Choosing a laptop that is fit for purpose can be a daunting task, balancing your budget with the features you absolutely need. Depending on who you are shopping for or what your own requirements are, this is not always easy.
In this article:
Laptops for children: education, gaming (or both)?
When you are looking for the ideal laptop for children, you are no doubt focused on security, as well as enabling them to get their homework and study done without issues or obstacles. So, having access to educational tools and reliable, secure internet browsing is high on the list. Thanks to Microsoft (Office and Windows 10/11) and Google (G Suite), students of all ages can make use of these features in a very simplified way. Children can access free applications for educational use - even when using laptops and PCs with limited specifications.
According to a 2021 report by Ofcom, children use devices for a multitude of online activity, with the most popular platform being YouTube. Whilst primarily known for entertainment videos, YouTube is also a very reliable and accessible educational platform, with vast resources for educators. According to ThinkWithGoogle.com, 500 million views are attributed to learning related content on the platform, and YouTube viewers use the platform for help with a problem they’re having with their work, studies, or hobbies.
One interesting statistic from the report is that 36% of primary school-age children did not always have access to an adequate device for online learning at home, when compared to just 17% of secondary-aged children. This data is especially interesting considering the number of children who were home schooled during the COVID lockdowns in the UK, which presented an unprecedented rise in the need for affordable laptops for children.
The Ofcom report also found that six in ten children played games online. From this number, 38% of 5-7 year olds, 69% of 8-11 year olds, and 75% of 12-17 year olds had played games online in 2021. In the same study, Ofcom also found that nine in ten parents have at least one rule governing how children are playing online games in the household. Over half of parents have rules around gaming time limits, as well as the age restriction of games, further cementing the security aspect.
So, as one of the UKs most popular pastimes, it's quite normal when a child gets their hands on a new laptop and their thoughts almost immediately turn to gaming capabilities. This is where it usually gets a little more complicated for the buyer. Whilst access to educational tools and applications is almost guaranteed, gaming is a secondary factor for most parents, and it is difficult to know how much to spend or what features to look out for.
Geo Computers, when presented with this challenge, have released a range of devices for students and parents, with gaming laptops that are absolutely perfect for education.
Who makes Geo laptops?
Geo Computers are part of Tactus Group, the UK & Europe’s largest OEM device brand. Tactus received the accolade of 2021 Microsoft Device Partner of the Year, and are an accredited Microsoft Gold Partner.
As a leading manufacturer of devices to the UK education sector, Tactus/Geo have an enviable position and unrivalled knowledge of their customers when it comes to purpose-built laptops for education. This pedigree has ensured each of their devices match the needs of their user, whether that is mobile gaming, learning multiplication or passing their degree.
Geo laptops for gaming and education
We've highlighted some of the best deals on Geo laptops for June 2022 below. Take your pick from a pink bundle, or a GeoBook Minecraft edition for learning and playing.
Minecraft laptop bundle - GeoBook 140
The GeoBook Minecraft Edition needs very little introduction! Coming complete with a free copy of Minecraft Bedrock from the Microsoft store, official stickers, in-game bonus skin & texture packs and Minecoins, and finished in a cool Creeper Green colour, this is any Minecraft fan's dream laptop!
The specification is perfect for budding miners ready to do battle with pesky creepers and encroaching giant spiders, having on-board Intel UHD 600 Graphics, an Intel Celeron N4020 Processor, and 4GB LPDDR Memory. This meets the system requirements for the game, and will happily run Minecraft Bedrock smoothly without any problems.
Minecraft Edition (GeoBook 140) for education
Windows 11 Home (S-mode) is pre-installed with the GeoBook 140 for excellent performance and compatibility, as well as having access to the best operating system security tools in the world. Geo are showing their dedication to affordable study laptops again with the Minecraft Edition GeoBook 140, providing a 1-year Microsoft 365 Personal subscription, includes Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage for homework and more.
Tech Specs:
- Intel Celeron N4020 Processor
- 4GB Memory
- Intel UHD 600 Graphics
- Just 1.352Kg
- HD Display
- Windows 11 Home
GeoBook 110 Pink
Step into a world of glamour with the Geobook 110 Laptop bundle. With its pretty pink hue and sleek design this laptop is the perfect tech (and fashion!) accessory. Listen to your favourite tracks with the stylish Bluetooth Headphones, and navigate your digital world with a cable-free wireless Mouse that glides effortlessly with each movement. With a range of connectivity options and space to expand your storage, the Geobook 110 provides everything you need to stay productive and entertained. Plus, with the included protective sleeve you can keep your laptop safe and secure wherever you go. Whether you’re strolling around your dreamhouse or enjoying the sandy beaches of Malibu, the compact and lightweight design makes the Geobook 110 perfect for on-the-go adventures.
The Geo 110 pink also includes a 1-year Microsoft 365 Personal subscription, featuring Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage perfect for homework.
Tech Specs:
- Intel Celeron N4020 Processor
- 4GB Memory
- Intel UHD 600 Graphics
- Optical Drive: None
- Windows 11 Home
- 64GB SSD
Which laptop should I choose?
Geo have a vast range of laptops available, but we have highlighted some of their most popular products as of June 2022 above. Regardless of your needs, you can find a suitable Geo laptop on the CCL website. Our helpful staff are on hand to assist with any of your questions regarding the Geo range, so feel free to give CCL a call on 01274 471 200, 09:00 and 17:30, Monday - Friday.
