Buying Guide: Computers for Kids
Even the youngest children are now familiar with digital devices through tablets, but by school age, it’s often time for their first computer. In addition to entertainment, computers offer educational games and content that supports a child's development. Is the cheapest model enough, or should you invest more? Our expert from the Verkkokauppa.com Helsinki store shares key tips for choosing your child's first computer.
What features should a child's computer have?
For basic use, such as browsing, schoolwork, and streaming, our experts recommend a laptop in the €500–€600 price range. You can find even more affordable options by choosing a used computer, as Verkkokauppa.com's used computers are powerful devices at a lower price. A touchscreen can be a nice feature for a child used to tablets, but touchscreen laptops typically cost a few hundred euros more.
What do you need to know about technical specifications?
- Processor: A standard processor, such as an Intel i3, i5, or AMD Ryzen 5, is sufficient for basic use.
- RAM (Memory): Our experts recommend at least 8 GB of RAM even for light use, as memory is also needed for system updates. Having enough RAM extends the computer's lifespan by ensuring it remains updatable for longer.
- Storage: Storage is used for all saved content, such as photos, videos, files, and music, but the operating system also consumes space. For this reason, our experts recommend a computer with at least 256 GB of storage. However, storage can easily be expanded with an external hard drive if you run out of space.