computer/laptop

[nmcope39]

i've been wanting to hear what others had to say about a particular topic. i hope i get some feedback. my 7 and 9 yr old step children have been buggin to own their own laptops. what does everyone think about this? i think they are too young to own a computer especially with the responsibilty of taking care of it.

[Ola_]

Personally I would go for a desktop instead of a laptop (then they could share it too).  IMO the computer should be set up in a public/family area so you can supervise and a laptop is too easy to take places.  Plus, I have to say that seems a little young for the responsibility also, as you said.

[HollyBearsMom]

At that age I don't think they each need their own computer.  Even if they are in school there is plenty of time for them each to have enough access.

If having one computer for the whole family is getting to much balance then personally I would use the money to buy the best laptop you can afford *for you*. I bought myself an amazing Mac and it has changed my life.  I love being able to do whatever I want, whenever I want, wherever I want! 

Then give your older desktop/laptop to the kids for their use. You could get their input of scheduling, rules, etc so they really feel part of the process.

I do agree with having it in a high traffic/public area in the home. Honestly I am not worried about predators, etc but I liked knowing where my 6 year old was surfing and still feel that way with my 9 year old. We don't have any filters so my son has occasionally ended up on some sites he wasn't prepared for so having me close by was helpful. Its also nice when he is doing research/homework. I can keep cooking and still be close enough to answer questions, help with formulas, etc

[meemee]

depends on how much YOU use the computer. 

in our house a second was a godsend. 

dd and i prefer the laptop because of the flexibility it gives us. however i would agree. a good one rather than a cheap one is better.

dd loooooves making videos - so she gets to use the expensive laptop way more and i use the little notebook. 

the call on safety. well depends on your stepchildren. kinda. i mean my dd has been handling electronics since she was 3. she was just that child who didnt drop or spill anything on the video camera or digital camera. so i trust her with 'my' stuff not others. 

however both having their own laptops is a bit much. if you have a game system. otherwise them having access to computers would probably mean less headache for you. 

scheduling for a computer is really tough if everyone is a high user. even with just two people on the computer. 

[muldey]

My mom and I just bought my 2 dc,ages 9 and 12,their own laptops.I got mine last year and love it.The family computer is a Windows Vista that has turned into a slow,full of viruses mess,so it was time for a new one.We got them on sale at Best Buy for $300 each(mine was a Walmart black friday $298 special),and it's been great.No fighting.There are rules.I prefer they use them at the kitchen table or somewhere where I can see what they are doing,usually it's youtube for ds and itunes or facebook(mostly family) for dd so I'm not too worried.Right now the kids are in their rooms and dd's is on the counter,and ds's on the kitchen table.They both know if I find something inappropriate I will do something about it,either a filter or lose of the laptop.Dd's been great with electronic stuff for a while now(3 different ipods,none broken just upgrades,a cell phone) so I knew she was ready.Ds is autistic so it was a big decision to get him one as there is always the chance he'll get upset with it,but we've been talking about it and he's doing great so far.It all depends on the child.We did start with cheap laptops because it's all I could afford,and mine has been great so far and it's a cheap one too.Now if we could just get a router that can handle the traffic of so many computers and other devices!That's the only problem I have,is staying connected to the internet.