Technology for Teens

Computers for Kids

2008-05-08T11:11:00.003-04:00

So, comuputers for kids is on my mind today. Should kids have their own computers? With prices dropping, a Windows laptop is easily obtained at the same price as a game system. And a computer is so much more educational.
But computers for kids require much more adult supervision and maintenance, and I'm not sure if I am ready for that.
I also am a big fan of Apple - not sure if I would go for Windows again. But a Mac is not in the same price range as Windows.
And then there is the issue of laptop or desktop. A desktop is more easily managed because kids can't move it around as easily. So parents have an easier job of supervising internet usage.
Right now my computer is getting a workout, and short of setting up a sign up sheet for computer time - it looks like I will need to come up with an alternate solution.

iPhones are Top on Teens' Lists

2007-12-20T00:40:00.000-05:00

iPods are so yesterday! Today's teen wants the iPhone. (So do his parents)

But is purchasing such an elite and powerful device justified for your teen? I say skip it and get it for yourself!

Honestly, with all the reports of outrageous mobile phone bills, giving such capable technology to a teen is a recipe for disaster. Unless of course they will foot the bill themselves.

Teenagers today are technology hungry, and will put the iPhone to good use but then you lose control of the cost involved and that can be dangerous.

Technology for Teens: Making Good Choices

2007-12-06T10:38:00.001-05:00

Helping Families Make Good Technology Choices for their Teens

Teens today are very technologically savvy. Between computers, iPods, Nintendo's, Playstations, Xbox's, and the like, teens spend a good portion of their time using technology and electronics.

But how much technology is too much technology? And how should a parent guide their teen to the best technology choices? And what about the cost of technology and electronic gadgets?

Computers

As children become teens, their technology needs increase. Teachers require the use of technology by assigning teens homework that must be done on the computer. Soon the family's computer and electronics are being monopolized by the teen.

Should a teen have his own technology - a computer all to himself? How much technology and electronics a teen has is a matter of choice by the teens family. But if a family chooses to but their teen their own computer they should try to integrate it with the family's existing systems. The teens computer should run an operating system that the family is familiar with and can troubleshoot.

Music Technology

All teens seem to have iPod's and mp3 players - the latest and greatest in music technology. When choosing the right music technology for your teen it is important to consider what platform and music service you plan to use.

For example, Apple's iTunes only plays AAC and mp3 music files. Where other music services use a myriad of other technologies. If your teen purchased music at the iTunes store it would be downloaded as an AAC file and would not be compatible with some players other than iPod (which happens to be a very popular choice with teens.)

If you have your own digital music player and it uses a different technology than the one you choose for your teen then you may not be able to use your music player to listen to the music that your teen purchases online.

Video Games

Which video game technology should you buy for your teen? The decision on this type of electronic should be made jointly with your teen. You want your teen to be happy with his/her choice of video game technology for a long time. And video game technologies are very diverse. From the action packed Nintendo Wii to the full featured PlayStation 3, entertainment choices abound.

Keep in mind that most newer systems are technologically backward compatible. For example, you can play an older Nintendo GameCube game on a Nintendo Wii but you cannot play a Wii game on the older GameCube system.

How Much Will Technology for My Teen Cost?

The sky is definitely the limit - and that is why parents of teens need to set limits on their technology spending. If the household use the same systems (the same computer operating system, the same music technologies, and the same video game systems) then any software, music downloads, and video games should be able to be used by all family members - subject, of course, to the manufacturer's licensing requirements. This will help reduce the family's cost of supporting several different technologies.

Technology is an integral part of a teens future.

Welcome to Technology for Teens

2007-12-03T11:29:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Technology for Teens. This site is a guide on technology that teens may want or need. Choices abound when it comes to technology and Technology for Teens aims to zero on the cool and useful stuff by providing reviews and links to the latest deals.