New Laptop Advice for Uni

LMynamachef on 03/08/2023 - 21:07

Hey everyone!

Just wanting an opinion on a new laptop for around $1,000 but could go over (for someone who doesn't know too much about specs). Wanting it for uni work, plus some gaming (nothing too heavy) and some basic photo editing (but touch screen isn't necessary).

Deciding between these current deals:

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 14-inch i7-1165G7 from Officeworks for $898 (https://www.harveynorman.com.au/lenovo-ideapad-slim-14-inch-…)

Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5 Laptop: AMD 7530U for $845 (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/790354)

Lenovo Yoga Slim 6i for $1098 (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/791724)

Or spending a bit more and getting the Lenovo IdeaPad Pro 5 7735HS for $1,272 (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/791549)

Or any others that can be suggested.

Just don't know if the increase in prices bertween them are worth it for my use? Would really appreciate any input of which might be the best cost/value ratio, thanks!

Computing Computer Laptop

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 03/08/2023 - 21:14
    -2

    Are your parents paying for it?

    • Mynamachef on 03/08/2023 - 21:18

      I am lucky enough to be working full time (hence the photo editing) and getting study leave

  • orbz on 03/08/2023 - 21:57
    +3

    Don't forget to check Education stores. I think Lenovo has one, and Apple does too.

    • hothed on 04/08/2023 - 12:57

      And Dell outlet

  • rain-e on 03/08/2023 - 22:02
    +2

    At the very least, I would say for photo editing (assuming you're editing RAWs) 11th Gen Intel on the Slim 14 won't cut it. And the screen on the E14 is not colour accurate enough for photo editing (45% NTSC is awful).

    In my opinion, the $200 extra for the IdeaPad Pro 5 is worth it for the better CPU + more RAM because photo editing is quite an intensive task, however it all comes down to whether you're willing to accept the increased size + weight + cost. The integrated graphics on the AMD also gives better performance since you said you will do some gaming.

    Also, does it have to be only Lenovo branded? Asus has some decent deals pop up sometimes as well however I'd say that the IdeaPad Pro 5 is still a good deal. Also an M1 Macbook smokes basically all Windows offerings within this price range for photo editing + battery if that is something important to you, but that depends on if you need it to be a Windows device or not, since you mentioned you also do some gaming.

    • Mynamachef on 03/08/2023 - 22:08

      Appreciate the advice, no it doesn't have to be Lenovo branded they were just the best deals I could find

      • Gdsamp on 03/08/2023 - 22:54

        If set on Lenovo, sign up for a Lenovo Education account (using your .edu email address). Gets you discounts.

        Consider also upgrading some specs if you'd like.

        16 GB RAM is basically the minimum these days and will give you headroom to keep the laptop snappy in future.
        ThinkPad E series are OK, but they're not a real thinkpad, more like a normal laptop that looks like a thinkpad (not quite as durable). The screens are also not as good as some of the other ones you can get/upgrade on other models (lower brightness, resolution than others).
        The ideapad and yoga laptops youve listed have pretty good screens.
        Keep in mind 16in laptops are pretty big. Have you decided what size laptop you want? Start with that and go from there.

        The Intel 1240P and Ryzen 7735HS are comparable chips, the Ryzen is slightly better overall for single and multi core applications. Most reviews will also back the AMD chips for having better battery life too, and on Lenovo equivalent models with AMD seem to be a bit cheaper than intel counterparts. I think its the way to go, that IdeaPad one is a really good deal (high refresh rate screen too). Lenovo extended on-site warranty is pretty good too, see if theres a discount on it on edu store.

  • highon2str on 03/08/2023 - 22:15
    -1

    If you will be staring at the screen a lot, may pay to buy the best (4k) screen you can afford.

    • oscargamer on 03/08/2023 - 22:51
      +4

      You don't need 4k on a laptop screen

  • highon2str on 03/08/2023 - 23:47
    +1

    If you're staring at minute fonts and reading heaps of journal articles daily for hours on end, your eyes will thank you for getting a 4k screen.

  • LVlahov on 04/08/2023 - 02:46
    +5

    I'd go M1 MacBook Air. Battery life. w/ Apple Arcade for basic gaming.
    Will last longer and work better than a cheap PC running Windows.
    ..unless it specifically has to run Windows.

    (and hey I have both, it is just for everything outside of heavy graphic design or gaming my M1 Mac is a better tool for the job).

    You get the Apple Education discount too.

  • JIMB0 on 04/08/2023 - 07:43
    +4

    Don't get a gaming laptop for uni. You'll be forever looking at a dim screen hoping the battery will last until the end of the class or listening to it about to take off if you're lucky enough to plug in.

    • hothed on 04/08/2023 - 12:58

      This x1000

  • Sinnerator on 04/08/2023 - 08:44

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/791768

    or even search on ozb for second hand deals.

  • cauilfield on 04/08/2023 - 10:32

    can 13" MBP pro with M2

  • Gros21 on 04/08/2023 - 10:34

    it depends what uni you are doing Autocad/engineering compared to just typing BS assignments up.

    The HP ellitebooks or pro books are pretty good.

    I personally run a dell G15 ryzen its a bit of a tank but works well.

    Lenvo thinkpads are good i prefer units that can charge from USB C.

    Unidays will have deals

  • EFC94 on 04/08/2023 - 12:20
    -2

    People won't take you seriously at uni if you don't have a MacBook

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