Mom's Gadgets

I recently purchased a desktop after my beloved laptop died on me.  I had several reasons for buying a desktop over another laptop at the time,  one was it was affordable, and then I thought it would help me manage my computer time more.  Both were true, but I can’t help but wish for my laptop these days, however I really can’t afford another computer, or can I?  I recently began seeing alot of online moms raving about the Acer Mini Laptop .  Not only is it functional, small and packed with power, but it is also “affordable”, retailing for under $500 in most stores online and off.

Now, I don’t know about you, but for me this sounds like an affordable alternative that I can not only afford but enjoy.  It won’t have to be my main computer, but since I spent less on it I can feel okay about getting it and using it when I want the freedom that a laptop gives from being tied down to my desk.  Also, it will be handy to have when we travel too.

So, if you’re needing an alternative to a desktop or to a more pricey laptop then you should check into the mini varieties.

My brother recently bought an Ipod Touch and now I”m thinking this is a gadget this mom might have to splurge on, or at least add to my Christmas wish list.  Allowing you to access the Internet, games, your favorite music, movies and videos at the touch of its sleek little screen is fascinating to me. 

Just a few months back I noticed a fellow passenger on an airplane with one as she watched episodes of one of her obviously favorite shows for the entire ride.  I was a bit jealous then that she had entertainment at her fingertips and I had nothing.

So, that’s one reason this little gadget is appealing to me, being able to carry around not only my favorite tunes, but videos and the ability to access the Internet via WiFi from anywhere.  That’s a plus in itself.  And this little gadget is something I’m certain any mom could enjoy.

Instead of sending my kids online where I don’t know what they will click on and where they end up, I decided to download Tux Paint for them. At first, I was a little concerned that my youngest will not be able to use this but that flew out the window the moment we launched Tux Paint.

This is a free drawing software for kids. It is quite a bit of fun - even for me as an adult. On their web site, you can view a gallery of what kids have done with it. The older kids really create beautiful pictures. For the younger ones like my PK’er, it is just entertaining. She loves using the different brushes and shapes, but by far, her favorite tool in this program are the stamps.

Available for Windows, Mac, Linux and a host of other operating systems. My kiddos love to draw on it and that makes mom happy especially when I need a few quiet moments.