Last Minute Gadget Gifts

If you've procrastinated, or if you've waited to Christmas shop due to budget issues, one of the most helpful services in the area of tween gadget gifts is the ability to order online and pick up in-store. We used this service in the last year on a couple of occasions, with Best Buy, and it worked perfectly. Being an hour away from our nearest Best Buy, it's not a good feeling to go looking for something, only to find that it's not in stock, or that the last one just sold. With Best Buy's service, you can order and pay online, and pick up in store. You will have to go through a verification process, to make sure that the item is in stock at your store, or to find which local stores have the desired gadget. Further, you will need to bring identification, along with the credit card used to make the payment. If you are looking for that hard-to-find tech item for your tween, during the holidays, or on another occasion, this is one of the most useful services, in terms of saving time and frustration.

Learn more at the Best Buy website.

Black Friday Deals for Tweens

Black Friday Deals for Tweens are hot search items, and in your research, it's helpful to have references to previous years' deals.  This will give you an idea of what you can hope to find, though there's never a guarantee.  I like to keep past trends in minds as I think about Black Friday shopping for my tweens and teens.  Following are summaries of a few deals featured in 2011.  If you are looking into Black Friday deals for tweens for 2012, be sure to keep a look out here.



Black Friday, 2011


Thursday-Saturday Only: Dell Streak 7" Tablet, $149.99.
If your tween is wanting a tablet computer, this is one of the more budget friendly models.

Thursday-Saturday Only: Samsung Laptop with Pentium Dual-Core Processor, 320GB Hard Drive, 4GB Memory, $299.99.
If you want an inexpensive tween laptop, this is one of the best Black Friday laptop deals out there.

Thursday-Saturday Only: HP All-in-One Computer has AMD E-Series Processor, 4GB Memory, 1TB Hard Drive, $399.99.
If you need a stationary computer system, safe from tween mishaps that may be more common with portable computers, then you won't want to miss this bundle!

Thursday-Saturday Only: $20 Off Any $100 iTunes Gift Card.
If your tween is all about his or her playlists and tunes, then this is one of the best deals of the season.

Thursday-Saturday Only: Xbox 360 250GB Holiday Bundle with Fable III and Halo: Reach, Only $199.99.
If you are looking for a great deal on Xbox, this is it.

Thursday-Saturday Only: $60 Off LP Aspire Cajon.
Do you have a musical tween, who always moves to his own beat?  A Cajon is an outstanding musical instrument, a sit-on drum in the form of a box, which the player beats with the palm of his hand while seated.  Very cool, and very unique!

Thursday-Saturday Only: Great Digital Camera and Camcorder Deals.
If you have a tween who loves to borrow your camera, or camcorder, then it may be high time to find an entry level model as a holiday gift.

Thursday-Saturday Only: Free $50 Gift Card with Apple iPod touch 8GB MP3 Player.
This is potentially the best deal you'll find on an iPod Touch, with the $50 gift card making the net value of the iTouch package $150.  This is a great tablet alternative for a tween, and will provide a multitude of uses!

Thursday-Saturday Only: 60% Off Skullcandy Ink'd Stereo Ear Bud Headphones.
If you are picking up earbuds, this is a great deal, and much better than everyday cheap earphones.

Portable Video Devices for Tweens: Portable DVD Players vs. iPod and iPad

Less than a decade ago, portable DVD players were all the rage.  The prices were slightly steep, and the Black Friday crowds were fanatical about getting them at a discount, with some serious repercussions for those who were shoved around in the crowds.  As time has progressed, these have become favorite travel accessories for families with kids, and tweens, in particular, have enjoyed the personal viewing afforded by the compact systems.

Yesterday, my tween son commented that he thought DVD would go the way of VHS tapes, though, and with digital video incorporated into so many more tech devices, I think he's right.  iTunes makes it possible to rent or buy movies, music videos, and television episodes for use on the home computer, the iPod, or the iPad.  Companies like Netflix have made it possible to access an account from these same devices, and with a subscription to their instant viewing, it's possible to skip the DVD process in great part.  Youtube has also played a big role, providing a mountain of digital video material, although one might exercise caution in permitting a tween to access the medium of viewing, as there is definitely some offensive material out there. 

If you are thinking about a portable DVD player as a gift for your tween, it's important to consider the motivation in doing so.  A good sale may be your reasoning, in which case, by all means, go for it.  Don't get trampled in the process! 



On the other hand, if you are looking for usefulness in your choice, you may want to consider how much your family is currently using DVD as a viewing option.  If you are more prone toward streamed video, or have ditched your Netflix DVD option, then that portable DVD player may become a piece of clutter rather quickly.  While iPod touch is a bit pricier than the DVD device, it will have multiple uses.  Even more, the iPad 2 (read about pros and cons of iPad for a tween) will have a multitude of uses for the tween. 

Instant Streaming of Video from both Netflix and Amazon Video on Demand
along with other apps, make this 22" Vizio a multi-use alternative to a DVD player.

Even now, many of the televisions produced are including apps and wireless connectivity, making the access of videos and movies possible in a static setting.  Don't be surprised if those with an understanding of parents' challenges on road trips develop some streaming video products for the vehicle.

iPod Touch Facetime: Tween Communication Device

The latest generation of iPod Touch includes a function called Facetime.  This is a really interesting function, in that it permits visual calling and interaction with other Facetime capable tech tools from Apple, including:   new generations of iPod touch, iPad 2, iPhone 4, or Mac.

If you don't want the responsibility of a phone for your tween, or if you have concerns about monthly costs of a phone line, this provides an intermediate communication source.  In our household, for example, we already have the max number of phone lines for our cell phone plan.  Our tween daughter having a cell line isn't an option.  However, the idea of iPod Touch for this tween is a great way to bring her close to the point of having a cell phone, without the monthly commitment of a new phone plan. 

A wifi connection is necessary for utilizing the Facetime function of the iPod, making the use limited to home wireless networks, or to wireless hotspots out and about.  More and more, these hotspots are available in public places, but they aren't everywhere, so Facetime will be restricted to use in compatible locations.  It's not a full fledged phone, by any means, but is a step in that directions, for a tween. 

iPod Touch provides a host of other functions, and is a much less expensive alternative to expensive tablet computers.  Apps, touchscreen interaction, and the sleek appearance are all attractive features of the iPod Touch, from a Tween perspective.  The iPod Touch functions not only as an iPod music player, but also as a limited use phone, camera and video recorder, calculator, calendar, ereader, web browser, entertainment center, and educational tool.  You really do get a good variety of relevant tech tools for your tween, at a great price.

Price Drop on Nintendo 3DS

If your tween's wishlist includes Nintendo 3DS this year, then you will be thrilled to know that beginning August 12, 2011, Amazon will have the handheld gaming system priced at $169.99, an $80 drop from the introductory cost of $249.  This is great news in a tough economy, and given the trends of Nintendo over the past 2 decades, when a newer system is decreased in cost, there is often a trickle down effect seen in less high tech gaming systems.

For example, the entrance of Nintendo DS into the market coincided with lots of great Black Friday sales, many door busters, in fact, of the Gameboy systems.  Popular tech gifts for tweens, since my early teaching days, I've seen the adjustment of price to coordinate with cutting edge alternatives being made available, and really appreciate this.  If you need a less expensive type of Christmas gift, watch for some great prices on the already lowered DS Lite, and perhaps on other Nintendo DS products as well.  Check out the latest on Amazon's Nintendo pages.

Is iPod Shuffle Enough for Your Tween?

The varied styles of iPod for teenagers and tweens are significantly different in terms of space for music and other media.  The least expensive of the iPods is the shuffle, and while the price is attractive, at less than $50, you will want to evaluate the media storage needs of your tween. 

My tween son has used his Playstation for listening to music in the past couple of years, but had complained recently that he couldn't store very much music.  Money was stretched, and the iPod shuffle was in reach, so we picked out a blue shuffle, with 2GB storage space.  Following are the pros and cons of the iPod Shuffle for a Tween.

Space:  There is more space on the shuffle, but there are limits.  My son's shuffle holds around 300 songs , but the library of music available is much more than this.  He has to make choices, and that means more frequent synching of his iPod.  For the tween, it will take a little time to get used to how to handle iPod synching.  In all, my son is pleased that he has so much more music for listening on his portable device. 

Control:  The iPod Shuffle does just that:  shuffles.  Music is played in random order, and there are no screen controls to indicate what is being played.  There is software to update, which allows your tween to hear the artist and title of a song at the beginning.  My teenagers prefer their iPod Nanos, which have screens, and touchscreen interaction, for selecting playlists, songs, artists, and other activities.  The iPod shuffle, on the other hand, is much more limited in use. 

Cost:  The iPod Nano ranges from $135 to $165 for the most current generation, which is a reasonably good price for the 8 and 16 GB models, given that a couple of years ago, the 8 GB Nano was about $150, and the 16 GB model, nearly $200.  The iPod Shuffle, with 2 GB memory, is just under $50.

Colors:  Both Nano and Shuffle come in a variety of colors, which are great for tween interests.  This is also great for parents, in that it's easy to keep track of which device belongs to whom.  Shuffle is available in silver, blue, pink, green, or orange.  Nano is available in these same colors, and additionally, graphite.

Charging:  Shuffle charges through the earphone insert, and doesn't, therefore, dock with many of the devices that accomodate Nano.  Therefore, you will need to keep this in mind if you are searching for a speaker system to go along with your tween's iPod.

In all, the Shuffle was well received, as it was a huge improvement from the previous listening means.  In fact, my tween daughter has added Shuffle to her birthday wishlist, at this point. 

Tween Electronics: Should I Buy the Extended Warranty?

My tween son saved for two years, and found a deal on his Sony PSP.  We suggested strongly that he pay a little extra for the extended warranty.  His friend had already encountered mishaps, so it didn't take much convincing.  Nearly two years from the purchase, his device started to have problems.  When we returned to the retailer, they replaced the PSP with a comparable model, free of charge.  We even had the opportunity to warranty the new device.  My son thought it was going to be sent away and repaired, so he was elated at the way this turned out, and he learned the value of getting that extra bit of insurance on his electronic device.

If you've spent time around tweens, you know that they can be absentminded, and you know that they can be careless.  Has your tween lost a cell phone?  Or worse, washed it?  One of mine has done both.  Has your tween misplaced a gaming system?  More than one of my tween kids has done this.  Has your tween accidentally (or purposely) slammed the lid of a laptop shut?  Or dropped it?  If it's portable, electronic, and/or fragile, trust many tweens to find the limits.  Warranties are wise with tween devices, if the cost is reasonably high.  With cell phones, insurance policies are potentially wise investments, but there are some alternative thoughts.  Read more about cell phone insurance alternatives.

Electronic Music Gifts for Tweens

The tween years are prime for developing a tween's interest in musical instruments or vocal music.  Middle school is generally the point at which band and chorus become elective choices in school, and private music lessons, as well, become more productive.  For the tween who has an aptitude for, or interest in, music, there are some great ways to allow some exploration with electronics.

Electronic keyboards have been available for a long time, and a decent beginning keyboard is affordable, for providing the opportunity to tinker a little bit.  Likewise, electronic drum pads are available for the child who seems to constantly move in rhythm.  Parents can appreciate the opportunity for kids to explore, and practice, while using earphones!  The tween who is interested in guitar can find an inexpensive acoustic guitar, but there are also electric acoustic guitar sets, sold with amps and instructional materials, which can provide an interesting way to explor the guitar.  For the tween vocalist in training, there are karaoke systems which range greatly in price from ultra-affordable, to elaborate.  For the tween who just loves to play music there are some DJ type systems available in the $50-100 price range.

ION Audio iCUE3 Discover DJ System
Image is clickable, for current Amazon pricing and availability

For the musically inclined middle schooler who wants to try all sorts of music, there can be an inexpensive solution via Wii Rockband, with electronic drums, guitar, and microphone coordinating with Wii's activity based video gaming.

Wii Rockband System

Cost Effective Computers for Tweens

Things have come a long way in a decade, when it comes to computer choices for families, and to computer prices for families.  In the early days of personal computing, a decent system cost a pretty penny...we spent well over $2,000 for our first system, with a 3GB hard drive!  That's laughable, now, as even the simplest mp3 players surpass the storage of that early device.  4 years later, the expenditure for a much better system was half as much.  In the most recent years, great deals abound year round, with the very best coming at back to school time, and on Black Friday, where the relationship between price and hard drive space are even better.


Whether you are searching for a cheap computer for your tween, or just trying to keep your costs low as you find a durable, quality computer, it's good to have this perspective on the improvements that have been seen over the years.  The next thing to keep in mind is the goals for that computer.  Are you looking for an educational computer for your tween to use in doing school research, learning games, and word processing?  Are you looking for something that will adapt to complicated gaming?

As a parent, I don't like to encourage much computer game play, and so our household needs won't entail the kind of memory needs that some of the popular pc gaming entails.  I do like to allow puzzle games, and a little bit of free time on the computer, but my preference for gaming is in the context of educational venues.  At this stage, a slightly outdated pc still handles the needs of the kids in the house, including the tweens.  The low cost systems sold during a Black Friday or Back to School sale are sufficient for most educational needs.  Look for bundled deals which include monitors and printers, to make the most of sales, as both of these components have a tendency to wear out within a couple of years of use.  If the cost is affordable, keep the upgrades in mind, as bigger screens, more memory, and such features are most likely to be big draws.

A desktop system is a good choice for a computer system to be shared by a family, including a tween, and is a great way to curtail activity, while keeping tween computer time to a limit.  Parental oversight, not the favorite of the tween, is important, and much easier to handle with a centrally located desktop pc for tween and family. ( Read through the list of Amazon's best selling desktop computers, and find customer reviews.)

All in One systems are space savers, and still provide a central computing experience.  Again, the deals are going to be best on these during the post-Thanksgiving shopping of Black Friday, and during the Back to School promotions of July and August.  It's wise to spend extra for extended warranties on such a system, as the failure of one component affects the entire unit. The HP Omni, shown at left, has outstanding reviews at Amazon, and the space saving design, along with the serious work environment the desktop creates, are great features, whether in a tween pc, or a family pc.  Comparing the cost of a desktop and monitor, sold separately from each other, this example is very cost efficient.

Touchscreen computers for tweens are attractive, for the additional interactivity, but may be on the pricey side, if you are looking for a cost cutting tween computer choice.  Tablet PC's for tweens are great as an additional educational tool, but as a main computer, not the best selection.

Laptop computers are popular for all who use computers, and give a mobility that a desktop does not.  If you are interested in a cost effective tween laptop, then keep the size of the laptop in mind.  A 17" laptop has a great screen size, but is awkward for a tween to handle.  Fortunately, the relationship between price and size is usually comparable, and as screen size decreases, so does the price.  14-15" is a better handling size, if your tween will be moving about with his or her computer.  With electronics for tweens, sometimes the small sizes cause concern for parents, with regard to eye strain, but in this case, smaller tween electronics are less likely to be dropped or damaged.  Beyond this, a laptop usually includes a dvd drive, perfect for educational disks to be incorporated into tween learning.  Again, there are frequently great deals all year long, with plenty of drive space and memory.  Watch for some especially good deals during Black Friday sales and Back to School promotions. (Find Amazon's list of current bestselling notebooks and laptops.)


For the household on an extremely tight budget, a netbook is a great tween pc choice, as the memory and storage are reasonable, while prices are also reasonable.  Come Black Friday, many people speculate that there will be huge deals, even $100 netbooks, featured in the sales circulars.  However, the only ones that have broached these low price levels in recent years have had very low memory and hard drive capacity, and have been off brands.  Though price is important, it's not a great investment to purchase such a deal if it won't serve your needs.  Comparatively speaking, most brands of netbooks have basic models at the $250 price range, with plenty of memory and hard drive space.  These won't serve the needs of the pc gamer, per se, but will be more than adequate for a tween's base educational use, including the ability to incorporate Microsoft Office software, and to handle other relevant research.   The ASUS featured at left has 250 GB Hard Drive, and 1GB memory, expandable to 2 GB...equal to the capacity of my 4 year old desktop, and a fourth of what the desktop cost at the time.  If you are looking for the most cost effective computer for your tween, a netbook is going to save quite a bit of money, and should last through much of the child's public school education.  It's wise to invest a little bit of the savings in an extended warranty, as accidents can happen with any tween electronic device, more so if it's a portable gadget.


If you are looking for a supplemental computer for your tween, a tablet pc for your tween may be a great choice.  For my thoughts on tween tablet pcs, check out the following posts:

Pros and Cons of iPad for a Tween

iPad for Kinesthetic Learners

Alternatives to iPad:  Tablet PC Choices for Tweens

iPad for Tweens: Pros and Cons

As a parent, it doesn't take much of an internet search to recognize that tweens love tech gifts and tech gadgets, and that iPad is one of the top tech gadgets for tween wish lists.  Some of us may look and think that it's a pricey toy.  Others of us, fans already of iPhone and other touchscreen devices, may think more in terms of the educational value.  No, it's not likely that our middle schoolers are thinking that their tween iPad is going to help them excel in school.  However, if the tween thinks that this argument will achieve the end result, don't be surprised at their pulling it out!

Apple iPad 2 Tablet:  Newest Model
16 GB WiFi, White
Click Image for Further Detail

On the positive side, iPad, and other touch screen tech gadgets, incorporate multiple learning modalities:  tactile, or kinesthetic learners have a hands on device, which taps into their active learning style, one that is very difficult to teach to in traditional classroom settings, and even more so in upper grades.  Auditory and visual learners, as well, are able to use the iPad in ways that work with their preferred means of learning.  If any educational device meets all of these modalities in one place, it's the iPad. 

Apple iPad (first generation)
32 GB Black, Wifi
Click Image for Further Details

App development for touchscreen devices has multiplied monumentally, and whether your child is interested in the solar system, or in learning Spanish, the iPad has apps for these areas.  Math quizzes, strategy games, graphing calculators, and more...there are a multitude of inexpensive, or free apps that meet educational needs, both generally and specifically.

Apple iPad 2
64 GB Wifi and 3G
Click image for further details.

iBooks provides access to ereading, and Kindle and Nook both have apps for iPhone and iPad, as well.  The iPad provides access to multiple ereader formats, and though much more expensive than a Nook or Kindle for a tween, is much more versatile.  If you were to purchase an iPod, a netbook, and an ereader, you would easily spend as much, or more, than you would for the most basic iPad.  From that perspective, iPad can be an outstanding investment.  Refurbished versions of the early generation iPads can be purchased at prices that take some of the sting out of the investment.  Newer versions are great, as well, and Apple has a track record for continually improving and re-defining already successful technologies.  Tween iPad use is a good means of getting some informal education into your middle school student's recreational activities.

On the down side, tweens can be somewhat irresponsible with technology items, and you really need to evaluate your tween's behavior and responsibility.  An iPad in a tween backpack is scary enough (the abyss of the middle school backpack is downright frightening!)...but when a tween takes a tech item to school, trouble is bound to happen...anything from confiscation by a teacher, to theft by a classmate, to damage in mishandling.  You must set groundrules with a tween iPad owner, and you must be prepared to impose consequences for infractions. 

Otterbox iPad Defender Case in White/Blue
Click image for further information.

Protective enclosures are advisable for the tween iPad owner, and Otterbox is a very good choice, in terms of their protective covers.  Double protection, with a silicone outer shell to absorb shock upon impact, combined with an inner hard case, makes Otterbox doubly protective.  Tweens can be a little clumsy with belongings, and if another iPad isn't affordable, you want to go out of your way to assure the safety of the one you select.

Be sure to check out user reviews of iPad 2, with a variety of insights into the use of the popular tablet pc.

Supplementing Middle School Academics: Tween Computers?

With finances tight for many households, it seems tough to keep up with technology.  On the one hand, as advances in development happen, prices decline for more outdated products, and many of those so called "Outdated Products" are light years beyond the dinosaur computers of a decade ago! Costs aren't as prohibitive, but getting the best return on your technology investment is important. 

Desktop computers are priced to sell, in many cases, and are especially cost effective during back to school sales, and during the Black Friday blitz in late November.  Plan for either of these time frames, to get the best package.  Do your research on Black Friday discussion boards so you have an idea of previous years' offerings.  The last few years, I have seen huge speculations about $100 netbooks, but the only netbooks that come close to that price range tend to be insubordinate models, and really won't grow very far with your tween.  Basics will be able to be accomplished, but netbooks have advanced so well in recent years, that the $250 range can purchase a nice piece of equipment, suited to most school needs for the middle schooler. 

Laptops are often desired, but caution is suggested in terms of size.  Middle schoolers, and younger, will have a little trouble handling a larger laptop, so sticking with a smaller size, 14-15 inch, is advisable. 

If your budget isn't super stretched, and you can afford to spend more, there are lots of fun options, including colorful tween netbook computers.  Likewise, all in one and touchscreen computers are great options for enhancing your middle schooler's research options.  Tablets are also great computing options, with multi-modality benefits for all major learning styles.  Everything boils down to budget, interest, and goals.

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

Tween iPod Choices: Nano vs. iPod Touch

Apple products are very much a favorite with tweens and teens, particularly in the last several years with the continued improvements to the top selling mp3 players, iPod and iPod touch.  There are many factors to take into consideration, as you consider which iPod to purchase for your tween, as both the iPod Nano, and the iPod touch, are quality devices.

Cost may be your deciding factor, as the Nano is the less expensive option of the two.  You can purchase the 8GB iPod nano for approximately $135, and the 16GB iPod nano for $165 (scroll over/click images below for current pricing at Amazon).

8GB iPod Nano

The iPod touch, meanwhile, ranges from $210 for the 8GB model, to $275 for the 32GB model, to $365 for a 64GB version.

32 GB iPod Touch

Cost not withstanding, some of the other considerations you may want to take into account, when it comes to an iPod for your tween, will be the use of the device.  While the iPod nano is less versatile than the iPod touch, this can be a great thing for a tween.  Most parents can appreciate a tween's desire to listen to music, and there is nothing quite so great as being able to create custom playlists, and to organize one's music his own way.  Nano is fantastic to this end.  So is iPod touch.  However, with tweens, it's good to limit the technology, to some degree.  While iPod touch has additional use as an internet browser, and has lots of games, calculator and dictionary apps, movie viewers, and even ereader apps, this all can be very distracting to the tween.

Tweens can be very undisciplined and disorganized.  I've raised several, and taught hundreds.  Parents really need to be in charge of technological access, and the disorganized tween will not improve with unrestricted access to a multi-use device.  As a parent, I prefer the Nano to the iPod touch, because my tweens can enjoy their music, and personalize their listening experiences, but don't cause me frustration in neglecting school work, and other responsibilities, as I feel they would if they had something more involved.

On the other hand, the older tween can make good use of the apps available for an iPod touch.  If your tween has demonstrated self-control, and the ability to manage his or her time well, the iPod touch is a versatile tool.  As a parent, if you decide to give your tween an iPod touch, be sure to continue supervising its use, and restrict the use of the iPod if grades slide, or chores are neglected.

Your tween will have his or her own preferences.  However, parental determinations will be the final deciding factor.  Emphasize responsibility, regardless, as an iPod is a significantly priced tool.

Read more about the various iPod choices, as they relate to tweens.

Netbooks for Tweens

While netbooks have been on the market for several years, the netbook of today is already much more advanced than those of a few years ago.  The memory used on netbooks has expanded, and current netbooks generally come with the latest Windows operating systems, whereas the first netbooks were restricted to an older verison. 

Additionally, style has become integral in the latest netbooks, with colorful options.  Size is compact, but not nearly as small as some of the handheld gaming and mp3 devices.  When you consider a technology gift for your tween, a netbook permits ereading, as well.  The portability makes it possible for your tween to find a comfy spot to do school research, and netbooks have become popular school computing solutions in many households, where funds are limited, but access to technology, important.  

I find that a full sized laptop is awkward for my tweens and teens to handle, and we have had some close calls when it is in use.  A netbook is much more suitable in size, and perhaps, just a bit safer when it comes to mishaps.  If you will need to load information from  or to a DVD-rom or CD-Rom, you will need an external hard drive.  However, many netbooks are coming with software for Microsoft Office, and other software, pre-loaded;  all you need to do is enter a product key.  If you have already purchased Office for students, to use on another computer, your product key will allow its use on another device, up to the number of permitted devices per purchased program.  What a nice convenience.

Many top names in computer products produce netbooks, including Dell and HP.  However, Asus and Acer have really focused in on the platform, and have the most economical options.  In fact, the most gifted netbook on Amazon is the ASUS Eee 10.1 inch Netbook, with 1 GB memory, and a 250 GB hard drive.

Asus EEE PC 1001PX-EU27-BK
Most gifted netbook at Amazon:
Click image for current pricing details.

ASUS EEE PC 1001PXD-EU17-BK
This 10.1 inch netbook is the more recent version of the
Asus netbook shown above, available in Black, Blue, and White.
Click image for up to date pricing.