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Shop July 23, 2024

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right laptop for kids heading back to school

PHOTO: Shop laptops for kids including HP, Apple and more
ABC News Photo Illustration
Shop laptops for kids including HP, Apple and more

As the new school year approaches, many parents are considering the best tools to support their children's education.

Among the most important tools in today's digital age is a reliable laptop. "Good Morning America," spoke to Hansel Lynn, Founder and CEO of theCoderSchool, who provided valuable insights into what parents should consider when choosing a laptop for their child.

Here's a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.

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PHOTO: Shop laptops for kids including HP, Apple and more
ABC News Photo Illustration
Shop laptops for kids including HP, Apple and more

Laptops for elementary school kids

When selecting a laptop for younger children, simplicity and durability should be top priorities. Younger kids typically transition from touch-based devices like iPads to keyboards, according to Lynn. For this age group, a Chromebook is an excellent choice.

"Choose a computer that doesn't have too many bells and whistles yet, like a Chromebook," Lynn advised. "While the functionality of Chromebooks is mostly limited to what can be done on a browser, it's still a great way to start exposing kids to computing power without overwhelming them."

Lynn also points out that Chromebooks have limitations. They do not support complex software like Minecraft, Roblox, or applications like PhotoShop or Microsoft Word (although Google Docs are available). For younger kids, performance metrics such as memory and chip speeds are less critical, making price and durability more important factors.

"Most laptops these days come with parental controls. However, beware that the parent needs to spend time to set them up, as they don't come set up by default," Lynn noted.

ASUS Chromebook

Price: $139 · 53% Savings
From Best Buy

Original: $299

HP Chromebook 14 Laptop

Price: $188.99 · 34% Savings
From Amazon

Original: $289.99

Dell Chromebook

Price: $58.01 · From Amazon

Acer Chromebook Spin 311 Convertible Laptop

Price: $213 · 26% Savings
From Amazon

Original: $289.99

Samsung 2024 Lightweight 11.5" HD IPS Chromebook

Price: $121.99 · From Amazon

Laptops for middle and high school kids

As kids grow older, their laptop needs become more sophisticated. For middle and high school students, Lynn recommends more advanced laptops like Apple MacBooks or those running Windows. These laptops support the installation of applications necessary for schoolwork and passion projects, such as Adobe Illustrator or video editing software.

"Be sure to look at specs like memory, storage, and graphics and chip speed, as some applications will have minimum requirements," Lynn said.

Lenovo IdeaPad 1 Laptop

Price: $329.99 · From Amazon

Apple 2024 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop

Price: $1,198 · 7% Savings
From Amazon

Original: $1,298

Dell XPS 13 Plus

Price: $1,698 · From Amazon

Microsoft Surface Laptop

Price: $599.99 · 25% Savings
From Amazon

Original: $799.99

Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop

Price: $1,749 · 12% Savings
From Amazon

Original: $1,999

Every child is unique, and their laptop should reflect their individual needs and interests. Lynn emphasizes the importance of identifying the primary use of the laptop before making a purchase.

"Some might prefer laptops that convert to tablets, some kids might need more rugged laptops, and others might just want powerful video editing for their YouTube channel," he said. "The important thing is to first identify why you are buying a laptop, and then research the ones that fit that usage best. Laptops aren't one-size-fits-all!"

More laptops to consider

HP 14" Ultra Light Laptop

Price: $249.99 · From Amazon

Acer Aspire Slim Laptop

Price: $299.99 · 6% Savings
From Amazon

Original: $321.99

Lenovo Yoga 11e 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop

Price: $129.99 · From Amazon

Lenovo IdeaPad 1 Student Laptop

Price: $339 · From Amazon

Nimo 15.6 FHD Student Laptop

Price: $369.99 · 11% Savings
From Amazon

Original: $419