A new school year brings with it new homework challenges and finding a computer solution that addresses your family’s unique needs can be tricky.
Computer options are endless. Should you choose a desktop PC, laptop or tablet? It’s important to select an option that will meet the specific needs of your family. The home computer has become the most versatile device – sometimes it is only used for work, other times, work and play and importantly, it will be accessed by each of the family members that have their requirements.
Your current PC set-up might be stretched as multiple family members want to access the one device. This situation inevitably leads to quibbles over who’s homework takes priority – it may be time to consider adding another device to your home set-up.
Perhaps you’re considering a laptop, or tablet rather than a home desktop PC? Laptops remain expensive and although tablets are mobile and great computing devices they are primarily used for reading, researching, taking photos and playing games rather than creating content such as school projects.
On the other hand, you perhaps don’t have a PC at home and you’re in the market for an affordable desktop to help your children with schoolwork and projects.
Whether you’re looking for one more PC to complement your family’s existing computer set-up or you’re in search of the family’s first home PC, there is one device on the market that will solve both these problems.
The CloudGate Android PC is a mini-computer that is the ideal solution for a workstation at home. It is an affordable hybrid device that runs on Google’s Android operating system and only requires a keyboard, mouse, high-definition monitor or TV screen and a connection to the internet to create a powerful desktop experience at home.
CloudGate is small, so you don’t have to worry about a bulky box occupying a lot of space. It also costs very little to run as it only uses 10 watts of power.
If you already have existing desktop accessories such as a screen, keyboard, and mouse, the cost of under R2000 for the CloudGate is nominal compared to the cost of a standard desktop.
Another advantage of CloudGate is that it requires zero pre-configuration and reduced technical support.
You can access Google Drive and store all your data in the cloud. If you prefer working on Windows, you can access Windows environments in the cloud, but here additional hosting and licensing fees will apply.
Those that are technically challenged will be glad to know that the CloudGate device only comes with two cables – one to power the device and the other to connect it to the monitor or TV. Setting it up is as easy as child’s play and moving it to another screen or room in the house is just as effortless.
Homework will also be a lot easier thanks to thousands of educational apps that can be accessed in the Google Play store, many of which are free. The store allows parents to set an age restriction, so they can rest assured that their children access the store in a controlled environment.
Another benefit of the device is that it has more than one USB port so that you can plug in your hard drive to play movies and music, plus view and share photographs all on your larger monitor or TV screen.
Your children can access the Google Play store in their free time and play the same games they enjoy on their phone or tablet, but with a bigger screen experience.