computers + laptops Archives

10 things you need to know before using a school-issued laptop

For lots of middle school kids, back to school means back to tech. Specifically: school-issued laptops. Of course, when we’re thinking about our kids and tech that they don’t own themselves, but they’re responsible for day-in and day-out, that comes...

Amazon Prime Day tech deals you won’t want to miss!

by Kristen Chase | Sales, Whoo!

These days, July 15 and 16 means Amazon Prime Day. (Yes, it’s two days this year.) We’ve been keeping an eye on the tech deals to see if they’re worth the hype, and well, depending on what kind of gadget you’re in the market for, they just...

What’s the best first laptop for kids that’s affordable too? We’ve got an idea.

by Cool Mom Staff | Computers

With my 12-year old son heading to middle school next year, I’ve got the the typical parental worries, which these days includes trying to figure out the best first laptop to purchase for him. Yes, my baby is all grown up and needs his own computer. That’s...

Why the new MacBook Air has family written all over it: The features we’re excited about

by Liz Gumbinner | Computers, iPads + Tablets

We’re so excited watching Apple’s big announcement today about the brand new MacBook Air. With the title of Apple’s most affordable MacBook (the price tag starts at $1199) we imagine lots of parents are going to be considering this for their families...

My love-hate relationship with the new MacBook Pro: A cautionary tale

by Kristen Chase | Computers

When I decided to upgrade to the new MacBook Pro at the end of last year (hello, tax write-off), I thought I had a good sense of what I was getting into. Heck, I wrote the article about it here on Cool Mom Tech when Apple first announced it a couple of years ago. But...

Back to School Tech: Stylish laptop backpacks your teens will actually want to carry.

by Kristen Chase | Back to School Tech

With my daughter starting high school this year (hold me!), carrying a laptop is one of her requirements, which means she needs a laptop backpack. But, um, have you looked at laptop backpacks? They’re not necessarily the most stylish, and I get it. They’re...

4 gadgets for laptop users to help with neck and shoulder pain.

by Kristen Chase | Home Office

Last year, I was having some issues with neck and shoulder pain, along with a side of vertigo (ugh!). After a discussion with a chiropractor and a yoga therapist, I decided to make some changes to my work set-up, which was probably causing a bit, if not all, of the...

Web Coolness: The annoying Instagram algorithm, how to listen to podcasts, and lots more.

by Cool Mom Staff | Link Roundups

Here are some of our favorite tech links from around the web. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did. Cool Mom Tech is a reward style affiliate. These portable park iPhone cases from Japan are cracking us up! Father’s Day, anyone? You’re not the only...

Web Coolness: Skip those Facebook quizzes, headphones on fire, and where to find a darn Nintendo Switch

by Cool Mom Staff | Link Roundups

Here are some of our favorite tech links from this week. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did. We need this unicorn charger in our life! Here’s why you might want to avoid doing those Facebook quizzes. Yikes. Where to find a Nintendo Switch in stock. This...

The best Black Friday tech deals around the web

by Cool Mom Staff | Holiday Picks

Looking for the best Black Friday online deals? We’ve got them, because we’re all about shopping in our pajamas today and spending a little more time with our families. Or leftover stuffing. Or possibly both. Keep in mind, these Black Friday tech deals are...

NEW: The podcast that helps you be a savvier digital parent in under 15 minutes a week

Hi! We’re Kristen + Liz

Kristen Chase + Liz Gumbinner of Cool Mom Picks

We started Cool Mom Tech in 2010 to help make our increasingly digital lives easier, more organized, more meaningful, and more fun, however old your kids may be.

We love that it's grown to become the go-to source for millions of parents who want commonsense info about tech delivered with a smile.

We even have the privilege of sharing our tips + tricks with The TODAY Show, CNN, HLN, GMA, Nightline, newspapers and magazines around the country, and our favorite -- regular parents who stop us at PTA meetings and ask us how old kids need to be to get a smartphone, and whether they really need to panic about Snapchat.

(Answer: It's complicated.)

We're so glad you're here! And we hope we can help you too.