Should I Get My Kid a Netbook?

So you're tired of your child tying up the computer for hours on end and you're considering getting them their own. You've decided they don't need a full-fledged laptop, but should you get them a netbook?

First, what is a netbook? A netbook is what I like to call a "diet laptop." It looks like a laptop, acts like a laptop, but they're smaller, lighter, and cheaper. Because of this, netbooks can't do as much as a full laptop. They're designed to be primarily used for web browsing, email, document editing and light games.

If that sounds like what your child wants to do- YouTube, Facebook, homework, etc. then a netbook could be right for them. Keep in mind, if you do get a netbook for your child to help them with schoolwork, many schools nowadays don't allow personal technology, including laptops and netbooks.

Practical Tip of the Day:

Whether you get your child a laptop or netbook, be sure to set up parental controls. You can set limitations on which websites they view, who they can get email from, and even which times of the day they can use their computer.