Kids Computer

[Autumn]

So I'm thinking of getting a computer for my 11 year old for Christmas this year. We do not have money to throw around, but i see it as a long-term investment, given he will be writing papers, web surfing, gaming, etc. for a long time, and currently just borrows my laptop.

I'm a little torn in that essentially I can get by with something very simple for web games, word processing, etc. We are not heavy gamers, don't do anything cutting edge, and he has a DS, Wii, and tablet he can use for gaming. However he does play Minecraft, Wizard101, League of Legends, Lego Marvel Superheroes all on my laptop. So in an ideal world I would get him something that made some gaming possible.

I am assuming I'll get a laptop for convenience and all but am willing to consider other ideas. Any ideas for a good computer for him, ideally as cheap as possible, but if it can allow some low end gaming that would be worth some extra.

[PilotMan]

If you don't mind going used you can get some pretty good stuff on ebay.

My 12yr old (11 when he bought it) son saved for a year and picked up this:

HP Probook 6460b Core i5-2520M 2.5GHz 4GB 500GB Intel HD 3000 Win 7 Pro. Laptop
( 271355836358 )


Add note


ITEM PRICE:US $259.00

It had a couple of letters on the keyboard and a cracked corner but it's run good for him and was a steal at that price. The seller took an extra $15 off for the keys since it wasn't listed on the sale.

Here is the seller he used:

HP, Compaq, Dell items in Laptop Essential store on eBay!

He games quite a bit. He upgraded the memory to 8 GB and only regrets that the laptop doesn't have dedicated graphics card. I told him he should expect 3 to 4 years out of it if he takes care of it. Plus you can buy a Square Trade warranty if you feel like you want to protect it.

Most of those laptops are business lease returns. They won't be great gaming but if you can find a Core i7 with a chunk of RAM you'd have a decent setup. I'm guessing you could find a deal or 2 in there.

I don't know what your price range is.


$419 gets you this with a dedicated graphics card and free shipping and should be good enough to keep up with technology for 3 years at least.

HP EliteBook 8540w Core i7 2 67GHz 6GB 320GB Webcam Win 7 NVIDIA Gaming Laptop | eBay

Type:	Notebook	Graphics Processing Type:	Dedicated Graphics
Brand:	HP	Memory:	6 GB
Product Line:	EliteBook	Hard Drive Capacity:	320 GB
Model:	8540w	Operating System Edition:	Professional
Operating System:	Windows 7	Country of Manufacture:	United States
Screen Size:	15.6"	Media:	DVD+/-RW
Processor Type:	Intel Core i7	Operating System ****:	Windows 7 Professional 64 Bit
Processor Speed:	2.67 GHz

[PilotMan]

Here's another one, 14in screen, slightly less specs, no dedicated card, $289.

HP ProBook 6460b Intel Core i5 2520M 2 5GHz 8GB 320GB Windows 7 Wireless Laptop | eBay

Type:	Notebook	Processor Speed:	2.5GHz
Brand:	HP	Graphics Processing Type:	Integrated/On-Board Graphics
Product Line:	ProBook	Memory:	8 GB
Model:	6460b	Hard Drive Capacity:	320 GB
Operating System:	Windows 7	Operating System Edition:	Professional 64 Bit
Screen Size:	14"	Country of Manufacture:	United States
Processor Type:	Intel Core i5 2nd Gen.	Media Drive:	DVD+/-RW LightScribe

[Barkeep49]

Speaking as Director of Technology for a school I would ask a few questions. Do you know what your child's school's plans are for 1:1? Many districts have either implemented a one device per child rule or are seriously considering it. If you are going to have to shell out a few hundred dollars for a chromebook (or iPad) in Middle School does that change this equation? If it's a Bring Your Own Device system does that change your plans at all?

And finally I would recommend not keep the laptop in your child's room. As with other digital devices (iPads, cell phones) the allure of the social, especially during the middle school age, can interfere with sleep and that's without even getting into the drama caused by current social media.

[Autumn]

Thanks, guys. We are not sure yet which middle school he's going to go to. One has iPads they use at school, the other I think gives out laptops but not until 8th grade? But you're right that I need to look into that.

That eBay store is a great source, thanks. I'd rather spend $250, but ideally want something that has at least decent integrated graphics. I'll take a look.

[Autumn]

I am so lost these days in the world of graphics. I have a Lenovo with integrated Intel HD 4000, and that is pretty much sufficient for what we do around here. I can run low end games for the most part. But I don't know what that is the equivalent to when looking at other graphics options. Is anything going to be better than that, or is there something comparable I should look at?

These Dells on that eBay store have NVidia NVS 3100M with dedicated 512MB Graphic memory. How would that compare?

[PilotMan]

Originally Posted by Autumn

These Dells on that eBay store have NVidia NVS 3100M with dedicated 512MB Graphic memory. How would that compare?

Just a quick look at notebookcheck.net shows that the integrated card is newer and will likely give you better results than that particular dedicated card.

NVIDIA Quadro NVS 3100M - NotebookCheck.net Tech
Intel HD Graphics 4000 - NotebookCheck.net Tech

[pink]

I feel like Detroit has a good shot at the bye if they stay healthy offensively. They have a good enough defense to make up for when the offense has off days and the offense is good enough that an off day is still probably going to result in 20+ points.

[Autumn]

Thanks, pink, that should settle the issue.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by pink

I feel like Detroit has a good shot at the bye if they stay healthy offensively. They have a good enough defense to make up for when the offense has off days and the offense is good enough that an off day is still probably going to result in 20+ points.

Originally Posted by Autumn

Thanks, pink, that should settle the issue.

[Balldog]

I'm in the same boat...I got 2 boys wanting laptops to play Minecraft. Completely lost on what is needed!

[PilotMan]

What did you end up getting Autumn and was it what you were looking for?