Buying a computer for your child to learn coding can feel like navigating a tech jungle, especially if you’re not tech-savvy yourself. Don’t worry, we’ve got your covered! In this blog, we’ll break things down in simple terms to help you choose the right computer, whether it’s a laptop or desktop. Let’s dive in!
Your Budget
Your budget is the foundation of your decision, it will ultimately determine the specifications you can choose for your child’s computer. The good news is that with a little research and prioritising the right features, you can find a machine that offers excellent value for money.
The objective of this guide is to help you understand which components are worth investing in and where you might be able to save.
Ultimately, the goal is to help you get the best computer possible within your budget while ensuring it meets your child’s needs now and in the years to come.
Laptop or Desktop – Which is the Best?
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to buy a laptop or desktop.
Here are the main points to consider:
Laptops
- Pros: Portable, compact, and easy to use anywhere. Great if your child wants to take their computer to a different room in the house, their child minders or a coding workshop.
- Cons: Typically more expensive for the same specifications compared to a desktop.
Desktops
- Pros: Offer better performance for the price, are easier to upgrade, and work well as a permanent setup at home.
- Cons: Less portable and take up more space. Need a permanent home in the house, with a desk and chair. Not ideal for younger kids if you want to keep them within view.
Which is better? If your child will be moving around a lot, a laptop is the way to go. But if they’ll mostly code at home in one particular room, and you have the space for a permanent desk, a desktop can be a cost-effective option.
What to Look for in RAM (Random Access Memory)
RAM helps the computer run multiple programs at once without slowing down. For coding, you’ll need enough RAM to handle software like Scratch, Python, or even more advanced tools. Generally, the more RAM you can get within your budget, the faster the computer will run. Here’s a guide:
- 8GB of RAM: Ideal for most beginner and intermediate coding tasks.
- 16GB of RAM: Recommended if your child plans to use advanced coding tools or programs that require more memory, like game development or 3D design software.
Processor (CPU): How Fast Do You Need It?
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is like the brain of the computer. For basic coding, you don’t need the latest or greatest, but here’s a quick guide:
- Intel i3 or i5 (or AMD equivalent): Perfect for beginners and most kids learning to code.
- Intel i7 or higher: A good option if your child is interested in more complex tasks, like video editing or game development.
Bottom line, get as high a CPU as your budget allows.
Storage: SSD or HDD?
There are two main types of storage, SSDs and HDDs. Here’s what you need to know:
- SSDs (Solid State Drives): Fast, reliable, and help your computer load programs quickly. Great for coding.
- HDDs (Hard Disk Drives): Slower but cheaper, and they often offer more storage space.
What’s best for coding? An SSD is the better choice for a smoother and faster experience.
Which Operating System (OS) To Choose?
There are three main operating systems to choose from, depending on your budget and your child’s needs:
- Windows: A versatile option compatible with most coding tools.
- Mac: A bit pricier but user-friendly, and ideal for coding in Swift and some creative tools.
- Chromebook: A budget-friendly choice, perfect for beginners starting out. Ideal for accessing the web, watching things, and doing some basic coding like Scratch, Micro:bit and other basic coding programs. An idea choice if budget is tight, but if the price is close to a Windows laptop, I would choose Windows.
What’s best for coding? Personally, unless your child is familiar with Apple devices and a Mac in particular, I would go with a Windows machine. Your child will most likely be familiar with Windows from school, and it is the most versatile in terms of compatibility.
Screen Size
Screen size is mostly a matter of personal preference, as there’s no technical advantage to choosing one size over another. For most kids, a 13” to 15” screen strikes a good balance—not too small to work comfortably, but not too bulky to carry around.
If you’re on a budget, you might notice that 17” laptops are often more affordable. This is because they’re larger, less portable, and not as popular. However, if your child will mainly use the computer at home, this can be a smart way to save money. You can then put those savings toward more important features, like better RAM or a faster processor.
Is Your Child a Gamer?
One important thing to consider when investing in a computer is whether your child is a gamer—or likely to become one in the coming years. Many kids enjoy popular online games like Minecraft, Roblox, or Fortnite, and being able to play these games smoothly can be an important part of their experience.
For gaming, there’s one additional feature to look for: a dedicated graphics card. While the other components we’ve outlined (RAM, processor, storage) are also important, a graphics card ensures games look good and run smoothly without freezing or lagging. If your child is going down this path, a graphics card is really essential.
Here’s what to know about graphics cards:
- Integrated Graphics: These are built into the processor and fine for basic games, but they may struggle with more demanding ones.
- Dedicated Graphics Cards: These are separate from the processor and are designed specifically for handling games. Look for entry-level options like NVIDIA GTX 1650 or AMD RX 6500 XT for affordable performance.
If your child will use the computer for both gaming and coding, investing in a machine with a dedicated graphics card is a smart choice. It ensures their computer can handle both coding projects and gaming adventures without breaking a sweat and ensures longevity for your investment.
Which Brands Should You Consider?
Choosing the right computer brand can feel overwhelming, but the good news is that most major brands offer reliable options for both coding and gaming. Here’s a quick guide to help narrow your choices:
For Laptops
- Dell: Known for its reliability and excellent customer support, Dell laptops like the Inspiron or XPS series are great for both beginners and advanced users. Tend to be on the pricier side, so compare against other brands for specifications.
- HP: Offers affordable and powerful options, such as the Pavilion and Envy series, which are perfect for coding and light gaming.
- Lenovo: The ThinkPad and IdeaPad series are durable and versatile, ideal for students and young coders.
- Apple: A lot more expensive. MacBooks are incredibly user-friendly and great for creative projects and Swift coding.
- Acer: Known for budget-friendly yet capable laptops, such as the Aspire series, which are great for beginners & intermediate coders.
- ASUS: Offers innovative and reliable laptops like the VivoBook and ZenBook series, excellent for coding and multitasking.
For Desktops
- Acer: Offers budget-friendly desktop options like the Aspire series, which are great for basic coding tasks.
- ASUS: Known for powerful gaming desktops and all-purpose machines, perfect if you need something versatile.
- HP and Dell: Both offer excellent pre-built desktops with good upgrade potential for growing needs.
For Gaming
- MSI and Alienware (by Dell): These are premium brands specifically geared toward gaming, offering high-performance machines with dedicated graphics cards.
- ASUS ROG (Republic of Gamers): A great choice if you want a computer that excels at gaming while being capable of handling coding and creative tasks.
- HP OMEN – These laptops and desktops are specifically designed for gaming, offering powerful hardware, high refresh-rate displays and sleek designs. They come equipped with features like dedicated graphics cards (from NVIDIA or AMD), advanced cooling systems, and customizable RGB lighting.
- HP Victus – For those looking for a more budget-friendly gaming option, HP also offers the Victus line, which provides solid gaming performance at a lower price point compared to the premium OMEN series.
For Chromebooks
- HP, Acer, Samsung, and Lenovo: Offer affordable Chromebook options that are excellent for younger children starting out with basic coding tools like Scratch, MakeCode Arcade, Micro:bit, Blockly and other web-based kids coding languages.
Tip: Always Check Reviews!
Regardless of the brand, always check reviews for the specific model you’re considering. Even trusted brands can occasionally have less-than-stellar products, so doing a little research can go a long way!
By choosing a reputable brand, you’ll ensure that your investment is backed by solid performance and support for years to come.
Conclusion:
Buying a computer for coding doesn’t have to be complicated. Think about how your child will use it:
- Will they work on beginner tools like Scratch?
- Are they ready to dive into more advanced projects?
- Are they interested in gaming or are they likely to start gaming in the next few years?
Start with the highest spec you can find within your budget and upgrade as their skills grow. With the right machine, your child will be set up to explore the world of coding and unlock their creativity!
Still have questions? Wondering about coding tools or classes for your child? Reach out to us—we’d love to help.
