Tablet Vs Netbook for Tweens

If you are considering a significant investment in a tech gift for your tween, there are a variety of options, more extensive every year given the advances in touchscreen technology.  If you are debating tablet vs netbook for tweens, there are some helpful considerations in narrowing your choices.

Affordable Meep Tablet for Tweens

Cost is a huge consideration when you are thinking about a tween tablet or a tween netbook.  Before the iPad was introduced, many parents hoped for the cheap netbook to be available as a holiday doorbuster.  The mini sized computers served as affordable alternatives to full laptops, easy to transport and fully functional.  I love my netbook as a portable device.  However, the entertainment value to my tweens is minimal when compared with other touchscreen devices.  A netbook for a preteen does provide compact computing.  However, a cheap netbook is limited in its usefulness beyond simple web browsing and game play.  Unless you are looking at the netbook for keyboarding skills and school curriculum, there isn't nearly as much appeal as there is with a tablet.

If you are intent on a netbook for a tween and if price isn't the biggest factor, I highly recommend something in a slightly larger size (11.6 inch screen) and with a larger amount of memory and hard drive space.  Acer dominates in terms of ratings, and the top rated choice at Amazon at this writing is its 11.6 netbook with 4 GB RAM and 500 GB Hard Drive. ( Acer Aspire One AO756-2808 11.6-Inch Netbook )  Less severe on the eyes and less frustrating with limitations on memory.  Only $350 in cost, it's going to be less frustrating.

Alternately, a full laptop in a 14.6 screen size may be a better choice for visual ease of use.

Tablets, though, provide Web browsing and game play, with tactile interaction making it much more appealing than a netbook for many preteen computer users.  If your tween likes games, apps on both iPad and Android tablets are primarily going to accomodate this need.  Further, the likeability combines with great affordability.  The Meep Tablet for a preteen is affordably priced at around $150.  Netbooks in this price range are going to be limited, but the Meep is a kid friendly device with great apps and parental controls built in.  The Kindle Fire is a 7" Android tablet in the $200 range.  These devices are much more user friendly than tween netbooks and the costs are much more budget friendly.  Ideally, many tweens would love to own an iPad, and with rumors of a 7" iPad tablet coming soon, it makes more sense to think about the iPad mini for your pre teen than to buy a netbook.  As a parent, I'd rather use a tablet than a netbook for research, and my main netbook use is for quick web browsing and composition on the road.  A tablet is more apt to meet entertainment and research needs without overly straining the eyes.

New Netbooks for Tweens in 2012

New netbook releases in 2012 are looking up, already, with the mid-January availability of a new Acer netbook choice in the under $300 price range. I'm on the hunt for a new, lightweight computer for our home, and this looks promising, with a reasonable price as well as increased storage. Whereas most previous netbooks for tweens, teens and others included a 250 GB harddrive, the Acer Aspire One AOD270-1679 10.1-Inch Netbook has a 320 GB hard drive, with 1GB memory. As a lightweight low cost computer, this is an excellent starter for a tween.

As always, I recommend with tweens that portable electronics include accident protection plans, simply due to the fact that tweens can be a little sporadic. One day, you're reliving the terrible twos, the next, you're sure that your tween is mature enough to handle the responsibility of a computer. It's those unpredictable days that cause me to consider an accident plan with my own children, as we've experienced some close calls. You will find the accident protection plans range greatly in price, and in some cases, aren't even offered.  When we researched a college laptop for my daughter, there were no accident protection plans available through WalMart, and Best Buy's plans at the time were pricey.  While we obtained a special deal at the time, I was unaware then of Amazon plans available, which are very affordable, and cover as much as 3 years' accident/drop/spill insurance.  This is definitely worth a look, if you are purchasing any electronics gadgets for tweens.

Netbooks for Tweens: Textured Casing with ASUS Eee PC 1008P-KR-PU37-PI

When you select a tech tool for a tween, sometimes color and style matter more to that young person than performance. Netbooks for tweens are outstanding choices for a few reasons, and color isn't the highest priority, of course, but it doesn't hurt if the design is attractive. This ASUS model in its Karim Rashid Design (Pink) is fun and different. It's a little higher priced than some of the inexpensive netbooks. However, as a netbook for a tween, it's a great choice due to more memory and ram than the cheapest models. Whereas most cheap netbooks have 1GB memory and 250 GB hard drives, this model has 2GB memory and 320 GB hard drive. This is more comparable with moderately priced laptops, and provides the tween with something that should last well through the teenage years.

The netbook doesn't include an optical hard drive, which means that it is ultra portable, and easy to transport whether to the library, or around the house. The size of a netbook is more suited to the tween, who can experience awkward moments with a full-sized laptop. More and more, the need for discs is becoming less necessary, and the need for mobility, more important. With any tween tech gadget, it's wise for a parent to consider investing in an accident protection plan. The awkward stage is one of lots of physical and emotional changes, and accidents may not be intentional, but they can be disabling to a tween computer.

Desktop Computer For a Tween

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.

Tablet and Netbook Combined: Inspiron Duo

***Images are Clickable for current Pricing and Availability at Amazon

If you are torn between a netbook and a tablet computer for your tween, think about the Dell Inspiron Duo, a sweet little netbook, which converts to tablet.  Duo provides a keyboard, for traditional computer use, and touch screen, which flips over to function as a tablet PC.  For a tween, this should go a long way, through most middle school and high school educational needs.  Further, with 320 GB Hard Drive, it exceeds most cheap netbooks.  Costwise, the Inspiron Duo isn't much more expensive than a 16 GB iPad 2.

Read the latest user reviews at Amazon...
At this writing, customer ratings average 4 out of 5 possible stars.
Reviews are at the bottom of the page, linked through the image above.

Colorful Netbooks for Tweens

Toshiba NB505-N508OR 10.1 Inch Netbook in Turquoise
Also Available in Blue, Brown, Green, and Orange

HP Mini 210 Netbook in Plaid
Also Available in Lavender Frost, Blue, Charcoal, Pink, and Red

Recent years have seen the incorporation of color into the plastic housing and casing of electronic devices, adding a little bit of fun to the various devices.  For tweens, this is a great element, making everything from iPods to portable DVD players a little brighter, more personal.  Read user reviews of HP colorful netbooks, and colorful Toshiba netbooks.

*** Images are clickable

Blue Netbooks for Tweens

ASUS Eee PC 1001PXD-MU17-BU 10.1-inch Netbook in Blue

HP Mini 210-2180NR Netbook in Blue

Pink Netbooks for Tweens

HP Mini 210-2160NR Netbook in Pink

ASUS Eee PC 1008P-KR-PU37-Pl 10.1 inch Netbook in Pink

Red Netbooks for Tweens

HP Mini 2210-2190NR Netbook in Red

Acer Aspire One AOD150-1920 10.1 inch netbook in Ruby Red

Green Netbooks for Tweens

Toshiba NB505-N508GN 10.1 Inch Netbook in Green

Samsung N220 Series 10.1 inch Netbook in Green

Purple Netbooks for Tweens

Acer Aspire AO532h-2254 Netbook in Amethyst Purple

HP Mini 210-2150NR Netbook in Lavender Frost

Tablet PC's for Tweens? What are the alternatives to the iPad?

Apple iPad 2 for your tween?
Are there some alternatives?

The most wished for item in Amazon's tablet computer offerings is...no surprise...the Apple iPad 2.  Many tweens have high hopes of owning the latests and greatest in tablet technology, and when it comes to tech gifts, it's often a battle to keep our budgets in check, with the costs of some of the most trendy gadgets tweens can find.  Nevertheless, there are plenty of tablet PC's out there.  Following, we will take a look at some of the bestselling tablets.


Amazon's top selling tablet is the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer:

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer TF101-A1 10.1 inch Tablet Computer
Click image for current pricing and availability at Amazon
Generally sells at $399.99, for 16 GB version, $499.99 for 32 GB version

• Operating System: Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) Platform
• Display: 10.1-inch WSVGA IPS capacitive multi touch display built with durable and scratch-resistant glass; 178° viewing angle(1280 x 800)
• Chipset: NVIDIA^® Tegra^™ 2 Mobile Processor
• Memory: 1GB DDR2
• Wireless: 802.11b/g/n
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR
• Storage: 16GB eMMC Flash (Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 32 GB (functionality requires future software upgrade)
• Camera: 1.2 megapixel (Front); 5.0 Megapixel (Rear)
• Speakers: SRS Sound
• Card Reader: Micro SD Card Reader
• Input / Output: 1 x Mini HDMI, 2-in-1 audio jack (head phone/mic-in jack), internal mic
• Battery Pack: 24.4 W/h Li-polymer battery (up to 9.5 hours)¹
• Dimensions: 10.67" x 6.89" x 0.47" –inches (W x D x H)
• Weight: 1.5lbs

Another top selling option:  Samsung Galaxy Tablet (wi-fi)

Samsung Galaxy Tablet with wi-fi
Retails at $349.99

• Android Froyo (2.2); CPU: 1GHz A8 Cortex Processor;
• Battery: Li-Polymer, 4000mAh
• Memory: 16GB Internal Memory; Up to 32GB Expandable Memory (microSD)
• WiFi: 802.11 a/b/g/n; USB 2.0; Bluetooth 2.1 Connectivity
• Audio: MP3, OGG, AAC, AMR-NB, AMR-WB, WMA, FLAC, WAV, MID, AC3, RTTTL/RTX, OTA, i-Melody, SP-MIDI
• Display: 7.0" WSVGA Display; 600 x 1024 Pixel Display Resolution; 3.54" x 6.05" Display Size; 16M TFT Display Technology
• Video: Codec: Mpeg4, H.264, H.263, Divx/XviD Format: 3gp(mp4), wmv(asf), avi(divx), mkv, flv

ViewSonic gTablet with 10" Multi-Touch LCD Screen, Android OS 2.2: 5th best selling tablet at Amazon

ViewSonic gTablet
$299.99

CPU: Nvidia Tegra 2 T20 Dual cortex A9(1Ghz) OS: Android OS 2.2

Browser: Android Browser Adobe Flash support

Video Support: MPEG-4/H.264/VC-1,1080P Multitasking Multitouch

Webcam No Phone support No I/O: 1 mini USB,1 mini HDMI Base Storage 16G

Expandable memory: Micro SD card slot support up to 32 GB Sensors

Superpad 10.2" Tablet PC, Google Android 2.1: 6th Bestselling Tablet at Amazon

Superpad 10.2" Tablet with Google Android 2.1
$199.99 (or less, on sale)

Product Features

• 10.2" Android 2.1 Tablet PC Touch
• Screen+WIFI+3G+GPS+Camera+HDMI+RJ45

Processor, Memory, and Motherboard

• Hardware Platform: PC
• Processor: Unknown
• Number of Processors: 1
• RAM: 256 MB
• RAM Type: DDR DRAM

Hard Drive

• Size: 2 GB

As tablet PC's go, they may seem a little bit pricey, compared with tween gadgets such as iPod Touch, and Netbooks.  As a parent of tweens, and an educator who has worked with this age group, as well, there are some definite concerns with this type of device.  My first reservation would have to do with judgement and responsibility issues.  This is a device that could be handled rather carelessly, to say the least, and if my tween were to use a tablet PC, it would be under careful supervision.  Even my most responsible tweens have had some mishaps.  Misplaced glasses?  Handheld gaming systems?  If you've experienced these with your tween, then it doesn't take much to think through the ramifications of such a mishap with an iPad, or any other tablet.  

On the other hand, when it comes to an iPod or smartphone, the size stresses my own eyes, and I don't like the idea of encouraging eye strain in my tweens.  Given the choice of an iPod touch, or an inexpensive tablet PC, I prefer the size of the tablet. 

8GB iPod Touch

If you are considering a tablet as a means of equipping your tween with an amplified ereader device, the cost of Kindle, particularly the Kindle with special offers, is much safer, should a mishap take place.

Kindle with Special Offers
The latest generation of Kindle choices
includes a basic Kindle, priced as low as $79.

In recent months, Amazon rolled out the new Kindle Touch, a touchscreen tablet ereader which also includes web browsing, email, and apps.  In conjunction with the announcement of Kindle Fire, a tablet that costs $199, the other members of the Kindle family have seen price adjustments.  The Kindle Fire promises to be a great tablet choice, at 40% of the cost of the most basic iPad.  There will be digital streaming of video and music, ereading (in color), web browsing, and android apps.

Meanwhile, in staying competitive, Barnes and Noble has introduced the Nook Tablet, costing $249, and has lowered the price of the Nook Color to $199.  The simple Nook Touch is now $99.


If you want more function than that of an ereader, a netbook is a great choice, and I'm much more comfortable with what I've seen in the ASUS versions.  Not to be handled haphazardly, of course, the ASUS netbooks still feel and appear as if they can withstand the close calls a tween will inevitably have.  Setting ground rules is essential, but I would prefer the combination of functions, size, and casing, to the fragility of a tablet.

ASUS EeePc 10.1 inch Netbook
$249.99 at Amazon

If you are intent on any tablet PC for your tween, serious discussion about responsibility is important, as well as protective casing.  An extended warranty is highly recommended for any tween device.