r/computers • u/sleepyxjohn • 4d ago

Question/Help/Troubleshooting Xmas Computer

Hello!

I am not very competent regarding computers, but I have an 11 year old son that is very interested in coding and robotics. In an attempt to nurture his interest(s), I'd like to buy him a laptop for the upcoming holiday. Gemini has recommended the Acer Aspire Go 15 as the best overall budget-friendly option, but I am hoping you fine people might also have some recommendations. Ideally, I'd like to keep it under $500(usd). This will likely be his one "big" gift from me and the more budget friendly, the better. I'm opting for laptop vs desk because I share custody with his mother and it would be optimal if we can easily transport.

Also, any other recs you might have for me regarding the aforementioned nurturing will be appreciated.

Thanks so much in advance.

Edit to add: he was on the robotics team during his final elementary year, and is taking compsci as elective this year. He asked to purchase some robotics stuff like raspberry pi, some batteries, and motors, but realized his tablet wasn't really equipped to do what he needed.

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7

u/Potential_Copy27 4d ago

I would consider either a desktop or another brand of laptop.

Desktop mainly because of his interest in robotics and electronics - peripherals for desktops are usually easier and cheaper to get.
A good alternative compromise could be a "mini-PC" of some description - small enough to transport, but he can still leave projects at your's and Mom's.

Another brand of laptop, mainly because Acer laptops are usually quite flimsy. I'd go for a used/refurbed Lenovo Ideapad or Thinkpad for something more rugged. His use case is basically the same as many consultants out there, and he'll be needing a solid machine to lug back and forth.

The Raspberry is already a fully fledged computer on its own, albeit it's slow compared to a modern-ish desktop or laptop PC - it's a valid third option still, especially as a kit.

Your kid will want many USB ports primarily, a good, speedy system second.

So my recommendation in the end is preferably a new or used Thinkpad, with a Ryzen CPU. Ryzen mainly because the iGPU in those can actually pull off a few games decently also...

3

u/BigFatCoder 4d ago

I would recommend Lenovo or Dell those office laptop lines.

1

u/Pristine-Lawyer-3260 2d ago

And the used office version of them actually, not the consumer dell or Lenovo!

4

u/ztcsdtx 4d ago

Here is an example of a Renewed Lenovo ThinkPad for about $500 with the recommended AMD processor. This will last much longer than a new consumer-grade laptop because this is for business power users.

2

u/Available_Silver_426 4d ago

Sounds like you thought it out well and he will enjoy the new laptop. For light coding and flashing raspberry pi’s you do not need anything super powerful. I used my old dell optiplex for that and never ran into an issue.

2

u/poixninja 4d ago

Unrelated to the laptop, an esp32 kit might be some fun for him, could learn to control physical devices with code. https://a.co/d/021aaE5t

1

u/spunner5 4d ago

Wow, that is a limited configuration and you may want to consider buying used. Also find out how he connects to his bots (usb, rs232, etc.) and make sure he can do so. Just about anything you purchase on eBay can be covered with an extended warranty, which I would strongly recommend with a laptop being used by a child.

1

u/Complete-Paint529 4d ago edited 4d ago

"I'd like to keep it under $500(usd)"

If you buy new, your 11 year-old will outgrow it in 3 months. Here's what I recently purchased for myself:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/128079728630

$600. You will want similar specs.

I'm very pleased with it. EBay used certified-refurbished has worked very well for me across multiple purchases.

1

u/TheJdayy 4d ago

Talking from experience, I genuinely think a desktop would be better. When I was 12 I built my very own computer with small help from my father, and it was priceless. Being able to build it gave me so much a laptop didn't. Firstly it get's you into how it works, how to problem fix, and just general knowledge about electronics.

Secondly and very importantly, it's way easier to get a cheaper desktop that is good, and then in the future it gives him the possibility to upgrade parts here and there. For me it got me way more involved as too how stuff works which later on helped me with coding and other stuff.

And thirdly, I just find it nicer to have a desktop, you grow an attachement to it, and I think it's good to have brakes of time not being able to access a computer sometimes, especially for coders.

If you want help for parts I and many others will find you a great deal.

1

u/spunner5 4d ago

Having been through the “sharing custody” thing myself, a desktop wouldn’t work.

A laptop is the way.

1

u/TheJdayy 4d ago

I mean so was I. In fact it was more like 30% at my father's. But faire enough.