7 Year old - Desktop or Notebook?

Gimpymoo

Gimpymoo

Gimpymoo

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Seven year old daughter would like her own computer. Most likely uses would be:

Youtube
Hi-Fi
iPlayer (CBBC)
Minecraft
Sims 3

Me being me (ZX Spectrum > Amiga 500 > Desktop PC) a desktop is the clear winner.

HOWEVER.

We are now a family of 5 and the main desktop can get crowded at times.

I initially thought a desktop but then began thinking of how sociable she is, she likes being with the family so would I be doing the wrong thing if getting a desktop and kind of forcing her into her room?

A notebook could be used anywhere I guess but she would probably still use the main desktop I guess as more comfy to use owing to bigger screen. She is creative though and I feel a desktop PC would help one be more creative than a Notebook?

Then I thought, I spent time in my room on a computer, as I am sure most of use here did, the majority of us turned out OK no?

Thoughts please?

Any parents been in a similar position, what did you do?
 
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She does not want a tablet, she says she wants a "proper computer".

Spent too much time with dad I think :(
 
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Desktop harder wearing in my experience and it'll be better to know where she is if she's on the computer :) Easier to upgrade too as time goes on.
 
Desktop all the way. You could build a nice little PC that can be upgraded in time. And of course she'll get much better graphics in Sims 3 or similar games.
 
Children and portable computer equipment do not mix. Give her a desktop, somewhere you can see what she's up to preferably
 
Id say a desktop, gives you chance to build it with your daughter if she wanted to. In a year or so she may want to play more games and you could upgrade the desktop to suit whereas a notebook, no. Minecraft, seen as a blocky game you wouldnt think but it uses a lot of resources and meaning the notebook would get hot and may become uncomfortable to use, a reason why i built my desktop. All you would have is a keyboard, mouse and that ofc will not get warm. A notebook ofc is portable but will only give limited gaming usage depending on what you buy. If your daughter isnt bothered about portability id get a desktop, or build one. Much better to use and you can adapt it if she decides she wants to play more games in the future.

Edit, you can use a tv screen, much larger and more fun. She cant accidentally drop it, much less likely to cause accidental damage. Desktop all the way :). Id also say build it with her, she can help put simple parts in and therefore take pride in what she has helped build. Most likely making her look after it more, you can teach all about what does what and make sure you point out the dangers too. You will ofc save money too by building it, so win win.
 
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i was in the same dilema two years ago, my daughter ended up going for a laptop 4months later wished she'd got a desktop lol There just better all round and lets be honest you get a lot more for your money with a desktop, more so if you build it
 
I heard somewhere abou a laptop that can transform in a desktop, like a hybrid desktop laptop
It wont make any dilema if that is the problem
I will try to search it
Mhd
 
A couple of years ago I'd have said laptop. That's what my nephew grew up with. But now my 7 year old has an iPad for portability and a laptop would just be another portable device. I suggest that for similar money you could build a far better desktop which can be upgraded over time. My son recently saw me fire up Supreme Commander 2 and now I can't get him off my machine. He's addicted. I'm going to upgrade and donate him my old parts.
 
Hades said:
A couple of years ago I'd have said laptop. That's what my nephew grew up with. But now my 7 year old has an iPad for portability and a laptop would just be another portable device. I suggest that for similar money you could build a far better desktop which can be upgraded over time. My son recently saw me fire up Supreme Commander 2 and now I can't get him off my machine. He's addicted. I'm going to upgrade and donate him my old parts.
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I did that with my sister with indie games, when she was looking for a new PC I said Desktop or nothing else. She bought a laptop and wishes she had a PC now as I could have put an old graphics card in there (I just sold a couple of 460's) and she'd have been able to run them with Steam share or the likes.
 
Thanks guys.

A good idea on letting her help build it but it is being delivered by FC on the 25th December so would be easier to build it beforehand what with everything else cracking off that day and the possibility of DOA components.

I think a microATX rig would be nice, can bring it downstairs easily enough if needed (LAN Games), keeps it reasonably sized / quiet yet not be restricted regarding upgrades.

Expect a "Spec me..." thread anytime shortly ;)
 
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Actually have you asked her what she would prefer? My son wants to play lots of games but my 9yr daughter wants to only play The Sims. If the sort of games she wants are playable on a laptop with mid range mobile graphics then maybe a laptop is better and just dock it to a large screen when she's not using it on the sofa.
 
Hades said:
Actually have you asked her what she would prefer? My son wants to play lots of games but my 9yr daughter wants to only play The Sims. If the sort of games she wants are playable on a laptop with mid range mobile graphics then maybe a laptop is better and just dock it to a large screen when she's not using it on the sofa.
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Yes.

She actually said a desktop, it was me who said "Are you sure, look at these Netbooks".

momentimori said:
You could always do the old tech hand me down.

Build yourself a new desktop and let your children use the old one.
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If I get a nice new case, would that be wrong to dump my old parts in the case and wrap it up?
 
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