Ask HN: Tablets vs. Laptops? What do other HN parents give their kids?
My 8-year-old daughter currently uses an old laptop running Linux for basic internet browsing, searching for information, and some email practice to help with her reading and writing skills. While the laptop provides a more traditional computing experience, I can't help but feel that she's missing out on a lot of great educational apps and the convenience/portability of a tablet.
On the laptop, it's been great for teaching her keyboard skills, file management basics, and getting exposure to a desktop OS environment. One advantage of laptops is the ability to teach some fundamental technology skills like coding. With a laptop, there's more potential for hands-on learning about how software and operating systems really work under the hood.
However, most kids' apps and games seem better suited for tablets these days. Not to mention tablets are more portable and have a lower risk of damage if dropped. There's a concern that tablets keep kids more in a "consumer" role, while laptops can serve as an entry point into creating technology versus just consuming it.
For those with kids around this age range, what has your experience been? Do you feel there are benefits to keeping them on a laptop for now to cement technology skills? Or do the educational apps and portability of tablets outweigh that? Maybe a hybrid approach with both devices is ideal?
Of course, this also greatly depends on the kids. And, truth be told, my daughter really hasn't picked up and significant interest in tech/coding, so I'm kinda considering that maybe this wasn't the best option for her. Adding to that, we recently got an electric piano into our home and she loves it. I realized that there are some great "learn piano" apps for tablets...
I'm really interested to hear different perspectives from other parents. Any insights would be appreciated!