Whether you’re purchasing a laptop for your own little one or for students that you teach, choosing the best laptop for children presents some unique challenges; particularly because children tend to be a bit “rougher”. With that said, when it comes to choosing the right laptop for kids, durability is one of the primary factors that should be taken into consideration. Additionally, you’re probably going to want to choose something that doesn’t have a high price tag, just in case an accident occurs and the device needs to be replaced. Furthermore, the physical size of the computer is important, as you want to ensure that it’s easy for little ones to handle; if it’s too big and bulky, the chances of it being dropped will certainly increase. Of course, performance is another key factor that should be considered, as you want to ensure that it will meet the digital needs of the user.
Features to Consider
Examples of some of the key features to consider when you’re shopping for a laptop for younger children include the following:
- An impact-resistant frame
- A spill-proof keyboard
- Tamper-proof keys
- Lay-flat hinges
- Parental control features, such as the ability to set limits on screen time usage and content filtering
- Automatic security updates
If you’re looking for a laptop for an older child, things like rubber bumpers likely aren’t going to be a top priority. Instead, features like security, performance, and speed, as well as price, are more likely to be your main concerns. Of course, you also want to ensure that the device offers the right type of specs to allow for multitasking.
For children of all ages, the best laptops will boast a powerful processor, as well as an adequate amount of memory to allow for faster and smoother performance while the user is browsing the web, switching between apps, running complicated applications, and even participating in online classes.
Leapfrog 2-in-1 Leaptop Touch
Leapfrog is one of the most trusted names of children’s electronics, and their 2-in-1 Leaptop Touch is no exception. This laptop features a 2-in-1 design, so your little one can use it to learn their numbers and letters while also playing fun games and listening to fun songs in either laptop or tablet form. The keyboard features numbers 1 through 10 and all 26 letters of the alphabet, so it can instil the basics of academics while also teaching your little one the basics of typing.
A built-in carrying handle makes it easy for tiny hands to handle so that they can play when they’re on the go; the pool is ideal for ages 2 and up. Rounding out the features that make the 2-in-1 Leaptop Touch a great choice is the 5 learning. There are five learning modes to choose from, too, including messages, games, music, letters, and numbers.
VTech Brilliant Baby Laptop
If you’re on the market for a laptop for the littlest of learners, check out the VTech Brilliant Baby Laptop. It was specially designed for boys and girls as young as 6 months of age, so you know it’s durably designed.
The light-up backlit screen allows for vivid viewing. A movable mouse and 9 colourful shape buttons further add to the interest of the VTech Brilliant Baby. The VTech Brilliant Baby Bump also features music, shapes, and animal modes, and since it’s made specifically for children, it’s also very ruggedly designed.
Amazon Fire
The Amazon Fire has long been a popular choice among adults, but it’s also very suitable for children. It comes with an Amazon FreeTime Unlimited, which is good for one year and includes videos, apps, games, digital books, and educational information from well-known channels that are very popular with kids, like PBS and Nickelodeon, which young learners will be sure to find both informative and entertaining. The Amazon Fire is pre-loaded with a large library of Spanish books, apps, videos, and games, which is ideal for native Spanish speakers, bi-lingual children, or if you are interested in teaching your children or students a second language.
The Amazon Fire is equipped with built-in parental controls that parents can use for a variety of purposes, including entering and monitoring their children’s educational goals and setting daily screen time limits It comes in a durable case, too, which can stand heavy use and the wear-and-tear that children’s devices are often exposed to. All of these factors combined make the Amazon Fire a super child-friendly laptop.
Hack Computer
Next up on our list of the best laptops for children is the Hack Computer. This device is a simplistic, yet very efficient high-performance laptop that’s great for everyday use. Measuring 14 inches, the size is ideal for children, as is the durable construction.
What sets the Hack Computer apart from other laptops featured on this list is that it is designed to teach children how to code by allowing them to hack into operating systems, as well as games and apps. The best part is, there’s no need for previous coding experience. This is really handy, as it can help to set children up for a future career in coding, or at the very least, the information that they acquire from the Hacker Computer, little ones can use to develop a variety of things, such as their own games and apps. It also comes with pre-installed apps, which are designed to provide homework help, teach children coding tips and tricks, and of course, also allow them to surf the web, as well as play online games. The Hack Computer is recommended for ages 8 and up.
Kano PC Touch-Screen Laptop and Tablet
Rounding out our list of the best laptops for kids is the Kano PC Touch-Screen Laptop and Tablet. It’s a great combo device for children, from younger tots to adolescents, and it’s an excellent tool that can be used for learning both at home and at school. The Kano features a cool transparent back, so kids can see the parts inside that power the device, which can really spark curiosity and an interest in electronics and IT.
The Kano PC is pre-installed with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, 64GM eMMC storage, and 4GB of RAM. It also comes complete with Software Studio and is pre-installed with a variety of child-friendly apps that youngsters will enjoy using, ranging from educational games to music, and from animation to design.
Final Thoughts
All of the laptops featured on this list are designed specifically with children in mind. They’re durably constructed, are easy to use, and are pre-loaded with features that allow for both education and entertainment. For a great selection of affordably priced child-friendly laptops, head to PC International, where you’ll find a variety of options from the best manufacturers in the industry.