard desktop computer, which can only be used for a limited number of activities.
In addition, many laptops come with pre-installed software that allows your child to edit photos and videos, create presentations, and write essays. This means that your child can start using their laptop for schoolwork without purchasing any additional software. They can also use it for extracurricular activities, such as blogging or editing a school newspaper.
Cost
Laptops are also more cost-effective than desktop computers, especially when you purchase them used. You can often find laptops for sale at garage sales or online classifieds websites for a fraction of the price of a new desktop computer. Plus, since laptops are smaller and don’t require as much power to run, they’re more energy-efficient than desktop computers, which can save you money on your electricity bill.
Laptops may be more cost-effective in the long term, but this largely depends on the needs of the individual. When choosing between a laptop and a desktop computer, it’s essential to consider the type of tasks your child will be using it for. If they just need a basic computer for internet browsing and word processing, then a used laptop should suffice. However, if they need a more powerful machine for gaming or video editing, then a new desktop computer may be better since it will be able to handle these activities more easily.
If you’re on the fence about whether or not to purchase a laptop for your child, this article has hopefully convinced you of the many benefits of doing so. Laptops are more portable and energy-efficient than desktop computers, and they’re also more versatile and allow more accessibility. Plus, thanks to their smaller size, laptops are often more affordable than their desktop counterparts—especially when you purchase them used.
