“Ahead of the start of the school year, phones and laptops are the most popular purchases, while tablets are bought less frequently. Desktop computers still have their place as well,” says Kaire Koik, Member of the Management Board of Klick Eesti.
Although smartphones can do more and more, she does not recommend treating a phone as a child’s primary learning device. “A phone should primarily be used for communication and everyday tasks rather than as the main device for schoolwork. The screen is small, and a child’s posture when working on a phone for extended periods is not ideal either,” Koik explained.
In her view, a laptop or desktop computer used at a desk is better suited for schoolwork. It is also worth paying attention to the ergonomics of the workspace, including a suitable desk, chair and screen position. “We should teach children that studying takes place at a desk. Even a regular kitchen chair may not be the best option for longer study sessions,” she added.
For this reason, Koik recommends considering a desktop computer alongside a laptop. “The advantage of a desktop computer is its larger monitor and the fact that studying takes place at a desk rather than lounging on the sofa. At the same time, a desktop is also well suited for gaming and editing photos or videos on a larger screen,” she said.
A tablet can be a useful additional device, particularly for younger schoolchildren. It can be used to search for information, view learning materials and videos, and use educational apps. With a keyboard added, a tablet can also be used for simpler written assignments and presentations. “Once a child needs to write more texts, prepare presentations or use specific school software, a laptop or desktop computer is generally more convenient and versatile than a tablet,” Koik noted.
A computer should be chosen with several years of use in mind
According to Koik, when buying a laptop or desktop computer, it is worth considering the child’s needs for at least the next few years. Depending on the user, she considers a reasonable lifespan for a modern laptop to be around three to five years. This means that a computer with the most basic specifications may not ultimately be the best choice.
“If the intended use is simple and the device is likely to be replaced relatively soon, an entry-level computer may be perfectly sufficient. If the aim is to use the same device for longer, it is worth allowing some extra capacity in terms of performance, memory and storage,” Koik said.
When choosing a computer, she advises against focusing solely on processor performance or price. RAM, storage capacity, battery life, device weight and screen quality are equally important. It is also worth considering which ports and connections the child will need.
If the computer is mainly used for word processing, online learning and video calls, the most powerful model is usually unnecessary. Gaming, programming, design, and photo or video editing, however, may require significantly higher specifications.
“When choosing a computer for university, it is worth considering the specific requirements of the field of study. For example, students in IT, design, media or engineering may need a more powerful computer than a model intended for standard word processing and web use,” Koik added.
Older devices are worth cleaning and maintaining
Buying a new device is not the only option. According to Koik, families should also review the devices they already own and consider passing them on to another family member. “Devices can be passed around within the family. An older child may get a newer computer, while their previous one may still be perfectly suitable for a younger sibling,” she said.
Before passing a device on to its next user, it is worth having the computer checked and serviced. Removing dust, replacing thermal paste and checking the condition of the battery can extend its useful life by several years.
A family’s existing technology can also make choosing a device easier. If the household mainly uses phones, tablets and computers from the same ecosystem, staying within that environment can make file sharing and device management easier.
“Parental controls are also important when it comes to children. Among other things, they allow parents to manage screen time, app installations, purchases and access to different types of content,” Koik added.
The cheapest device may not be the smartest choice
According to Koik, one of the most common mistakes is choosing a device based solely on price. A slightly more expensive computer with a better screen, keyboard, battery and components may prove to be a better choice in everyday use.
“When buying a new device, it is worth considering its entire period of use. If a slightly more expensive, higher-quality device meets the child’s needs for longer, purchasing it may make more sense than choosing the cheapest model solely because of its lower purchase price,” Koik explained.
Additional costs should also be taken into account. For phones and tablets, she recommends considering a screen protector and case from the outset, while a laptop should have a good-quality bag. For a more expensive device, insurance or an extended warranty may also be worth considering, as a standard warranty generally does not cover damage caused by drops, a broken screen or liquids.
The start of the school year can mean several major expenses for a family at the same time, and sometimes more than one device needs to be replaced. According to Koik, families therefore use a range of payment methods when purchasing devices, from paying the full amount upfront to instalment plans and financing.
According to Hanno Ladvas, Head of Inbank Estonia, the beginning of the school year often brings several larger expenses at once, ranging from clothing and footwear to extracurricular activities and smart devices. “One larger purchase may not throw a family budget off balance, but when several necessary expenses fall within the same month, their combined impact can already be significant,” Ladvas said.
According to him, paying in instalments can help spread such expenses over a longer period. “If a child needs a new computer or phone for school, the entire purchase price does not necessarily have to come out of the family’s monthly budget at once. Spreading the cost over several months can help maintain greater flexibility for other back-to-school expenses or unexpected costs,” Ladvas explained.
Ladvas says that when using financing, the key consideration should be whether the monthly payment fits comfortably within the family’s regular expenses. “The aim should not be to buy a more expensive device simply because it can be paid for later. Rather, a flexible payment method can make it possible to plan a necessary and well-considered purchase into the family budget so that one larger expense does not fall entirely within a single month,” he said.
