An old Thinkpad
2006-08-24 07:52:35 · 46 answers · asked by sensrule 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Laptops & Notebooks
I don't see why this should be any different than TV or video games. Look at it this way: you should be monitoring what your kids watch on TV and what video games they play, just as you should monitor what they do on the computer - kids should not be allowed to spend all their free time watching TV or playing video games, and the same goes for a laptop.
My 11 y/o daughter is allowed to use the computer for education, games, e-mailing her friends, etc., but her activities are monitored by the parental units, and she knows it. It's all a matter of being involved. The same would hold true if it were a laptop.
2006-08-24 16:31:22 · answer #1 · answered by theblondegenius 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
It depends ont he 11 year old, and the situation of the family.
If it's not connected to the internet and the child is well behaved, respectful, and will benefit from it (i.e., playing learning games, learning how to type better for school, writing up homework, or using computer based encyclopedias) then yes, ofcourse.
At the same time, if the family is in debt, and can barely afford food, then no...its not a necessity.
PErsonally, I think it's good for kids to have a lot of knowledge about computers. I got mine when i was 12, and now I have my own business because of what I learned at an early age.
2006-08-24 07:58:55 · answer #2 · answered by m0o p!e 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Although portable, laptops are still fragile... I've been working in schools for 20 years I wouldn't want an 11-14 year old carrying anything of value... It would be messed up a few minutes after they left the house.
However for home use, if its a good deal then get it... It's a good tool and by the time they will critically need computer skills they will be ahead of the game.
2006-08-24 07:58:52 · answer #3 · answered by Fremen 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It really depends if you have the money for it. An old thinkpad would be great. 11 yr old kid does not need it for anything other than surfing the web and playing games.
Just be careful and make sure you monitor your kids while on the net. There are alot of things and people you wouldnt want them to associate with.
Pretty nice of you.
2006-08-24 07:56:09 · answer #4 · answered by w@rio 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I dont c y not,My daughter doesn't have one but the local school got a grant from the government.They used the money to buy a laptop for each student 6-12 grade.They are able to bring them home during the school year and work on them.She was 11 last year when she had hers.
2006-08-24 08:02:00 · answer #5 · answered by m_l_p73 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Desktop, Palm, Cel Phone, Laptop. They have a lot of potential for good use.
What do you know about this 11 year old? Base your decision on the 11 year olds level of responsibility. You know this person best.
2006-08-24 13:32:04 · answer #6 · answered by onlyonemeg 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, I don't think it an 11 year old is responsible enough to have their own computer, much less a laptop. Even with all the filters and software that parents can put on computers to limit access and keep track of what their kids are doing... it is too risky.
My 11 year old daughter is begging for a laptop of her own. What is interesting is that my 16 year old daughter has never asked for one, nor has my 13 year old son. So what is the deal with 11 year olds?? Hmmm....
2006-08-24 10:28:18 · answer #7 · answered by Laurie D 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋
No, that would be like spoiling the child...but if they child worked very hard for it, payed for a little bit of it and used it reasponibly than possibly...but laptops are alot and the child should have to work hard and earn not just go up to his/her parents and say "mommy daddy, can i have a laptop please!! you have to pay for all of it and i dont have to do any thing but play on it!!" because thats what alote of 11 year olds think they can do..
2006-08-25 04:09:21 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
My niece who is 6 has her own computer but she is very mature for her age so sure, why not (as long as you're not spoiling him or her)? Either no internet connection or with parental control. There are good sites to track the site s/he goes to if you are worried about the possibility of porn or other bad sites. Check out: covenanteyes.com or x3watch.com Better yet, just check the History.
2006-08-24 07:57:13 · answer #9 · answered by Emi 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No. 11 is not a good age because children, particularly boys are very immature and irresponsible. And unless it is a necessity, which for an eleven year old I can't see it being. It'll be just a luxury item they won't value any longer once the excitement goes away in a week or two and the purchaser will be left fuming at money wasted.
2006-08-24 07:55:41 · answer #10 · answered by Justwondering 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋