NET BOOK-atom

Call4ljw SG

Flash games not a problem for netbooks..

It's the real 3D games.

Non demanding 3D games in lowest quality most probably can.

bl1995cy SG

Actually, giving it a thought, although more costly, getting him an ipad might solve the issue of flash based games. The only problem is the apps, which imo is still easier to monitor.

SBS7484P SG

...Why an iPad?

You have to get accessories for it.
A student his age doesn't need an iPad. Those who have it are just flaunting it along with the fact that they're way too rich.

Accessories need to be bought along with the iPad, and it is NOT a replacement for a desktop or laptop computer; or netbook even.

I'm not being anti-apple here, but can you justify the price of an iPad, alongside with what it can do?

Giving him an iPad is just going to make it easier for him to bring it to school, and have it stolen while he's not in class, or beaten up outside school and then stolen.

likeyou SG

Hi, thank you so much for the infor. My main idea of getting the netbook is to deter him from playing games...while on the pretext that he is doing school work. Ya..it is very difficult to control him...not to play games...and worse he is not the type who puts priority in his studies. So left me with no choice....In fact we have 2 desktop and also a laptop... Getting the netbook..with my limited knowledge, i thought he cannot play games on it..

I will be getting one for my kid if he passes his psle as promised.

Whether to buy netbook or notebook....still deciding...my budget is around $500.

bl1995cy SG

@ SBS7484P: Im giving some options, accessories are not a necessity, not for schoolwork at least. I also mentioned that the ipad is to prevent him from playing flash-based games and nothing more. Definitely every product has its benefits and flaws, just because it doesnt appeal to you, doesn’t mean it wont appeal to others. Come on, you say that it will be stolen, now put an ipad and any laptop side-by-side in the public and leave, dont tell me in an hour’s time your laptop is still there. It depends on your responsibility not what the device is.

@Tanstan72: Its better to teach him to manage his stuff now then control him. When he grows up, you won’t be there day and night. Another idea would be to let him have your current laptop, but use a firewall to block all other websites except those which are required for his schoolwork

Tanstan72 SG

Hi, thank you so much for all the infor. As for firewall...it is not feasible...as he now and then need to search for his so-called 'school project'...bl1995, you are right..gd to teach him now to manage his time and stuff now...as I am not be there for him day and night....but...he being immature...spent all his time on surf...play games...watch football...but now school work...am really at my wits end..

SBS7484P SG

The iPad is a 'cool thing', not a netbook.

A netbook is seen as the weak and inadequate cousin of a laptop

On the other hand an iPad is a desireable item, no matter how inferior.

Genie99a SG

I'm selling an old EEE PC 900 with an Intel Atom 900MHz processor and an integrated Intel Graphics Chipset. Comes with 1GB RAM and a 16GB SSD with Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP3. Good and cheap netbook @ $170. Not fast enough for 3D Games (at most Facebook games) but good enough to do homework on! Contact me @ 96157836 if you are interested.

SSD 16GB enough for OS?

likeyou SG

The iPad is a 'cool thing', not a netbook.

A netbook is seen as the weak and inadequate cousin of a laptop

On the other hand an iPad is a desireable item, no matter how inferior.

Yes very cool as if reading newspaper.

Ca we use ipad to type school doc or projects or notes?

Is it expensive?

SBS7484P SG

Yes, but I believe a keyboard must be purchased separately.

Unless you fancy typing on a touchscreen of course.

kenn3th SG

Hi, I would like to buy netbook-atom processor...just for my son to do his e-learning and project...he is going to sec 4 next year. Due to so much of e-learning...as an excuse to access computer and side track to play games/surf...I thought of giving him a netbook instead. I am not good with computer stuff..can anyone tell me..with netbook-atom processor...it is difficult for him to side track to games...pls advise before I waste my money again...thank you.

Yes, supposed that you son plays a graphics intense and processor intense game, it would be inadequate. It's more than enough for browser based games - Runecsape, Shockwave Facebook games....

Unfortunately he might not even use the netbook at all. He would just chuck it aside after you have bought it and use the PCs or the laptop instead stating the reasons that teens normally do - very slow, screen too small ect.. I'm still a teen, so yeah..

Bottomline is, if he wants to he can.

May i suggest you to have a father and son talk telling him your utmost concerns and review his response to it.

If all else fails, you can try this

http://explore.live.com/windows-live-family-safety?os=other - allows you to monitor your child's usage, restrict his usage, and maybe control his games, who he chats to ect..

Personally I have not used it, so you will have to self explore how to use it yourself.

He might hate you for this.... so yeah, use it on a last resort.

SBS7484P SG

Regarding Kenneth's post, I concur.

He's already 16, let him have some freedom.

If you prevent him from his recreation expecting him to put that time to study, it might just backfire and he'll start going out and doing shit instead.

Isn't that worse?

Just let him game some.

kenn3th SG

Like I have said, use what I have suggested as a last resort if you and him are not able to come to an understanding over this issue.

You are your son's next of kin, you and your wife should have already known his character more than what we outsiders are able to comment on. We each have our own views on issues in relation to this issue. Ultimately the choice comes down on you.

I'm in no position to say if you should use it or not to use it, nor I'm in any to comment about family matters, however what I suggest for you is to be liberal and hear out his views. Some teens have to be at the computers listening to music or watching videos for them to study effectively, just like the olden days where internet was non existant in singapore, the television was the medium for some people to study.

It's common for teens nowadays to watch EPL/La Liga in the middle of the night, yes your concerns are not unfounded - lack of sleep = not being able to concentrate in class. If it's a few matches, like a match or two a week, why not?

What I know is, this is an issue bothering you. There are many questions unanswered. Only you as a family will be able to resolve this.

bl1995cy SG

Yes, he already 16, and can have freedom, but freedom is a privilege not a right. If he can’t manage basic stuff properly, can he be trusted if he is given more freedom? If he gets his facts right, and can prioritize his time, I see no harm in giving him more freedom. Otherwise, it is doing more harm then good. You don’t jump from elementary school to highschool.

After the completion of his schoolwork, sure he is free to do as he pleases, but if the laptop is going to be distraction, then there’s no point in getting him one. Furthermore, if it’s for project work, you work in a group, so his peers should have a laptop, and if it is for e-learning, he school has the take to consideration of students who cannot afford a laptop. So a laptop is not a necessity.

Classical music can help you study, but do you need the source of music to come from a computer, isn’t a normal mp3 enough? What about the generation who did not have tvs, are you here to say that they could not study? Think again! I agree with that lack of sleep i cause you to lose concentration in class. Also, computers and tvs stimulate your mind so to have a deep, and sufficient sleep, it is best not to use them after midnight, or best, 10pm. However, if he were to complete is required work, and excels in his studies, i see no reason for him to do so. Work and no play makes Jack a dull boy

SBS7484P SG

Freedom is a privilege? So... It's OK to be ruled by a dictatorship (read: N.Korea) because it's not a right? Interesting point here. Today I learnt that humans have to somehow seek permission from someone or something to have freedom. Wonder how that works.

Your statements contradict here. After he completes his work, he is free to do as he pleases. So, what if he wants to game? How about a round of BFBC2, let's say. Can he do that on a netbook? Nope. Can he do it on an iPad? Nope. Can he do it on a decent-performing laptop or desktop PC? Definitely.
So having a netbook or iPad for 'studies' doesn't exactly let him do as he pleases after he completes his work.
Besides, it isn't cost effective, and the small screen is a source of annoyance to many.

You can say this, but your previous statements don't seem to be echoing this line of thought from you.
I'd be dull as heck if all I had was a netbook. Granted, TV is not an option for me because my parents refuse to get SCV. All I have is Mediacrap, which in all seriousness, can go die in a fire because they suck so much.

As for OP... Just let him do it.

He'll realise the consequences in future if he doesn't study.

Then again... Not to brag, but I got 11 O-Level points before CCA deduction.

And I didn't study.
TF2-ed right up to the day of the exam.
How cool is that?

Not saying your son should be like this, but if he does pay attention in class, he should ace the exams easily.

PedoBear SG

my first laptop = porn machine

as can bring laptop into bathroom

netbook even better

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