How to Buy the Best Laptop for Kids

Build a Friendly Tech Experience for Kids with Lenovo

When buying laptops for school children, most parents are looking for a quality laptop at a reasonable price with enough power and battery life to run the educational programs kids need for their lessons.

Since learning is widely based on technology, many schools, and even home schooling requires children to have a laptop, which can make learning easier. That is why getting the right laptop device for your kids is so important. It can make learning more fun and encourage them to participate more in school.

If you’re not sure about which laptop is ideal for your child, check out Lenovo.com’s extensive range of choices available to parents.

Factors to Consider when Selecting Laptops for School Children

If you want to protect your kids from information that is harmful to them while giving them a tech learning experience, there are a few factors you need to keep in mind.

• Programs It Can Run:

  The first thing you have to consider when choosing a laptop for your school-aged child is the programs that they will need to run. For this, you have to look at the processor and operating system to see how much it can handle. It's best to avoid laptops that run a variety of heavy games if you want them to concentrate on learning.

  The kid-friendly laptop should run functional programs that they would need to use in school like presentation and word processing software, apps for reading, dictionaries, and well-monitored internet.

• Durability:

  Accidents happen so you need to be ready. Choose a sturdy and durable laptop with more durable finishes will help handle some of the bumps. Our ThinkPad devices are MIL-SPEC tested so you get the perfect blend of value and durability when you purchase one.

  For extra protection, you can purchase lightweight laptop cases for the devices from Lenovo, so that the device stays protected all day.

• Price:

  The cost of kid laptop is also important. You don't want to buy something overly expensive in case it gets broken too early or offers too many functions that your child doesn't need. It's best to go for the affordable and efficient laptop choices that you can afford too, so set your budget limit before going shopping.

  You can keep your eyes peeled for discounts on these laptops, especially when you’re purchasing a laptop for kids’ school.

• Brand Reputation:

  Finally, you should keep in mind the reputation of that laptop in the hands of your kids. When it comes to this, you can go for the three recommended laptop series at Lenovo. You can also check for online reviews to see how the devices did when owned by kids.

  Keep in mind that when you buy your child a laptop or any other tech device, you should monitor the kind of information that they have access to. You can also restrict internet access and ask the school if they do the same.

  If you’re having trouble choosing the best laptop for children, we have narrowed down the pool of choices to some of the best, kid-friendly choices on Lenovo. This series has all kinds of laptops, and you can be sure to find those that meet the different factors we have explored above.

Buying a Laptop for Kids

Let’s face it: Computers are an integral part of the modern world.

And when it comes to kids and computers, it’s a natural if not necessary match. In addition to playing games or connecting with friends via social media, kids today use computers for everything related to education from doing homework to taking tests to communicating with teachers.

With more and more schools adding remote education and distance learning to their offerings, a computer is an important part of a young person’s life. In fact, young people often serve as a sort of informal tech support when it comes to keeping a parent’s computer up and running.

But when it comes to purchasing a computer for a child or high school student, the task may seem insurmountable. With hundreds of options what’s the right choice when it comes to choosing a laptop for kids?

While there’s no clear answer to that question, hopefully we can provide a road map that makes the process just a bit easier.

Choosing a Laptop for a Child

Clearly, the type of computer one might purchase will differ significantly depending on whether it’s for a 5-year old just beginning primary school or a teenager approaching high-school graduation (and preparing for uni).

When it comes to the younger group, factors that may influence your decision on a laptop for kids include the ruggedness of the machine. In the hands of a 5-year-old, the chances are good that a laptop will get bumped and jostles, especially if they’re going to be carrying it with them to school.

The ability to take advantage of parental controls will be an important factor as well. The Internet can be a wild (and unsavoury) place. Anything a parent can do to protect children while they’re surfing the Web can be invaluable.

And of course, price is a primary concern. With an increased chance of damage or loss that may come with entrusting a youngster with a laptop, it doesn’t make much sense to provide them with a high-priced machine that may end up getting dropped or suffer a soft-drink spill.

The first step, though, and the easiest to address, is the type of operating system running the computer.

There are three main types of computers from which to choose: Windows machines, Chromebooks or Macs, which run the Apple OS. Although Macs certainly have their advantages, with the lowest-price Mac, they’re probably not a good choice for a youngster.

Chromebooks are gaining in popularity in the educational market thanks to their ruggedness, low price and ease of use. The Chrome operating system is based on the same Chrome web browser you’re likely already using. Chromebooks come with minimal storage, with most files instead stored in the cloud via a service such as Google Drive.

Installing apps involves little more than a visit to Google Play or the Chrome Web Store. There, you’ll find hundreds of apps designed for kids ranging from games and social media apps to educational tools.

On the downside, Chromebooks can be slow when it comes to more resource-intensive programs. In addition, they aren’t compatible with Microsoft Office products, although the Chrome Web Store offers a number of comparable productivity tools. And of course, you’ll need to be comfortable with storing your files in the cloud.

The alternative is a Windows machine. Windows, of course, is the most popular operating system in the world today, running more than half of the computers around the world. It’s compatible with virtually every educational platform as well as most software packages.

When it comes to use by kids, Windows 10 S Mode is geared for the education market and includes security features such as the ability to block the installation of games and apps from the Microsoft Store based on their content ratings.

And both Chromebooks and Windows machines include parental controls that can be used to limit your child’s Internet browsing, preventing them from accessing objectionable material.

Lenovo Recommendations

To make the process of selecting a laptop for your child a bit easier, Lenovo has compiled a list of laptops to meet your needs.

Education Chromebooks - For the classroom and beyond

Trusted by teachers and students across the world, Chromebooks are fast, easy to use, secure and affordable. Access to the extensive library of apps in the Chrome Web Store and Google Play gives learners the tools they need for schoolwork, collaboration, and exploration.

The Chromebook series are powered by Google and are known for being very intuitive. These laptops allow you to be flexible with apps, so you can download as many kid-friendly applications that your child needs for learning. You can also add some fun apps for games and streaming movies. Since the laptops come in different sizes, you can purchase smaller ones for younger kids.

IdeaPad laptops - Windows laptops that empower students

Whether you're a K-12 student, heading to college, or making the lesson plans, these laptops are affordable, easy to use, and ready for the modern collaborative classroom. Plus, with a long-lasting battery and built-in speakers, these lightweight IdeaPads are a perfect entertainment center for those times when the kids are taking a break from their studies.

Lenovo ThinkPad E Series - Powerful processing, built for security and productivity

For precocious youngsters who need a bit more power, Lenovo’s ThinkPad line offers outstanding performance in a lightweight package.

Choosing a Laptop for Primary or High School Student

When it comes to purchasing a laptop for a primary or high school student, the considerations are likely to be much different than those involved with choosing a laptop for a child in grade school. Although ruggedness certainly remains a factor, high schoolers (we hope) are likely to be more responsible and take better care of their computer.

The student’s needs will likely change as well. Although they’ll still need to be able to access educational platforms and use productivity programs, they may also need to perform more resource-intensive tasks such as computer coding or video editing.

High schoolers will face the same challenges as younger kids when it comes to remote learning. Although chances are the COVID-19 pandemic will subside at some point, schools are likely to retain their remote learnings programs for the foreseeable future.

At that age, students are more likely to engage in late-night study sessions with friends, so light weight and extended battery life are critical. Touchscreen capabilities and tablet functionality may be important as well.

Those students are also likely to use their laptops as an entertainment center, so factors influencing a laptop choice should include the ability to play music and watch videos, and maybe even play online games. As such, speakers and graphics capabilities are bound to be prime considerations.

Style can be important to teenagers, so the look of the device is also a factor. And because high school students are likely to continue their education after graduation day, the ability for that computer to serve as their go to device for uni should be part of the decision as well.

Lenovo Recommendations

Parents are likely to invest a bit more in a laptop for a high-school student. Here are some of Lenovo’s suggestions:

Education Chromebooks - For the classroom and beyond

Lenovo offers several Chromebooks suitable for high school students. Features available include touchscreen functionality and optional digital pens for on-screen writing and drawing.

Lenovo’s Yoga line - Smart and intuitive, with expert attention to design and detail.

The Yoga laptops are also widely compatible for all kinds of school uses. You can choose different kinds of laptops from the Yoga series, including those that can be transformed into a tablet and the slim, portable ones. If you’re getting a general laptop for your kid’s school use, you can decide to settle for a desktop computer from Yoga instead.

The latest Yoga devices combine innovative AI features powered by 10th Gen Intel® Core™ processing as well as Dolby Atmos sound, enhanced NVIDIA graphics and unique stylish cover designs.

Lenovo ThinkPad - Powerful processing, seamless memory and vast storage options

Offering a combination of performance and security, these powerful laptops are suitable for kids of any age. Plus, they’re light and slim enough to slip into a backpack for easy transport.

IdeaPad Laptops & Ultrabooks – laptops for any budget

Whether you are looking to stream your favourite movies, play your favourite games or get down to work, IdeaPad has a laptop for you with top-notch performance at a variety of price points.

IdeaPad Flex Series – Use as a Laptop or Tablet

Older school children would benefit from the IdeaPad Flex series, which is a collection of versatile, innovative, and durable devices. The IdeaPad Flex laptops can be transformed into a tablet, put in tent mode, or used in the traditional laptop sense. They also have long battery life that could last for the entire school day depending on usage and are designed to be used on the go, so they would come in handy during school trips.

The Bottom Line

More and more, the type of laptop a student uses will have a major impact on their academic success. In addition, that laptop will serve as an accompaniment to everything from enjoying a quiet night at home to connecting with family and friends.

To improve your children's learning experience and place them at the same level as their peers, you need to choose the best laptop for them. It might take a while to find the perfect fit, but it's important so you don't have to replace the device too early in the school year. It should match your kid's age, grade and also their hobbies so they have something to do apart from learning.

Remember to consider some important factors, especially the durability and performance of the laptop device. When choosing laptops for school children, you should also set your budget before checking out the series of devices offered by Lenovo. Luckily, we offer loads of discounts and high-quality laptops at cheaper and reasonable prices.

You can also purchase some important accessories that you might need for your children's laptops like the laptop case, screen protector, and more protective gears.

Parents seeking a laptop have dozens, if not hundreds of options, at their fingertips. Choosing the right laptop can be a difficult task. Lenovo stands ready to help!