iPad v laptop...for 14 yr old?

barbiedoll

I want to buy my son his first portable computer this Christmas and I'm not sure whether to go for a refurbished iPad or a similarly-priced (£300ish) brand new laptop.

He will be using it at home only, for homework, surfing the net, watching youtube videos etc etc, and he does like to transfer photos and videos from his phone, which is a Samsung smartphone. I know he would love the iPad, simply for the "cool" factor but I know nothing of these gadgets, other than the fact that Apple products tend to be reliable and their customer care service seems to be good. If I bought one, would it be usable "straight out of the box"? Or would I need to buy special cables, things to insert into it, and so on? (I am quite savvy with our bog-standard desktop but the Apple world is a complete mystery to me!)

If he had a laptop, I know he would be equally pleased (he has no idea that we would even consider an iPad!) and I know that he would take good care of it. But all I hear from laptop owners is moans and groans about battery life, cracked screens, overheating and so on. Whereas iPad owners seem generally happy with their products.

Also, one other thing....probably a stupid question but, can I set parental controls on an iPad? You know what teenage boys can be like
Any thoughts/opinions gratefully received!

GunJack

for better all-round performance and versatility, a proper laptop would be better - trying to do homework etc. on an ipad just wouldn't do it right

there have been several threads on here on this very subject, have a thread search

rygon

I would go for the laptop every time. Ipads dont do flash which a fair few websites use. They look cool but are very expensive for what you get. I've just bought a laptop from ebuyer which are pretty cheap compared to high street shops.

Also remember that you get a keyboard with a laptop, trying to type up an essay using a touch screen would drive me nuts.

CazuaLL

Laptop definately, but just make sure you put the right software on and take care of it. Laptops if not looked after well will become very slow within 6-12 months.

barbiedoll

Thanks GunJack, I have been having a look around. Seems as though iPad owners/users won't have a word said against them, although to me, a laptop would seem to be a more practical solution....unless anyone knows otherwise?

I also don't want to be sucked into the Apple universe and end up spending a fortune on apps and music, most of which will probably turn out to be a 5 minute wonder! But then again, both myself and my husband would love an iPad too............:D

CazuaLL

I have also had an ipad now for 9 months and to be honest its amazing, and its one of the best pieces of kit ive ever bought.

barbiedoll

CazuaLL wrote: »

Laptop definately, but just make sure you put the right software on and take care of it. Laptops if not looked after well will become very slow within 6-12 months.

Anything specific to a laptop? Or just the usual anti-virus/malware etc that we use on our desktop? (Currently AVG and Ad-Aware, both free versions)

See what I mean...I know nothing!!!

buglawton

Just make sure it has at least 2GB of memory, ideally more

Chorlie

I have both an iPad and a Laptop, I love my iPad; but to get the most out of it you need either a Laptop or a PC to link it to, so you can transfer music, films etc.

If it's for homework than that a very simple answer LAPTOP, it does everything Spreadsheets, Word Document, PowerPoint etc as well as Internet, Music, Films, Games etc. An iPad looks cool but to do true work on like for homework it isn't the best, with it's small screen and touch screen, plus printing off work can be a really pain.

iPad are great, but they aren't designed to be a Laptop / PC replacement. What you need is a Laptop.

CazuaLL

barbiedoll wrote: »

Anything specific to a laptop? Or just the usual anti-virus/malware etc that we use on our desktop? (Currently AVG and Ad-Aware, both free versions)

See what I mean...I know nothing!!!

Yeh as long as you, use a good Anti virus with real time protection, and malwarebytes.

And also use CCleaner and Defraggler once a week youll be fine and keep it running nice and speedy

barbiedoll

Thanks for all replies. Homework is not such an issue, our desktop is in our kitchen, he can do his homework on there, at least then I would know that it has been done!

I know that Apple products don't support Flash, again, our desktop would plug this gap if he wanted to go to a site which uses it.

I just know that the iPad would have the wow factor, especially on Christmas morning. We have had a lean couple of years, he hasn't moaned about going without the expensive toys and gadgets that his friends have and we just wanted to give him a treat this year. But I still want value for money and a gift that he will use and will love.

Lots to think about I guess!