Buying a new laptop is ideal for students who:

• Need to move from room to room for privacy or networking reasons.
• Have limited desk space, in co-op spaces, or in collaborative learning settings.
• Want the advantages of a foldable laptop that doubles as a tablet.

Laptops no longer suffer from limited processing power or storage capacities. Invest in a good model and they can perform just as well as their desktop counterparts.

Today’s laptops are sturdy and light as well, making them ideal for “road schoolers,” or those who learn while they travel.

If you choose a desktop computer instead:

• You get more computing power for gaming, creation, and entertainment at a lower price point
• You enjoy the customizability of a desktop for future needs.
• You want built-in components, such as extra USB, HDMI, DVD-ROM, card readers, etc.

Desktop computers have become smaller and lighter over time. The latest models are rather slim and can often sit on the desk next to your monitor without crowding your workspace.

You may also opt for the sleek all-in-one (AiO) models that combine everything into the display for the most efficient use of space.

It can be hard to know exactly what you’ll need in a homeschool computer. Here are some things to consider before you begin your search:

• Consider getting more memory, storage, and processing speed than you estimate you'll need. Storage fills up fast, especially if you download multimedia projects often or save learning apps to your computer. If your child plays games or does anything in the creative arts, look at upgrading the specs up to the most you can afford.
• Prepare for the worst with an HP Care Pack. These protection plans can save you money on unexpected repairs, accidents, spills, and more. Kids are kids, after all, and you can save money and limit interruptions to their learning when you know your brand-new computer is covered.

A quality desktop or laptop PC prepares your children for the skills they need to function as productive adults in our tech-savvy world.

The convenience of a laptop is undeniable, but desktop PC is great if you want more computing power for the price. The best computer for homeschooling will be the one your family can rely on for years of learning at home.