It has been brought to my attention I need a computer, for the kids.

"XJDano" (xjdano)
10/02/2019 at 07:41 • Filed to: I don’t computer

I’ve been doing just fine with just a phone for quite some time. But my daughter in 1st grade is getting web addresses in her homework assignments.

Being a construction worker and not much need for internet access besides a smart phone I have no clue about current computers. I bought a MacBook around 2007 that no longer turns on and last I remember was super sluggish last time it was on, so I just put it on a shelf.

So what are the options? My budget is probably $200-300.

Scheduled post for morning, as I’m working nights

DISCUSSION (20)

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > XJDano
10/02/2019 at 07:42

A chrome book would probably get the job done for her on your budget.

McMike > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO
10/02/2019 at 07:47

Agree. Especially for a first grader.

jimz > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO
10/02/2019 at 07:47

Ditto, Chromebook. Just pick one, they’re almost all in your price range.

Funktheduck > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO
10/02/2019 at 07:52

I agree with chromebook.

404 - User No Longer Available > XJDano
10/02/2019 at 07:55

Chromebook or a used ThinkPad would take my pick.

Chuckles > XJDano
10/02/2019 at 08:00

Chromebooks are fine, but another good way to go is a refurbished laptop. A guy in my area buys computers from businesses when they are upgrading, wipes them, and resells one. I bought a laptop for my parents for maybe 250, and unlike a chromebook it came with windows and Microsoft office.

facw > XJDano
10/02/2019 at 08:18

So I agree with everyone else that a Chromebook will work fine here. The only thing I’d say is to be sure to get one with a 1080p screen, 1366x768 shouldn’t be inflicted upon anyone, even small children. Here’s a Lenovo ($269) for example: https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-Chromebook-MediaTek-Processor-81JW0000US/dp/B07GLV1VC7 , but there will be several around that price point (the lenovo is a little chunky). You could save more by going refurbished, but be aware that Chrome books have an expiration date so especially if buying something used, you’ll want to check that out: https://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/6220366

The alternative would be looking at r efurbished Windows laptops. Your budget would get you something decent from ~5 years ago, or something more recent but crappier. If you wanted to go that route, I’d recommend looking for something with a 1080p screen, 8GB of RAM and at least a 200+ GB SSD. For an elementary school student that will probably be more than they need though, but it would give you the flexibility to run more applications (I have no idea what the state of educational software is these days).

I do think you want a laptop at that price range, though you could go the refurb route with a Windows desktop as well. I think the only reason you’d want that for these sort of wimpy machines is if you wanted to make sure it was only used in the living room or whatever so you could keep an eye on where she was going on the internet.

ttyymmnn > XJDano
10/02/2019 at 08:32

Another vote for Chromebook. We bought one for about $250 for my highschooler. It works well for what he needs, which is basically Internet. All the teachers are using Google Classroom, Google Docs, Google this, Google that. The Chromebook interacts easily with all of that. We got an Acer with a touch screen that can fold back on itself into a tablet.

ttyymmnn > XJDano
10/02/2019 at 08:34

Also, where are you that Avengers fly by regularly?

CalzoneGolem > XJDano
10/02/2019 at 08:41

Got my daughter a Chromebook it has some limitations but it browses the web, social medias, connects to the google stuff they all use at school, and streams N etflix. If you want to edit video you’re out of luck, but it should do all your computer needs. It’s like having a big android phone in many ways and I believe they share some apps. The thing I like about it is we got one with an ssd so the only moving part on the whole thing is the fan which makes them pretty durable.

Thomas Donohue > XJDano
10/02/2019 at 08:59

FYI - Amazon has a sale today on Acer Chromebooks.

This one is $240 and has a 15" 1080p screen and decent specs.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

(links not working for me on Kinja but it’s under Todays Deals)

Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing. > XJDano
10/02/2019 at 09:07

Another vote for a Chromebook, especially at your daughter’s age.

My favorite source for old computer equipment right now is a recycling company called Didion Orf that’s actually pretty close to you, in St Peters I believe (right off Mid America Drive). They have mostly professional stuff out of corporate offices and not the consumer-grade crap, and they sell it basically for the scrap value. I’m sure you could get a pretty robust notebook that’s less than 5 years old for well within your budget. If you’re interested shoot me an email or text and I’ll connect you with my contact.

CobraJoe > XJDano
10/02/2019 at 09:36

Used is always an option.

I got a 2015 Lenovo Yoga with a core i5 off of ebay for under $300 earlier this year, and the regular laptops are often much cheaper.

Sometimes electronics recycling places sell refurbished computers too, one in our town has a load of laptops for under $100, all tested and plugged in so you can check them out in person.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > XJDano
10/02/2019 at 10:09

Our school also ASSumes everyone has a home computer.

They do however give adequate class time for kids to get their “homework” done in class and there’s always the option of the kids staying late to finish up homework.

Frankly, I don’t want my kids to have a computer/laptop/tablet at home. They can go to the library if they absolutely need a computer after school, otherwise they need to do their work in school.

Really quite disappointed that almost all school work is done on Chromebooks instead of actually having class assignments /discussions, it’s disgusting to me how wrapped up this society has become in screens.

404 - User No Longer Available > facw
10/02/2019 at 10:36

I find the insistence on 1080p seems blown out of proportion. 1366x768 or 1440x900 is perfectly fine for smaller (13" or lower) screens, especially for sub $300 budgets. It's only atrocious for larger screens.

facw > 404 - User No Longer Available
10/02/2019 at 10:55

1440x900 isn’t really offered anymore (and even 1600x900 is quite rare). 1366x768 is garbage (said as someone who has a 12.5" 1366x768 laptop from work.) I wouldn’t do 1366x768 on anything more than a 11.6" laptop. It’s just so absurdly low. I don’t buy into the idea that my phone really needs a 3040x1440 screen, but on a laptop, I think 1080p should be the minimum (my personal laptop is 3200x1800 on a 13.3" screen , which is quite nice, though 1440p probably would have been fine too, had that been offered ).

XJDano > ttyymmnn
10/02/2019 at 11:26

Kinja'd!!!

NHRA Midwest Nationals was last weekend at Gateway.

It was strange as it wasn’t part of any ceremony, it just flew by and left.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Thomas Donohue
10/02/2019 at 11:54

So, my family’s is the market, too. Looks pretty good! Think it’s pretty much the best I could get for the price, right now?

Thomas Donohue > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
10/02/2019 at 12:40

Admittedly I’m not a Chromebook expert, but those specs look pretty good for $240. SSD drive, touchscreen, USB-C ports (and USB-C charging!). The only drawback I saw in the reviews was that the trackpad was just OK, but you can get a $12 Bluetooth mouse.

I’d read some more reviews to make sure it’s what you’re looking for , and also confirm if you can return to Amazon within ~30 days if you’re not satisfied.

**There was also a refurb of the same item for $199, but I didn’t look at the condition.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Thomas Donohue
10/02/2019 at 13:18

This is one of those things that’s inexpensive enough that I don’t want to spend hours laboring over the purchase. Will do a little more digging, but not much!