Laptop for a student

GlasweJen

I don't currently have a laptop, everything happens on the iPad but I'm going back to uni and we've been told we need an actual computer.

It's the OU so the expectations of the computer aren't huge but I do need something that will last the length of the course (4 years).

I need something that will be able to run a few programmes at once as I'm dyslexic and use adaptive programmes.

Needs to be fairly light as I'm doing this through work and I think I'll be lugging the laptop to work some days and attending lectures around the work.

As much as I hate windows the adaptive tech trends to work best with windows so I think it needs to be windows.

I have a bit of money I can chuck at it but I also have a boat load of really pricey books to buy (don't worry I'm going second had where I can with those) so I'm not talking MacBook money.

I work for the nhs so I can access standard nhs discounts and also BlueLightCard discount if that helps.

Can anyone recommend a laptop? I've read a few threads but I'm just more confused than i started!

[Deleted User]

If you can find someone who knows what they are talking about Currys PC World isn't the worst place in the world (no pun intended) for a decent laptop

that

venison wrote: »

...Currys PC World isn't the worst place in the world (no pun intended) for a decent laptop

^^^A bit like a cow wandering into a slaughter house, expecting to be sheltered for the evening, or a [STRIKE]rabbit[/STRIKE] stag at night running towards an oncoming bright light on a railway track?

GlasweJen, people like decent screen resolutions as in 1920 x 1080, mainly because films scale less, and you get a larger 'work' area. SSD gives computers speed, does not corrupt if knocked, makes the power last slightly longer too. 120GB is small, but it does work, personally would buy a 240 or better as you will probably installing apps.

Companies often buy in bulk, no-nonsense, gimmickless, robust and reliable laptops. Technology may not be absolute leading edge, but are reliable, can take a knock, less chance of the case cracking, usually no 3d or gaming gpu. Companies pay a fairly stiff price for this quality.

often for a third or half the price of a new machine, you can get a second hand machine that has a better build quality and in many cases especially at the lower end, a better spec too.

Unfortunately for you, the uni time of the year, eats up many bargains.
Besides the actual links, also browse the sites too
if you purchase this, ask for ones without screen blemishes, and I would get the disk upgraded to 240GB if they charge £30 or less https://www.blackmoreit.com/e7240touch-dell-latitude-e7240-core-i5-4300u-4gb-ram-128gb-ssd-12.5-touchscreen-win10.html
Another supplier, a bit expensive for poorer screen resolution and no ssd https://www.encore-pc.co.uk/laptops/windows-laptops?limit=all

If you want something really cheap (under £100) that will probably work ok, then look on ebay for a private sale of Toshiba Portege R930 Core I5-3230m 4gb. Will probably have a 300GB disk, hopefully will include the psu. The screen resolution is not the best, but it works, and is light.

Why not PC World? Their best laptop is the one that makes the most commission. They may try and sell you widows extra, even if it comes with free pre-installed windows. Will try and sell you three year anti virus software which is not needed - probably Norton. Also a new printer that make them the most commission, or offers a sales bonus. Then MS office, either 365 or standalone and dont forget the insurance.

If you need to buy office, or windows etc, there is an argument where some here would say you have to pay full price no matter what. Others here will say providing you have a valid MS approved key then it is legal - even though they each cost around £3 (last time I looked) on ebay. Let you conscience be your guide.

I have seen the blue light scheme, to be honest not that impressed by them. The card is worth it if you eat our a lot, think cinema was included too?

nhs discount scheme - the salary sacrifice one? You can often buy elsewhere much better specs, and cheaper, however you save 20-40% on tax. It may also tie you financially to your job

GlasweJen

that wrote: »

^^^A bit like a cow wandering into a slaughter house, expecting to be sheltered for the evening, or a [STRIKE]rabbit[/STRIKE] stag at night running towards an oncoming bright light on a railway track?

GlasweJen, people like decent screen resolutions as in 1920 x 1080, mainly because films scale less, and you get a larger 'work' area. SSD gives computers speed, does not corrupt if knocked, makes the power last slightly longer too. 120GB is small, but it does work, personally would buy a 240 or better as you will probably installing apps.

Companies often buy in bulk, no-nonsense, gimmickless, robust and reliable laptops. Technology may not be absolute leading edge, but are reliable, can take a knock, less chance of the case cracking, usually no 3d or gaming gpu. Companies pay a fairly stiff price for this quality.

often for a third or half the price of a new machine, you can get a second hand machine that has a better build quality and in many cases especially at the lower end, a better spec too.

Unfortunately for you, the uni time of the year, eats up many bargains.
Besides the actual links, also browse the sites too
if you purchase this, ask for ones without screen blemishes, and I would get the disk upgraded to 240GB if they charge £30 or less https://www.blackmoreit.com/e7240touch-dell-latitude-e7240-core-i5-4300u-4gb-ram-128gb-ssd-12.5-touchscreen-win10.html
Another supplier, a bit expensive for poorer screen resolution and no ssd https://www.encore-pc.co.uk/laptops/windows-laptops?limit=all

If you want something really cheap (under £100) that will probably work ok, then look on ebay for a private sale of Toshiba Portege R930 Core I5-3230m 4gb. Will probably have a 300GB disk, hopefully will include the psu. The screen resolution is not the best, but it works, and is light.

Why not PC World? Their best laptop is the one that makes the most commission. They may try and sell you widows extra, even if it comes with free pre-installed windows. Will try and sell you three year anti virus software which is not needed - probably Norton. Also a new printer that make them the most commission, or offers a sales bonus. Then MS office, either 365 or standalone and dont forget the insurance.

If you need to buy office, or windows etc, there is an argument where some here would say you have to pay full price no matter what. Others here will say providing you have a valid MS approved key then it is legal - even though they each cost around £3 (last time I looked) on ebay. Let you conscience be your guide.

I have seen the blue light scheme, to be honest not that impressed by them. The card is worth it if you eat our a lot, think cinema was included too?

nhs discount scheme - the salary sacrifice one? You can often buy elsewhere much better specs, and cheaper, however you save 20-40% on tax. It may also tie you financially to your job

Thanks for this, the OU give us a key for MS office so I don't need to buy it. Didn't think of the resale market, I'll have a browse.

grumpycrab

suggest min requirements :- 256GB SSD, 8GB memory, 15inch screen, "fairly light", good battery. Looking...

GDB2222

When my wife went to uni, she received an assessment of her needs and a free laptop and software.

GlasweJen

GDB2222 wrote: »

When my wife went to uni, she received an assessment of her needs and a free laptop and software.

they've done away with the free laptops, particularly for OU students as you need one for the OU anyway. If you don't have a laptop and go for a needs assessment they make you pay £200 towards the one they "recommend" and the student room is full of people complaining that they've paid £200 for a laptop that's worth less but they're now stuck with and it keeps breaking/glitching/going slow right before they've got an assignment due in.

I'd rather pay my £200+ on something decent that I have control over if something goes wrong (not having to return to the SAAS supplier somewhere on the mainland at my own inconvenience).

jbainbridge

https://www.ebuyer.com/874549-hp-255-g7-ryzen-3-8gb-256gb-full-hd-15-6in-win10-laptop-6bn96ea-abu

That's £350 and a reasonable spec. If you pay more you can get slimmer, lighter ones.

barnishroader

jbainbridge wrote: »

https://www.ebuyer.com/874549-hp-255-g7-ryzen-3-8gb-256gb-full-hd-15-6in-win10-laptop-6bn96ea-abu

That's £350 and a reasonable spec. If you pay more you can get slimmer, lighter ones.

Is it worth paying the extra £50 for the Intel Core i5-8265U 1.6GHz version

https://www.ebuyer.com/879510-hp-250-g7-laptop-intel-core-i5-8265u-1-6ghz-8gb-ddr4-256gb-ssd-6mp21es-abu

EveryWhere

barryheffron wrote: »

Is it worth paying the extra £50 for the Intel Core i5-8265U 1.6GHz version

https://www.ebuyer.com/879510-hp-250-g7-laptop-intel-core-i5-8265u-1-6ghz-8gb-ddr4-256gb-ssd-6mp21es-abu

Look deeper into the spec, as opposed to face value.
Look for PCIe SSD, as opposed to SATA 3. IPS screen, as opposed to TN.

When it comes to HP they describe the panel as SVA. Which in my mind is a TN screen. UWVA, in their parlance, would be an IPS screen.

barnishroader

EveryWhere wrote: »

Look deeper into the spec, as opposed to face value.
Look for PCIe SSD, as opposed to SATA 3. IPS screen, as opposed to TN.

When it comes to HP they describe the panel as SVA. Which in my mind is a TN screen. UWVA, in their parlance, would be an IPS screen.

This laptop is for my son mostly, who is starting Grammar school (he is 11 years old)

I just want to get him a laptop that is still going to be relevant speed and performance wise in 2 years, when it will likely be time for him to upgrade.

I had looked at budget laptops initially but the prices except for very basic spec were >£200 so I would rather spend a bit more to get something better, although ideally £400 would be my max budget.

Would a TN display be that important?

Is 0.6Gb/s vs 1.0Gb/s that noticeable?

They maybe are but i don't know, hence why i am asking, as opposed to questioning your input.