We currently have one computer with MS Word.
With 4 kids in Jr. High we frequently (like last night) have 4 papers due on the same day.

Now I know this isn't the worst tragedy in the world, and after Christmas we will have 2 computers with Word, but it is driving me CRAZY.

I do have the kids write out their papres so only the typing/editing is done at the computer but that still takes nearly 2 hours (20-30 mins for each paper).

We can't do anything as a family because someone has to be "on" to get it all done before bed.

I looked at word processors to help out but geez, to get one that shows the whole page rather than 3 lines at a time is $400. I might as well get more laptops.

Anyone else suffering? Any ideas?


Judie and Victor
lucky parents to
Frankie 3/95
Maggie 7/96
Rose 7/96
Elizabeth 7/96

We saw this coming since my older son is 4 grades ahead of my younger ones. Through the years, we have purchased desktops for each of them. While none of them have internet due to safety concerns, they have plenty of software to do school work. We do share on printer so sometimes that backs us up.

As my son moved into high school, there is so much work that needs to be done on the computer. Almost all his classes require everything, including homework, to be typed. So you might consider adding over time to prevent that log jame in a few years.

We have crowded time when everyone wants to be on my computer in the family room. It has internet and more and more work needs access to it! I have to research net nannies a bit more!

At least it will be better after Christmas! Try looking at Dell computers. We have all refurbished Dells at great prices!

Sharon
11 year old b/b/b + 15 year old son

I don't have that problem yet as my kids are not yet 5, but I wanted to suggest that if you start looking into laptops, Acer is another inexpensive way to go. I have one, and I love it.

Dawn

Mom to Samantha, Jeremy, Paige and Christian

Born 12/12/03 @ 31w 2d



http://lovinglifewithquads.blogspot.com

Just to mention it, you can also network your computers, both desktop and laptop, and they can all use the internet at the same time (we have it setup so our laptop and desktop share it now, but also have added our work laptops into the mix when we need to).

susan

Parent to GGG born 31 weeks 4 days 4/26/07




http://www.thedivinemercy.org/message

  

We do network the 2 computers but only one has MS Word. We are getting a laptop for Christmas to replace the older computer (2001) and MS Word came with it.

Thanks for the ideas tho'


Judie and Victor
lucky parents to
Frankie 3/95
Maggie 7/96
Rose 7/96
Elizabeth 7/96

Craig's List -- tons of computers, plenty under $150 that can handle word processing, save to a disk or memory stick, and print out on your computer tied to the printer.

Vaughn and the ABC Boys
Alex, Bryce, & Calder
3-31-97 @ 28.5 weeks
http://s515.photobucket.com/albums/t356/vaughn3abc/

Great idea?

We don't really need a fast one for the internet, just word processing.




Judie and Victor
lucky parents to
Frankie 3/95
Maggie 7/96
Rose 7/96
Elizabeth 7/96

And we all thought the diaper/formula stage was the most expensive,lol!

We had the same problem until we bought a new desktop and laptop. We kept the old desktop and set it up in oldest dd's room. We have a wireless network, so we are all hooked up to the internet and can use the internet at the same time. We purchased a wireless router for about $50 and ta-da! we are all on the internet! We thought about just having internet on one computer, but oldest dd's (freshman) textbooks are available on-line and she does use that a lot. Better than carrying a ton of textbooks home!

You can get a pretty decent laptop for $600 or so. Check out Best Buy. We bought the desktop and laptop from them about a month ago and spent less than what we did on our old 2002 desktop.

Hi Judie,

I have three 15yr olds and a 12yr old-and I'm a teacher. We have only one computer at home so, I have my kids do their assignments at school in the computer lab...either after school for an hour or so, or during a study period. The home computer is only for emergencies. Hope this helps!
Mare