Choosing a laptop for DS college

[sam_gordon]

DS is looking for a new laptop. While he's in college, he's not doing anything super powerful (no engineering, video editing, advanced math, etc), just writing papers, presentations, and watching online videos. Of course, budget is a HUGE issue (poor college kid). He wanted a laptop for sub $100. I told him I don't think that's a wise choice.

Doing a quick look at Amazon, led me to https://www.amazon.com/SGIN-Compute...8e6d374b3&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1. Yes, it's an off brand, but the price seems right. However, it's listed as a 512GB ROM HD(?). The 512GB SSD HD is another $60. I can't figure out the difference between the two to justify the $60.

I would *THINK* a ROM HD wouldn't be good, because that's non-volatile memory, right? But why would you use that in a laptop? What am I missing?

 

[_19disnA]

If he is just starting college, the school sometimes offer/recommend the types of PC's needed for most classes. Will any of his classes need specific software and/or specific types of features? The campus bookstore might also offer discounts on various products and even if he doesn't buy it there can see what various choices would cost. That is where I would start. Having a printer is also something most college students can use and way more convenient then other options such as using shared printers.

 

[kdonnel]

Inexpensive Windows laptops tend to truly be cheap and not last long at all. All the neighbors kids that went off to college at the same time as my daughter ended up buying at least one additional laptop during their college time because they all bought inexpensive Windows laptops.

I would recommend spending more and getting a laptop that will actually last.

If you want one with spectacular battery time get an ARM based Macintosh. Certified refurbished M1 MacBook Air can be had for $850. In my opinion well worth the extra money.

You can also get education pricing and get a new M1 MacBook Air for $899 and a $150 gift card.

The inexpensive Windows laptops tend to have horrible battery life. Often not enough battery life to even last through a single class.

ARM based Macs will last for days. My kids said it made it so easy to not have worry about battery life.

 

[sam_gordon]

If he is just starting college, the school sometimes offer/recommend the types of PC's needed for most classes. Will any of his classes need specific software and/or specific types of features? The campus bookstore might also offer discounts on various products and even if he doesn't buy it there can see what various choices would cost. That is where I would start. Having a printer is also something most college students can use and way more convenient then other options such as using shared printers.

At this point, no special software needed. Not worried about printing. He got through last year without a printer with him. I think they email/electronically submit assignments.

 

[kdonnel]

However, it's listed as a 512GB ROM HD(?). The 512GB SSD HD is another $60. I can't figure out the difference between the two to justify the $60

The one advertised as 512GB ROM is probably eMMC. Basically an SD card for the permanent storage. Performance will be horrible.

 

[sam_gordon]

Inexpensive Windows laptops tend to truly be cheap and not last long at all. All the neighbors kids that went off to college at the same time as my daughter ended up buying at least one additional laptop during their college time because they all bought inexpensive Windows laptops.

I would recommend spending more and getting a laptop that will actually last.

If you want one with spectacular battery time get an ARM based Macintosh. Certified refurbished M1 MacBook Air can be had for $850. In my opinion well worth the extra money.

You can also get education pricing and get a new M1 MacBook Air for $899 and a $150 gift card.

The inexpensive Windows laptops tend to have horrible battery life. Often not enough battery life to even last through a single class.

ARM based Macs will last for days. My kids said it made it so easy to not have worry about battery life.

Heh. He "choked" when I linked the $300 laptop. Like I said, he thought he could get a laptop for <$100.

Do you have a link for the Macbook Air for $899 w/GC? I'm sure he'd prefer a Mac. Found it: https://www.apple.com/us-edu/shop/buy-mac/macbook-air/13-inch-m1

 

[kdonnel]

Heh. He "choked" when I linked the $300 laptop. Like I said, he thought he could get a laptop for <$100.

Do you have a link for the Macbook Air for $899 w/GC? I'm sure he'd prefer a Mac. Found it: https://www.apple.com/us-edu/shop/buy-mac/macbook-air/13-inch-m1

I am still using a late 2012 MacBook Pro. Still works great for the tasks you listed. I am reasonably sure a $300 Windows based laptop purchased in 2012 would not still be working.

I used it for a 5 years before giving it to my daughter to start college in 2017. She used it for 2 years before we bought her and my son M1 based MacBook Airs. I got the laptop back and continue to use it as my laptop.

Macs seem expensive until you realize how long they remain functional.

 

[DLgal]

Get the kid a Windows Surface Pro Tablet. It will last him YEARS, they are light and portable, and they are FAST. They aren't super cheap, but they are versatile and can be used as either tablet or laptop. I've had one going on 8 years now that is still working. My husband just got a new one for his MBA program that just started.

I would absolutely not purchase that laptop or any other off brand laptop off Amazon. It's likely full of Chinese spyware.

If you want a decent affordable laptop, get either an Acer or Asus brand (the only 2 "cheap" brands my IT repair guy recommends).

 

[sam_gordon]

Macs seem expensive until you realize how long they remain functional.

No, Mac's seem expensive when you don't have the money for them. I'm sure he'd love one, but it's going to come down to how much *HE* wants to spend.

ETA: I was looking at refurbished Macs on Best Buy, and they actually have a 2017 version for $350.

 

[Lumpy1106]

You might want to just go down to Best Buy and talk to the sales guys there. I bought a laptop for DW so my price point was higher than what you are looking for, but they were able to steer me in a better direction than I was able to just looking online.
What we found useful;

• touch screen
• plenty of USB ports
• good battery life
• lit keyboard

What we did not find useful;

• pen (though DS has a MAC and uses his pen a lot at college)
• ability to flip between laptop and tablet - thought we'd find that useful but haven't used it at all

DD is starting her college career studying Computer Science so we told her to go spend some time in class and doing assignments with the laptop we bought her at the start of COVID (a low-end gaming laptop that has been really reliable - not a bad choice really), then let us know what she needs and we'll get her a computer for Christmas if not before then.

DS OTOH insisted on a MAC when he went to college and, to be fair, he has put good use to it and loves it. It's especially useful because of its easy integration with everything else Apple. That's not a good choice for DD though because she will be doing a lot of programming and doesn't really value the Apple integration.

I would echo what others have said; pay a little extra for the newer, more advanced computer. He is going to use the thing a lot and he doesn't need issues, plus technology changes so fast - you really don't want to start with what was new and powerful yesterday - because it will not be tomorrow, relatively speaking.

 

[sam_gordon]

You might want to just go down to Best Buy and talk to the sales guys there.

That's actually the LAST thing I want to do. I don't trust sales guys (in pretty much ANY thing).

 

[RoseGold]

He needs to find the education pricing through his school. You might be surprised.

 

[Lumpy1106]

That's actually the LAST thing I want to do. I don't trust sales guys (in pretty much ANY thing).

You don't have to buy it from them - just spend some time letting them show you what's out there. I mean, you are asking us - and we are not exactly experts.

 

[Christine]

I'm sure you already know--you get what you pay for. I got a cheap laptop once (black Friday thing) and it was AWFUL. Bogged down, slow run time. It didn't last long.

I get that he's stuck on $100. I don't think we can help with that mindset--sounds like he's going to do what he's going to do. I guess there might be some good lessons learned there.

My daughter (and yes I paid for it), had one MacBook last her through 5 years of schooling and then some. We had discounts on buying it so it wasn't too bad of a price but no where near $100, lol! My son bought a regular (not cheap) laptop and he ended up need two through 2 years. I guess if you end up buying a $100 laptop every year and are okay with the functionality of it, then that works.

 

[sam_gordon]

You don't have to buy it from them - just spend some time letting them show you what's out there. I mean, you are asking us - and we are not exactly experts.

Actually, there are some computer knowledgeable people on here. Sales people want to make the sale. They'll stretch the truth (at best) or flat out lie (at worst).

 

[sam_gordon]

I'm sure you already know--you get what you pay for. I got a cheap laptop once (black Friday thing) and it was AWFUL. Bogged down, slow run time. It didn't last long.

I get that he's stuck on $100. I don't think we can help with that mindset--sounds like he's going to do what he's going to do. I guess there might be some good lessons learned there.

My daughter (and yes I paid for it), had one MacBook last her through 5 years of schooling and then some. We had discounts on buying it so it wasn't too bad of a price but no where near $100, lol! My son bought a regular (not cheap) laptop and he ended up need two through 2 years. I guess if you end up buying a $100 laptop every year and are okay with the functionality of it, then that works.

I'm trying to talk him out of the $100. I'm not faulting Macs. I think he'd like it, it's just coming up with the money. He also wants a new (to him) car. He's driving my old 2006 Sonata with over 200k miles.

 

[lanejudy]

I was also going to suggest going into a store to speak with someone. He doesn't have to buy it there, but get the salesperson to talk him through the options. We did that with DD just last month; the salesperson was a college student from the local university who really gave us some good tips. We then went home, reviewed the info we'd learned about those options, looked online, and then decided what to buy.

But I agree with others -- if he buys a cheap computer it's going to work like a cheap computer. Honestly, call it an early holiday/birthday present and chip in to help him out. You (and he) are spending an arm and a leg for a good college education -- why skimp on the tools he needs.

 

[Christine]

I'm trying to talk him out of the $100. I'm not faulting Macs. I think he'd like it, it's just coming up with the money. He also wants a new (to him) car. He's driving my old 2006 Sonata with over 200k miles.

Oh I get it. I just think there's a lesson here, (and you obviously know it) of being too cheap on some things. But I also hear that money is an object. I've been fortunate that, while not wealthy, I don't have those hinderances for practical items so not sure what I'd do if I just didn't have the money.

 

[sam_gordon]

Oh I get it. I just think there's a lesson here, (and you obviously know it) of being too cheap on some things. But I also hear that money is an object. I've been fortunate that, while not wealthy, I don't have those hinderances for practical items so not sure what I'd do if I just didn't have the money.

If I was purchasing it, I'd figure on spending $500-$750, and yes, try to get something that will last a couple years.

Actually if it was me, I'd try to "fix" what's wrong with the current laptop and try to limp through at least another year. He complains that it's slow...
* check start up programs
* check HD space
* defrag HD if needed

He also can't connect to the school's wifi. I'm guessing they're either 5gig solely (which doesn't make sense) or there's something with his wireless card that isn't compatible. I've told him to take it to the help desk and he says a friend had the same problem and their (ITs) answer was to hand him an ethernet cable. I'd probably spend $20-30 on a USB wifi adapter if I didn't want to go through changing the card itself.

 

[mjkacmom]

He needs to find the education pricing through his school. You might be surprised.

I’ve found pricing to be similar, but they might offer temporary laptops in case one breaks. My 3 youngest got MacBooks for HS graduation, my 22 year old in grad school still loves it, got a iPad and pen for college graduation and finds it incredible for notes, she wishes she had it all along. None of mine ever had a printer, on and off campus.