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.
Alongside a selection of versatile education devices, Geo also have a range of laptops that have been designed for work. With remote working now playing a significant role in UK business, the demand for portable performance has increased significantly. Geo have matched this need with the Geo Infinity range of laptops, built for business and designed to handle the daily workload and productivity requirements of today's remote workers.
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 cloud gaming bundle or Minecraft laptop bundle for learning and playing... or the super portable GeoBook 2e designed for work and study!
Cloud gaming bundle - GeoBook 140X
Among Geo's range of laptops, the Geo GeoBook 140X Bundle is one of the most popular. Cloud gaming is easily the most accessible for laptop gamers, with no need to download any of the games or purchase expensive hardware to run them. This bundle also comes complete with a 3-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, giving you access to a library of over 360 cloud-enabled games right away!
To access this huge variety of games, you will need a compatible device, an Xbox compatible controller and a high-speed internet connection. This GeoBook 140X starter package also takes care of this with a bundled Xbox compatible controller and the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) built in.
GeoBook 140X for education
For students of all ages, the GeoBook 140X also comes with 1-year Microsoft 365 Personal subscription which includes leading office apps such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint and 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage! Windows 11 is also pre-installed, so you truly have all the tools you need for productivity and education.
Geo GeoBook 140X Bundle - Full Specification
Tech Specs:
- Intel Celeron N4020 Processor
- 4GB Memory
- Intel UHD 600 Graphics
- Full HD Display
- 128GB Solid State Drive
- Windows 11 Home
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.
GeoBook 140 Minecraft Edition Bundle - Full Specification
Tech Specs:
- Intel Celeron N4020 Processor
- 4GB Memory
- Intel UHD 600 Graphics
- Just 1.352Kg
- HD Display
- Windows 11 Home
GeoBook 2e - The laptop for education
GeoBook 2e is the mobile workspace for learning, enabling users to access education wherever they are. The laptop is a lightweight 12.5-inch design to ensure portability for users of all ages, with Intel Quad Core processing power, 4GB of RAM memory and 64GB of fast eMMC integral storage.
The GeoBook 2e is designed specifically for education with Windows 10 Pro Education, excellent connectivity with AC WiFi technology, a clear 1366 x 768 60Hz HD display, 2MP built-in webcam and dual microphones for the best performance during remote teaching sessions.
With a focus on portable workspace performance and connecting teachers with students effectively, the GeoBook 2e is the perfect device for education.
GeoBook 2e - Full Specification
Tech Specs:
- Intel Celeron N3450 Processor
- 4GB Memory
- Intel HD 500 Graphics
- Just 1.142Kg
- Optical Drive: None
- Windows 10 Pro Education
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.
