HACKER Q&A
📣 artur_makly

Would you get a laptop or desktop for a 9yr old?


I'm really on the fence on this. Here is my short-list of Pro/Cons:

>> LAPTOP PRO

— fluid ergonomics — These days our son uses our laptop usually on the couch, laying down. This is way more comfortable than sitting down. — mobility — Has the ability to take the laptop on a trip/plane

>> LAPTOP CON

— high risk for damage / delicate / low longevity — Because it is mobile it can risk damage during travel or just carrying it around.

— 2x LESS bang for the $ — He is a gamer and it would cost 2x more to get the same performance as the desktop

>> DESKTOP PRO

— 2x MORE Bang for the $ — — 2x larger Screen — Less Delicate

— More Parental Control — if I set it up in our living room, we can get a better sense of what he is doing.

>> DESKTOP CON

— rigid ergonomics —

He will be forced to sit still for 2-3hrs. ( im debating if this is a negative thing! ) but it will basically start him on a sitting habit very early in his development life. *Now, im thinking I can just setup a standing desk for him instead..which would tire him out quicker and reduce his usage. hmm

  👤 dusted Accepted Answer ✓
I'm debating this as well, mine is not 2 yet, but when the time comes.. I'm leaning towards a desktop, the ergonomics can be better (unless you consider a docked laptop) and while it's a larger machine, it exposes a bit more of the complexity, and it'll be easy for us to take it apart to see what's inside and make changes/upgrades. There's also less possibility that he runs out with it and looses it or has it stolen, those are things he will learn in time, but for starters, I'll go with a desktop..
👤 throwmagma
To me, your point on the desktop allowing better supervision is crucial. My son became obsessed with gaming to where he’d refuse to eat or do schoolwork. I’m not saying your son will react similarly, but I suggest you will want to correct that tendency if it appears.
👤 tony-allan
If it is an option for you, what about a tablet? Obviously depends on the needs of your 9yr old but certainly easier for a parent to manage.