What do I do if my 12 year old only wants a laptop for xmas?

Answer 1

First, I would figure out what the 12-year-old would use the laptop for. Or why does he or she want one?

If it will be used for browsing the internet, find a used one, but make sure it works, and buy a wireless network card if one isn't included, and try to get one with at least 128MB of memory. $150-300 will get you a functional laptop for this purpose. IBM laptops are known for their durability, which would be good for a first laptop. Many older laptops run surprisingly well with older versions of Windows (such as Windows 2000) or lighter Linux distributions (Puppy Linux, DSL, Vector Linux).

You might also want to try an Apple with a G3 processor, since these are easy to use and can be found in the same price range.
(Ask your child first if he or she prefers Macs or PCs, and also if a used gift is all right with him or her. Or, if necessary, propose it this way, "You won't get a laptop unless you're willing to own a used one.")

If it breaks or is stolen, the investment isn't as large. If you're willing to risk and spend more, get a basic newer machine.

I don't think that 12 is too young for someone to have a laptop. It could teach them the values of responsibility and independence.

If it is for other purposes (such as World of Warcraft or other modern gaming), your child will need a more expensive machine, and you might reconsider your decision.

For a laptop for a 12-year-old, you'll need to weigh functionality and durability equally.

Answer 2

If you have the money to buy one than I think it's a good idea, but there has to be rules that come with the computer and you're child needs to fully agree with them before you decide to! First, it's main use should be school work or some sort of educational games. Second, you should have full say in when it gets used. Third, and most importantly, if there is Internet access it should only be used while you are present, never let a child have a computer in there room where you can't periodically check on their conversations!

Answer 3

If he still believes in Santa, sit him down and tell him the elves don't make laptops around christmas time as all the kis wants toys.

There are plenty of second hand laptops around these days, but I'd make sure the shop has fully wiped it as it could contain the last users porn.

Also consider importing one, but it is far cheaper to buy a standard PC, he'd be just as happy.

Answer 4

My bedtime replaced into approximately 10:30pm while i replaced into 13 and then at approximately 14 i did not fairly have a bedtime besides the undeniable fact that the internet went off at 11pm and now i'm 15 there is not any rules related to bedtimes or information superhighway and so forth. so thinking all this i might say 10pm is genuine looking. If she needs the torch then it is the single you're able to get her, the formidable is likewise stable and that i don't know touching directly to the curve yet you're able to circulate with the single she needs because of the fact this is her cutting-edge. :-)

Answer 5

Get him a cheap 2-3 year old laptop on ebay.
Don't hinder you kid from learning about computer operation, programming, etc. I would however monitor him if he is able to access the internet.
The computer my dad bought me when I was 10 turned out to be the best learning tool, and overall best gift I've ever received. If it wasn't for that I wouldn't be a "computer geek" today.

Answer 6

One thing to consider ( besides not spoiling him!) is that he would have unsupervised use of the laptop. It is highly recommended that pre-teens and teens use a computer located in a "common" area of the home where their use can be supervised by parents. Too much " privacy" is NOT a good thing. Also, need to have parental controls on the computer and check the history daily to see where he has been. He may be a great kid, but he IS still a KID.

Answer 7

My parents gave me a labtop for my 11th birthday, and I didn't even ask.


Around the age of 11 and 12, school gets harder, because you need to do a lot of typing projects like that, so think about that.

Answer 8

It is good to want.

Seriously, preteens and even teens should not have unsupervised access to the net these days. We are going to put the kid's computer in a public area when they are old enough to use it. They can have all the bells and whistles-printer, speakers, scanner, whatever--but it will be in plain sight where their activity can be monitored.

Oh, and password protected!

Answer 9

Get him something more age appropriate, and something he won't desroy so easily. Have you seen that new FLY Pen Top computer. From Leap Frog
Kids can let their imagination fly as they learn and play on the astounding FLY handheld pentop computer from LeapFrog. The optical scanner sees and recalls everything your child scans and writes on the included dot matrix FLY paper, allowing them to interact with what they've written!

Kids can draw a calculator that helps complete math problems, schedule dates and get reminders, and even draw drums or a keyboard to make and record their own music. Youngsters can also play cool games, by themselves or with friends

Answer 10

I'm 15 but it depends on what they want to use it for. If they really truly want if for school work than why not. If it helps than there is no reason to limit them. But if it's for games than no. Get them an iPod nano or something. While your at it teach them to appreciate money.