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**bullett** · 31-10-2010, 09:28:37

first off steve. dont give a fuck what ANYONE else thinks.if you think you should get him started then buy him it,i coudnt care less what jealous people think!

**FletchCossie** · 31-10-2010, 09:34:57

That's a good bit of encouragement, thanks Neil

I just need to work out if it's a good idea or am I just getting into one of my "Must have" moments. Is there another ways to encourage him?

**cootsie** · 31-10-2010, 09:36:47

How else could I encourage him without spending all that money and making him look spoilt or me rich

I agree with bullet but i know what you are saying.

Maybe a Laptop? Some good laptops about less than �450

**FletchCossie** · 31-10-2010, 09:48:43

Thanks mate, but since i changed to Mac i wouldn't go near a Windows PC

iPad is best all round and with the new ios 4.2 coming so you can print from apps I think it would be a great help doing his homework. A Pc is too big and cumbersome to just get out and start using, etc i think. I use my MacBook all the time, but the iPad is so much easier to move about and lighter

iPad has cheap apps too like word documents, etc and spread sheets are 2 apps for �12 instead of MS Office for �50+ they work very well for basics like what he will need to do. Then the option of other apps as i stated above I think would be beneficial? And it has some very good game apps

**Scouse** · 31-10-2010, 09:56:07

My eldest lad (22) has just started college, he also works, doing panel beating and paint spraying. Not a profession he has ever mentioned of doing before, but he's making a go of it and I try and help (money wise

) as much as I can

Fletch, just remember that even though you encourage him he may not want to do it later on in his life..........................so don't get disappointed if he doesn't!! He may end up a hair-dresser

Scouse.
aka "the wise one"!!

**FletchCossie** · 31-10-2010, 10:00:59

you are completely right mate. I went to College under my Dad's and ex girlfriends advice to do computing. I wanted to do mechanics, but was told money is in computing. Now I'm ok at computing, basic stuff and fucking regret wasting a year of my life at college when I could of done what I wanted

I'm only trying to encourage what i see he appears to have a knack for, but will always encourage what he wants to do. He has asked me to show him mechanics, but he gets bored very quickly with it, so im pretty sure he won't go down that route. He spent 3.5 hours doing homework, researching, etc yesterday and seemed to really enjoy doing it, hence I wanna encourage him further. He cant use my iPad all the time, so having his own at home would help I think?

I was never encouraged when I was younger, always followed what my brother's were doing or being told what I wanted as "It was good and you will like it" hence I buy myself so much stuff I want now as i never was able to. I don't want my son just getting older like I have and want to guide him down whichever route he takes no matter the cost and how long he does it for!

**Joe-Tait** · 31-10-2010, 13:04:10

Think thats a nice idea

Same goes with all computers though you dont want him on there 24/7 so possibly limit the use and just make sure it stays in the house and not infront of the rest of the school in the playground

**FletchCossie** · 31-10-2010, 13:13:00

He wouldn't be allowed it out the house unless coming over to me. It would get stolen in 30seconds

my main fear is it being damaged as there is nothing protecting the screen, except a case. I wouldn't want him on it all the time; but some of the game apps are making him use his brain. His playing one now which you have to put different shapes into a big shape, bit like a kids game, but much harder

I'm watching him work it out

Thanks for he input

if I can find the cash he can have one for XMas and his Birthday in January combined

just gotta make some cash now

**Scouse** · 31-10-2010, 14:39:44

Originally posted by FletchCossie View Post

I was never encouraged when I was younger,

Ditto,

My Dad was a mechanic too, but a welder by trade and a bloody good one. I never got any encouragement of either of them (that's why I do so much with my kids) so ended up joining the Army in the REME as a tank mechanic.

Good luck to your little one and these days technology should be encouraged no matter what age as it's moving so fast. I'm lucky, as I was self taught with computers and wireless technology etc. but the kids these days think nothing but the norm when it comes to broadband, internet iPads etc!!

Have you seen some of them on MW2, take the pi$$ out of me!!

Scouse.

**FletchCossie** · 31-10-2010, 15:15:51

I hate the 12 year olds that slaughter me on MW2. My son kicked my arse 3-0 on Fifa 11 earlier

I think kids need as much encouragement as possible

**Ben Purnell** · 31-10-2010, 20:14:33

steve go for it mate I can't keep my kids off the laptop. the eldest who's 9 is always doing PowerPoint presentations. I know you don't like Microsoft etc... but most of the schools have them so it may be wise to keep with windows to help him further himself whilst at school

**Simon T** · 31-10-2010, 20:25:03

If it's helping him with his education then I can't see the problem.

Apple do "education discounts" too.

**FletchCossie** · 31-10-2010, 20:49:02

Ben, My son's been on the IPad most of today. Ive got Pages and Numbers which are the Apple equilivent of Word and Excel. Very similiar, but easier to use

Will see if there is a Powerpoint one also, but good point in its what schools use.

Si, forgot about the educational discount. Probably won't be on IPads tho

**Ben Purnell** · 31-10-2010, 21:06:37

which ever you go for will help him and I'm sure will be very much appreciated, have you tried OpenOffice as i think that contains all microsoft type apps

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