Digital video, photos, and music are the killer apps for savvy computer families. You'll want the connectivity that is standard for new computers. Don't overlook Firewire access for your digital video, and get it pre-installed. Remember that digital media requires a large pipeline to be practical; and, that means broadband Internet access is a basic necessity of computer life.
Of course, you first must have a printer. I have a love-hate relationship with my printers. You've got to have one, but they cause more headaches than any other part of the computer experience. Remember this truth - printer is cheap; toner is expensive.
Your best strategy is to find a free color inkjet deal on a new computer if you can. You'll have to bite the bullet to buy toner if you and your child get into color printing projects. The printer probably won't last long, but you can replace it cheaply at a discount store.
If you print a lot of documents, you'll want a good black and white laser printer as your default printer. Color laser printers take you to another level, especially in the cost of both the printer and the toner. Whether a color laser printer will cure or worsen my printer rage, I can only wonder. I'm still using and regurlarly cursing my inkjet.
Digital Camera - A Must-Have Family Computer Peripheral
It's so good, this is reason enough to buy a new computer. You want your digital media experience to be seamless, and new computers have the former bells and whistles now standard. The way it should work is that you connect the camera to the computer using the fastest connection possible and you're zipping through and organizing your video and photos in seconds. New computers will come with image-editing software that is more than adequate for the job.
Commercial digital photo processors recommend resolutions of at least 1280 x 1024 pixels for 8X10 photos, so this is the minimum capability you should choose for your digital camera. Most of the fun you will have with your digital media is on the computer itself. Sharing photos with friends and family and composing digital scrapbooks that combine music, photos, and videos are just two of the engaging projects you will discover as you explore the new world of digital media.
Next > Summary of the Perfect Family Computer
More:
- The Perfect Family Computer Introduction
- Software for the Perfect Family Computer
- Peripherals for the Perfect Family Computer
