If you are looking for a device for your school age child, choosing the right device depends on their age
A LAPTOP device is probably best. These students are starting to take college classes through the school or are about to embark on their college career. Having the internal storage, ability to work offline, ability to install software and programs makes a laptop the best option. A new LAPTOP will most likely last them throughout their college careers.
A CHROMEBOOK or LAPTOP is probably best. CHROMEBOOKS allow the students to be able to create content (type a word processing document) and work on their school work at home. LAPTOPS are also an option, but tend to cost more and would most likely need to be replaced before they start college courses.
CHROMEBOOK or TABLET would be best for this age group. TABLETS are great for the youngest students as they don't have to create content very often. Apps and programs on tablets engage the youngest children. For the older children in this group a CHROMEBOOK might be better.
If you or your child needs special software such as Adobe PhotoShop or AutoCAD or a large internal storage a LAPTOP would be best. If you or your child is a gamer or it will a shared family device a LAPTOP might be a better investment.
If you or your child are just creating word processing documents such as a typed paper or reading online articles or playing online games a CHROMEBOOK would be best. Creating multiple Google accounts would allow a CHROMEBOOK to be shared among a family.
If you are your child are just reading online, browsing the internet or playing online games a TABLET would be best. TABLETS can also be shared among family members, but be sure to set parental controls for younger children.
TABLET prices depend on the type of tablet you are wanting to purchase. Tablet prices range from around $100 to $600.
CHROMEBOOKS are cheaper than a laptop and similar functionality. Most Chromebooks cost around $200.00, but you can also find some for around $150 or less.
LAPTOPS tend to cost more, but here are several price options. Prices for laptops range from $300-$1000.
There may be additional costs beyond the cost of the device. In order to type on a tablet, an external keyboard and mouse will be needed. Software may be needed to fully use a laptop. Today, many laptops do not come pre-loaded with office productivity software such as Microsoft Office and this would be an additional cost. Anti-virus software and anti-malware would also be a need. Apps and extensions may be needed for Chromebooks as well. Protection equipment for any of these devices such as hard cases or neoprene sleeves may be needed as well as blue-tooth mouse and external or cloud storage could also be an additional cost.
The links below are from PC Magazine who is known for their reviews of technology products. Each link shows a side by side comparison of the most popular devices in that category.
Depends on your needs and on the price you are willing to pay. Windows is the most common selling computer. Because of this, there are more computer viruses and malware written for Windows based computers. That does not mean that a Mac is better. Macintosh computers tend to cost more. Most business and schools use Windows based devices and therefore, there tends to be a steeper learning curve when operating a Mac. However, that doesn't mean a Mac isn't for you.
According to Computer Weekly, designers and creators tend to choose a Mac over a Windows computer. If you are editing photos and creating websites or videos a Mac may be the better option. Windows devices can operate these types of software as well, so do your homework. To quote Laptop magazine "Chromebooks are good for kids. Windows is best for productivity, but macOS is for art/design students. "
Windows Laptop
Mac Laptop
Chromebook