Laptops vs Desktops: Which Computer Is Best for Home School?

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Best laptops vs desktops for homeschool: Do you need a laptop for homeschooling? And, if so, is Chromebook good for homeschool? What computer is best for homeschooling?

Here are laptop vs desktop pros and cons and the best and cheapest computers for students, including how to get discount laptops to homeschool families!

BEST HOMESCHOOLING COMPUTERS: LAPTOPS VS DESKTOPS

Have you been searching for the best computer for homeschooling or the best laptops for homeschooling?

Searching for the best laptops for students or choosing the best desktop computer for homeschool can be overwhelming because there are SO MANY options on for picking the right computer for your child’s education:

• What kind of laptop do I need for homeschooling?
• Is Chromebook for homeschool a good option?
• What things should I consider when buying a homeschool computer?
• Are there any student computers discount or cheap laptops (like, AT ALL)?

Those are all questions I see in online homeschool groups all the time with tons of different comments on all sides.

(Which, tbh, I think makes it more difficult to decide!)

Also, add in the considering laptop or desktop advantages and disadvantages based on your different needs for homeschooling, work, and family use and… yikes.

That’s why I decided to put together a homeschool list to help you decide if you need a laptop for homeschooling or a computer for homeschooling.

Homeschooling Computers FAQs for Using Technology During Homeschool

Is a laptop or desktop better for home use?

Which is better for a student laptop or desktop?

The answer will depend on your needs (clearly) but you really need to give it some thought.

If you mainly homeschool or use the computer in one spot in your home, then a desktop computer may be better for you.

However, if your child likes to move around the house, work outside, or you want to be able to travel or be outside the home and still connect to studies, then a laptop is the better option.

 

Do you need a laptop for homeschooling?

It’s great to have a homeschool laptop if your homeschooler moves around to study or needs to take their computer to the library, classes, or even on trips.

My daughter takes her laptop to the library all the time and completes online classes while waiting for her class she takes at the library, so we like the mobility of a student laptop.

PLEASE NOTE: It is possible to homeschool without a laptop or desktop computer for kids (or even without the internet!), especially if you aren’t using an online homeschool curriculum or class.

However, your learning will be greatly enhanced by having a computer because there are so many free (and cheap) homeschool resources and learning tools online today. You can even use the free library computers with your library card!

 

While we’re at it, this is a common question we get when discussing homeschool laptops: how to get a free laptop for homeschool?

Does K12 give you a laptop?

If your child is enrolled in a K12 homeschool program, you may be expecting a computer.

However, you will probably need to meet the eligibility requirement set forth during your enrollment for a loaner laptop.

Also, be aware that not every K12 program has loaner computers, so verify it with the school at home program before you sign up.

There are no programs for homeschool that provides laptops (that I know of), but there are charity and grant programs (like Computers With Causes) that may provide free laptop for students.

 

Laptops vs Desktops: Which One is Best for Homeschool?

When thinking about is laptop or desktop better for our homes school needs, you’ll want to consider the pros and cons of both technology offerings.

Here are the laptop vs desktop pros and cons to consider when buying a new computer for your student:

• Price
• Offerings
• Size
• Portability
• Sharing
• Required accessories (keyboard, monitor, etc.)
• Child Monitoring

Let’s take a closer look at the advantages of using a laptop versus advantages of using a desktop…

 

Laptop vs Desktop Pros and Cons

1. PRICE AND OFFERINGS

Price and budget will obviously be a big factor and both computers and laptops are pricey.

You can get laptops and desktops on the lower range of a couple of hundred dollars (all the way into the thousands of dollars).

As with anything, cheaper is not always better!

Just remember: with a desktop you’ll also need to factor in the cost of accessories like a monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.

Additionally, a computer with higher processing, memory and other offerings (like preloaded software) will cost more, so understand your needs before purchasing.

I RECOMMEND READING THIS POST NEXT TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND TECH OFFERINGS: Buying a Homeschool Computer? 9 Important Questions To Ask First

 

2. SIZE: PHYSICAL SPACE YOU HAVE FOR A COMPUTER SETUP

Clearly, a desktop is going to take more room than a laptop, which can be shut and put away in a computer bag when not in use.

If you’re limited on space, you’ll definitely want to go with a student laptop.

 

3. PORTABILITY AND SHARING

Is your kid OK working in one spot?

Or, does your kid like to move around the house and sometimes even do work outside?

Do you travel?

Do you want one child to be able to access an online class at the library while you have your little on in story time?

If you like to move around (or have different kids that study in different areas that need to share a computer), your best bet is a laptop.

 

4. REQUIRED ACCESSORIES

Desktops require additional accessories (monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.), while a laptop pretty much comes with everything you need.

 

5. CHILD MONITORING

A big one to consider is how much attention do you need to give to what your child is doing on the computer?

Consider: Desktops are easy to put in a family area where you can always keep an eye on who is on the computer and what they’re doing.

Laptops are easier for your student to use privately, which may make monitoring more difficult.

 

As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider for laptop or desktop for homeschooling. Don’t just go with the cheapest! KEEP READING FOR MORE BREAK DOWN OF THE TECH!

 

What is the best laptop for homeschooling?

What is the best laptop for beginners?

If your homeschooler is just getting started with their own laptop, it is not necessary to buy a top of the line laptop (unless, you know, you really want to).

Any of the student laptops mentioned here are great, affordable laptops that will work well with home school.

 

So, what is the best laptop for a child who is homeschooling? These are some of the best rated laptops for students at discounted, affordable prices:

• Samsung Chromebook 3
•  
• Dell ChromeBook 11-Intel Celeron

 

PLEASE READ: Chromebook vs Other Laptop for Homeschooling

What is a Chromebook?

A Chromebook is a laptop that runs on Google’s Chrome Operating System (OS) instead of a Windows or Mac operating system.

Chromebooks are great student laptops, but the main thing to remember is that they are mostly built to be used when connected to the internet.

Chromebooks are sold by a variety of brands like Samsung, Acer, ASUS, and more.

 

Is Chromebook good for homeschool?

A Chromebook is an affordable computer solution for homeschool.

However, remember that it’s made to function at its best when connected to the internet.

Also, I have talked to some homeschoolers and those virtual schooling who say they have trouble running some of their online classes on Chrome books, so check with the provider of your classes before you purchase a Chromebook.

So, while a Chromebook is a popular, affordable choice, you want to make sure that it has the capacity to run the things you need for online classes and offline work.

 

Laptops and Notebooks for Students (Reviews)

When asking, What laptop should I buy for school? you’ll definitely want to compare laptops.

One of the best ways to do this is to look at laptop reviews and parent comments.

Best Deal on Laptops Today – Be sure to read through reviews!

Click here to compare the best laptops

 

Looking for family desktop computers? Check out best desktop computer for homeschooling.

 

Who offers student discounts on laptops?

Wouldn’t that be awesome if you could FINALLY get a break on your homeschool budget and get a cheap computer?

Well, we have some really great news because Microsoft has now defined homeschoolers as a “qualified educational user.”

Why is this important?

Because now non-profit organizations like Notebooks For Students (NFS) can provide deep discounts on laptops and software to be used in homeschool!

 

About Notebooks for Students

UPDATE: I can’t find if NFS still does this for homeschoolers, so check with them. I’ve left my previous info here for reference.

Notebooks for Students (NFS) is a nonprofit organization who provides discounted laptops to students (including homeschoolers!) without having to jump through a bunch of hoops!

According to the NFS website:

The program mission is based on four principles:

• To provide affordable, dependable and powerful laptops for all students;
• To provide a “headache free” environment for assistance, servicing and support for students;
• To decrease costs as much as possible through low prices, free service shipping, and free warranty;
• To create a program simply to beak even after each school year, NFS is a nonprofit and we do not generate profit at the student’s expense.

NFS inventory is made up of laptops and computers from Dell, Apple, HP, Toshiba, and Lenovo.

Although most of the inventory through NFS is mostly refurbished—meaning they were used (by businesses or schools), but updated—the laptops are still backed by the Notebooks For Students four year warranty.

 

So, if you don’t mind getting a used laptop, this might be a valid choice for your family. Just know, that the lifespan of a refurbished computer may not be the same as a new laptop.

 

 

Computer Discounts for Homeschool Groups or Co-ops!

Another great thing is that NFS will also work with groups to purchase multiple laptops at an even bigger discount.

That means if you’re in a homeschool group or homeschool co-op, then you can purchase as a group and save even more!

 

Purchasing Best Laptops for Homeschool

Here’s what NFS lists as requirements for purchasing as a homeschooler:

Please confirm Homeschool status by providing NFS any one of the following for each family;

• Homeschool association membership card
• Letter or form from school district or State
• Letter or form from umbrella Homeschool
  group or school
• Affidavit, notice of intent or other form
• In states that do not require documentation, draft a letter stating the State you reside in and that you homeschool. Sign and send in the letter.

Remember, the inventory changes often and quickly, so if you see something you’re interested in you better grab it before it’s gone!

 

FULL DISCLOSURE: I have not tried one of these laptops yet from NFS. This was just an awesome share. But, if you’ve purchased a laptop this way before, please leave your experience in the comments. I would love to hear how it is!

 

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER ‘BEST OF’ GUIDES FOR HOMESCHOOL AND PARENTS:

Best Types of Microscopes for Kids

Best Telescope for Beginners and Kids

Guide to Science Calculators for Students

 

FILE UNDER: BEST LAPTOPS VS DESKTOPS FOR HOMESCHOOLING STUDENTS

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