Best computer for my 8yr olds learning games?

Question

I know nothing about computers...nearly nothing. Our 8yr old daughter loves downloading PC games from disk to her computer. The problem is, we've always bought her used computers and they have never lasted long or many of the new games we buy her don't work!
What should I look for in buying a computer thats main use will be for games? I want to buy her a brand new computer but don't want to spend all kind of money on something that wont work well. Please help...

Answer 1

Do you have a Best Buy near you?

They're really great about figuring that out. You can just walk in and say "hey, my kid likes games, what computer should I get?" and they'll know. It's awesome!

Answer 2

Unfortunately you have hit the technological marketing black hole.

20 years ago, it was all about how many pages of reports you could put on your new computer. Or how much of a spreadsheet you could display. That's what sold computers.

Today, its all about what games you can play. The best, most expensive computers, play the best games. The cheaper computers don't play all the games, or play them slow or with lower graphics.

"Learning Games" however are usually not the cutting age of technology. You can use an old, used computer for those nearly all the time. Its when the "Learning" is dropped from the "Game" that you end up needing newer technology and therefore more expensive computers.

Whatever you decide you need, rest assured that it will only work for a couple of years. Those who need cutting edge technology.... their computers will be obsolete in a couple of years and need a new one. Those that need an old used computer.... in a couple of years it will break down an you'll need a new one.

So just plan on getting a new computer every couple of years.

Answer 3

In Feb. I bought my 9 year old the HP entertainment notebook and she loves it. I do too. It works great, is designed for a lot of downloads, plays movies, cd's, and she is gaining a lot of computer knowledge just figuring it all out. This is a good, sturdy, and functional computer that I would recommend to anyone. I hate Windows Vista though, its operating system, but I hear that you can ask the retailer to downgrade to former versions of Windows; which I recommend because they are easier to use.

Answer 4

I would have to say any of the new mac computers. They are excellent for games, movies, and all of that and they last for a very, very long time, much better than a PC. I must warn you they can get a big pricey but its worth every cent for it. They have an incredible amount of space. Mac computers are really the best for what you are looking for! hope this helps =]

Answer 5

Uh, if your ex-husband has your child for 50% of the time, then you really don't have any say what he does with your child, barring that it wont be physically harming him (like point blank abuse). Playing video games wont kill your kids and War craft isn't that violent to begin with...there are a lot worse games out there like that "Grand Theft Auto." Video games can help kids develop their hand/eye coordination. As long as your child is finishing their homework at his Dad's, and your Ex is playing a responsible parent then there isn't anything you can, or really should, do about it. They probably look at their time playing the games as bonding time that they don't get otherwise.

Answer 6

The best computer for a child is the one where the parent monitors and supervises what the child does on the computer.

Answer 7

Everex Impact GC3500 Desktop PC w/ Via Processor & 17" Monitor this is what i have. and i play all sims games on it.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5673669&povid=cat41937-env7742-module106537-rLink2

Answer 8

Dell
(they are slow but durable)