If you’ve been shopping for a computer or laptop for your child, you probably noticed that many of them are Out of Stock especially the lower priced ones. Now that my children and possibly yours are going to start school virtually, I want to get them a laptop that is least expensive but gets the job done. There are many options to choose from: Windows, Mac, Chromebook to Dell, HP, ASUS, Acer, Apple, and more. I spent 3 days researching, watching YouTube videos for reviews, checking many stores for prices, and trying to see what the best deal is. My approach to this is what I wrote here for my shopping strategy.

Knowing that the school year is going to start soon and I didn’t want to pay an enormous amount, I eliminated the Apple option. Apple computers are on the higher end and not budget friendly for a middle schooler. I focused on either Windows or Chromebook.

There are advantages to Windows operating system. I’m accustomed to it and am very familiar because I’ve used it all my life. I can easily help out with any issues if it arises. I know many applications are supported on it and compatible.

Chromebook on the other hand, I have not had any experience with it. I do know that our schools use Chromebooks and my children are familiar with it. From what I know of Chromebooks, it’s similar to Android phones where apps are installed from the Play Store. So, if there are any apps you need, you can go and search for it easily.

The biggest differentiator when it comes to price depends on the hardware inside: the processor, RAM, hard drive size. The faster the hardware the higher the price. After much research and looking for deals, I ended up choosing a touchscreen Samsung Chromebook. My daughter is into creating art. Chromebook has apps you can download for this. The laptop is a touchscreen which will help her create art and it comes with a stylus pen. Having that pen and a touchscreen will be really beneficial. Chromebooks don’t need the fastest hardware to run which is why I chose this Samsung laptop. It’s not the fastest hardware but running the ChromeOS, you don’t need the fastest. With a combination of Chromebooks being used in school, touchscreen, stylus, expandable storage, apps from Play Store, and the price, I ended up buying this.

With computers, you can spec out a system that is 5 times more than what I bought this for but just keep in mind that technology is one of those items that depreciates and decreases in value quick. Any purchase that you make, always weigh all factors and consider price plus depreciation and value. The point I want to make from this is applying good financial logic and making sound decisions will help you financially. Use all the bargain shopping techniques and rewards to get the best deal. This will ultimately help you get to your financial independence goal. If you are interested in following my journey, email subscribe to get alerts of latest posts or follow me on Facebook.