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Ask HN: Would you get a laptop or desktop for a 9yr old?
I'm really on the fence on this. Here is my short-list of Pro/Cons:
>> LAPTOP PRO
— fluid ergonomics —
These days our son uses our laptop usually on the couch, laying down. This is way more comfortable than sitting down.
— mobility — Has the ability to take the laptop on a trip/plane
>> LAPTOP CON
— high risk for damage / delicate / low longevity —
Because it is mobile it can risk damage during travel or just carrying it around.
— 2x LESS bang for the $ — He is a gamer and it would cost 2x more to get the same performance as the desktop
>> DESKTOP PRO
— 2x MORE Bang for the $ —
— 2x larger Screen
— Less Delicate
— More Parental Control — if I set it up in our living room, we can get a better sense of what he is doing.
>> DESKTOP CON
— rigid ergonomics —
He will be forced to sit still for 2-3hrs. ( im debating if this is a negative thing! ) but it will basically start him on a sitting habit very early in his development life.
*Now, im thinking I can just setup a standing desk for him instead..which would tire him out quicker and reduce his usage. hmm
- codevark 5y agoBoth my kids had Amiga 500s by the time they were 2 years old. They had a lot of fun, but neither of them went on to do anything computer related. Smartphones killed their minds when they were in high school.
- dusted 5y agoI'm debating this as well, mine is not 2 yet, but when the time comes.. I'm leaning towards a desktop, the ergonomics can be better (unless you consider a docked laptop) and while it's a larger machine, it exposes a bit more of the complexity, and it'll be easy for us to take it apart to see what's inside and make changes/upgrades. There's also less possibility that he runs out with it and looses it or has it stolen, those are things he will learn in time, but for starters, I'll go with a desktop..
- artur_makly 5y agoyeah I also like the tinkering aspect of the desktop as well. @codevark - no idea why your comment was flagged. I agree 100%, I plan on delaying the phone purchase for as long as humanly possible.
- tony-allan 5y agoIf it is an option for you, what about a tablet? Obviously depends on the needs of your 9yr old but certainly easier for a parent to manage.
- artur_makly 5y agohe is a huge gamer..and needs a PC. Tablet can easily be broken...and we live in Patagonia where we cant fix that.
- throwmagma 5y agoTo me, your point on the desktop allowing better supervision is crucial. My son became obsessed with gaming to where he’d refuse to eat or do schoolwork. I’m not saying your son will react similarly, but I suggest you will want to correct that tendency if it appears.