Laptop and Netbook Computers are popular gift ideas for tweens and teens, but the challenge of portable computers is the potential for dropping, and other damage. A drink, spilled on a keyboard of a portable pc, after all, could be destructive, whereas a spill on a keyboard of a desktop pc will only affect the computer. The desktop computer isn't likely to be dropped, either, being stationary in nature. Take a look at the protection plans on desktops, vs laptops, and this is reflected. Walmart, for example, prices protection plans on laptop computers twice as high as those on desktops.
Tweens and tech gifts can be a delicate balance of concerns...tweens can be a little bit awkward with portable devices, and even those who have a good sense of balance, and don't have trouble handling an oversized laptop, may have some difficulty in terms of attention and responsibility. My laptop has had some close calls in the hands of my tweens. As well, my tweens tend to be really absentminded, and we've had to deal with misplaced items of importance, a washed cell phone, and forgetfulness in a realm of matters. Do you want to invest in something that's easy to misplace or to damage? It's a consideration that is worth your attention. Add to that, the independence that a tween begins to exert in full force, and there's the risk or a portable computer being taken to school, against the rules of a parent.
Netbooks for tweens, or a laptop for a tween, aren't terrible choices, but there is a need to set guidelines for their use, and parameters for where they should be taken or not taken. A desktop computer for a tween makes it a little less challenging to keep track of that tween tech gift. At the early end of the tween age spectrum, especially that 9-10 phase, there really isn't a huge need for a portable pc, and a desktop computer is a great way to provide a personal tech experience, with parental controls firmly in place by nature of the system. Furthermore, there are often some really good bundle prices on desktop computers.
As your tween moves into the middle school environment, and begins to mature, you may find a portable computer is a great incentive to offer, as a result or reward for responsibility demonstrated: grades, faithfulness in homework, household chores, and behavior. In the meantime, a desktop computer is a great tween tech tool.
***Amazon has a helpful desktop computer finder tool, helpful in assisting you with finding what you are looking for.
