What tech Should Santa Bring?

I have had a few requests for advice for what tech to buy for students for Christmas.

If it's not a surprise please discuss it with your daughter. The first decision is whether you are going to bring the tech in to school? The second is price! So I have split the answers into these subheadings.....

HOME ONLY

It would be a shame not to bring the tech into our new super fast wifi at school but if you are sure then:

Larger budget (£800+)

Mac Mac Mac.... Either the iMac (Desktop machine) or the more favourable Macbook Pro or Air. Young geeks like to move their devices around so the laptop range is usually a winner. If they want more power (but more weight) then the pro is the option. For me I would say go for the Macbook Air. Easily portable and gorgeous.

Smaller budget (£300-500)

For me I have always had good experiences with Dell and Acer for a cheaper Alternative. I'm not a fan of the Netbooks. A nice idea but not good enough really. Have a look at the range of Dell's http://www.dell.co.uk/ the Inspiron is a tried and tested classic http://www.dell.com/uk/p/inspiron-15r-5520/fs. If you ring up you can ask for the VAT off rather than trying to claim it back.

SCHOOL USE

Larger Budget 

Well this comes down to the big question, to iPad or not to iPad. If you really want a laptop then see the above choices but for me laptops do not hold enough charge and are a pain to carry around. So iPad choices are fairly easy. Go for the maximum storage you can afford, 3G is a luxury and prices start at around £350. At Beaulieu you can do all your homework and submit them using the free apps available. 

Smaller budget

I have titled this smaller budget but the iPad mini has really thrown in a big decision. An iPad mini is really a better iPad2. You can do all you need to on an iPad2 and the mini is so small (and cheaper, starting at £240). Again go for the max storage you can afford. The mini fits into a blazer pocket and is amazing. If you can't deal with the smaller size go for the big brother. I would say though, we as adults think the mini is to small but the kids don't.

also you have the option of the new iPod touch. Fits into all pockets and does pretty much all the iPad can do. But for the price difference go for the mini.

IN SUMMARY 

For me its all about the iPad mini if you can get hold of one before Christmas, if you're not convinced then the iPad. I have made the switch to the mini so that says it all. It's the only device I carry to school. Hopefully it will be for all the students too. 

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Insurance - Check your household insurance covers its loss 

Get a protective cover that encloses the whole device 

Thanks for taking the time to read

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