While this post isn’t *technically* sponsored by Dell, they did send me a ridiculously awesome Inspiron One 2320 All-in-One for review, so I’m feeling pretty warm and fuzzy towards the brand. Not to mention, the Inspiron One is the best thing to happen to my boys since “In The Night Garden”. More on the system to come.
In the meantime, you may be thinking of gifting technology this Christmas, but are unsure of the best route to go. It’s no secret that tablets are the glamorous choice – followed by those 2nd generation, incredibly sleek laptops (have you seen the Dell XPS laptops? drool) – but, are they the right choice for you and your family… especially for parents with young children?
Now we all know that tablets are a nice to have, so let’s remove them from the equation. Therefore, when shopping for kids, you’ll need to decide between a desktop and laptop. Advice from our good friends at Dell:
Laptop: Great for children who are ready for some responsibility. If you’re purchasing a computer for this age, consider a laptop with lots of memory and HD space to support programs for homework, research and multimedia projects, plus games, music and movies. Your children can customize their laptops with dynamic colours and designs, for example the new Dell Inspiron 14R has interchangeable lids, allowing kids to personalize their laptop to match their room and personality.
Desktop: Desktop computers are a very popular choice for families. Stationary desktops can be shared by the family in a common space, and offer the opportunity to sit down with your child to play games or work on projects. You can turn your desktop into the ultimate family entertainment centre by adding speakers and a widescreen monitor large enough for movies, videos and interactive games. The all-in-one Dell Inspiron One 2320 desktop will look sleek in any family’s office, and kids and parents will love its optional multi-touch screen and touch applications.
The boys have always gravitated towards my laptop, mainly because it’s easy entertainment and highly portable. However, I must admit that I rarely work from a laptop – choosing instead to blog from my desktop 99% of the time. I just love the ergonomic setup, and I’m actually more creative when zoned off in a clean, business-like setting. The good news? With the addition of our new Inspiron One 2320 All-in-One, we have the best of both worlds! Please do come back to read more about this formidable computer.
Dell laptops and PCs are available online at www.dell.ca and at major retailers such as Walmart and Best Buy. Dell.ca is also a great resource for accessories such as printers and software, offering an easy online shopping experience.
EXCITING OFFERS:
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday door buster specials, and other special offers up to 60 per cent off
- Join the Dell Holiday Gift Hunt for hourly clues for a chance to win fabulous prizes
- A special holiday photography section. Buy select PCs over $699 and get a Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS digital camera with Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 & Premier Elements 9 preinstalled, while supplies last
- Online and offline deals available at dell.ca and 1-800-WWW-DELL
Are you a laptop or desktop kind of person? Which do you prefer, and why?
I’m both.When I’m at work, I tend to use my laptop so I can take them anywhere in the building and attend meetings. However, when I’m at home, I always use my desktop because I’m a video gamer and laptop can never be fast enough for those hardcore games.
Wait until Windows 8 comes out, you will know the beauty of those Touch Screen PCs. Amazing. I’m testing some of the models.
Thanks for the tip! And yes, video games are much better via the desktop.
Kids will love the touchscreen! I like the portability of laptops but not the keyboard on them…find that many don’t have a numeric keypad and don’t have the choice of switching to an ergonomic one. The all-in-one desktop is great because I no longer need to make space for a tower case. Hmmm…I think I’ll get one for my dad…
They do! They do! I’ve been working without a numerical keypad for a while now (my wireless keyboard is tiny) and it’s the one thing I miss most.
I have been drooling over that since it came out. Since getting the ipad I have this insane urge to touch the screen on my Dell laptop and well that just doesn’t work so well. LOL It does make for a good laugh when it happens though.
LOL! I’ve done that too – of course, now I can indulge in my quirky touchscreen habits!
great post Lena! I admit, for the kids, tablets aren’t my top choice and much prefer my daughter on the desktop. It stays put and won’t be dropped – hopefully! lol
Loving the touchscreen though, seems to be the best of both worlds!
Tammi
Indeed! And I definitely LOVE the fact that desktops stay put :)
My 12 year old is all over me for her own computer for Christmas!! You bring up some great points here. Love the idea that this particular Dell seems to offer all the glam the kids will love and yet I could put it in the kitchen where I can keep an eye on it. Must go computer hunting!
It’s PERFECT in the kitchen, in fact, that’s where I have mine!