I want a laptop for kids going to Uni. Not a chromebook but a laptop
Do I really need to go for anything more than this sort of thing?
https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/lenovo-ideapad-3i-14-laptop-intel-core-i3-128-gb-ssd-blue-10208470-pdt.html
or
https://www.johnlewis.com/dell-inspiron-15-3501-laptop-intel-i3-core-processor-4gb-ram-128gb-ssd-15-6-inch-full-hd-black/p5693892
Ideas welcomed please. It's not for gaming so doesn't need to be top notch but rnough for standard office Apps.
Thanks.
In my personal experience those 128gb SSD's get choked by all manner of windows and bloatware related stuff, to the point that it becomes a pain to even pre-download certain larger windows feature updates. If the kids are VERY VERY comfortable exclusively using the cloud to store data and not to keep a local copy etc they could get by, but I think that 128 is just to low considering a relatively small jump in price can get you 256 or even 512 :D
I'd go for something like this:
https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/dell-inspiron-14-5405-14-laptop-amd-ryzen-5-256-gb-ssd-silver-10208028-pdt.html
I'll leave more competent folks to talk about tech specs, but more prosaically don't forget to consider ruggedness, portability, battery and lightness - finding there is only that awkward last half a desk space in the library, or having to work off one of those chairs with a fold down "arm rest desk" in a lecture theatre - the physical characteristics will mean more than the extra gig or 100 of storage. Back in olden days before they were killed off as a form factor I bought my student girlfriend (now wife) a netbook which she loved as it did everything she needed and also fitted in her (only slightly oversized) handbag - easy to take around and get work done wherever without the encumbrance and crime target of a laptop bag.
Also - ports / adaptors. Depending on Uni and course studied, you might be required to present your work using a projector with VGA connections one day, then find yourself in a recently upgraded "Air Play equipped" study suite the next. The power of a fully equipped cable organiser bag with adaptors, chargers, wall warts etc cannot be under estimated - will be considered nerdy by course mates until their device is dead/not working etc and you can produce the magic cable / usb / iThing adaptor in a flash, then suddenly you'll find yourself being owed beers :clap:
When my daughter went to uni last year we got her an i3 and a 256 ssd, she is doing maths so it didn’t need to be anything awesome, though a decent webcam is useful if they are going to be doing remote learning still - but the prices of laptops seem to have gone up a lot!
Thanks chaps. Useful. Definitely will upgrade to 256gb SSD.
Thanks again.
Is there anything glaringly wrong with this?
https://www.johnlewis.com/hp-pavilion-15-eg0065na-laptop-intel-pentium-gold-processor-8gb-ram-256gb-ssd-15-6-inch-full-hd-silver/p5585787. I don't know what Pentium Gold means?
or this
https://www.johnlewis.com/hp-14s-14-cf2005na-laptop-intel-core-i3-processor-4gb-ram-256gb-ssd-14-inch-full-hd-silver/p5278201
or this?
https://www.johnlewis.com/hp-14s-14s-fq0000na-laptop-amd-ryzen-5-processor-8gb-ram-256gb-ssd-14-inch-full-hd-silver/p5099840
Thanks again. Time is against me on this.
We got both of ours an Asus for their university experience. Most important feature - a 3 year warranty. Their most important request - thin & crispy
How abut something like this:
https://www.johnlewis.com/asus-zenbook-flip-13-convertible-laptop-intel-core-i5-processor-8gb-ram-512gb-ssd-13-3-inch-full-hd-touchscreen-pine-grey/p5623562
https://www.johnlewis.com/asus-vivobook-15-x512da-laptop-amd-ryzen-7-processor-8gb-ram-512gb-ssd-15-6-inch-full-hd-silver/p5324041
Personally I prefer the 15" screen, if you're going to be staring at something for ages then the extra size helps.
OK. bit pricey for me as I need to buy two.
What about
//www.johnlewis.com/acer-aspire-3-a315-56-laptop-intel-core-i5-processor-8gb-ram-512gb-ssd-15-6-inch-full-hd-black/p5451585
Seems to tick all the boxes!
https://laptopmedia.com/gb/comparisons/amd-ryzen-5-4500u-vs-intel-core-i5-1035g4-another-heavy-defeat-for-intel/
I'd still go for the more recent Ryzen 5 laptop i linked, though extra £50 does get you the 15" screen and bigger HDD i guess..
https://www.hughes.co.uk/product/computing/laptops/all-laptops/asus/x512da-bq1039t?c=425. This one?
Great, thanks all. Sorted.