Laptop/Tablet for School?

LStRanga on 07/09/2013 - 15:55

First time posting, so apologies if this is in the wrong area/section etc.

I'm currently a NSW student going into year 12 next term, and the laptop provided by the government doesn't really cut it anymore, they are just too slow and laggy e.g. have to restart it sometimes when a word doc with several images is opened and scrolled down on. I have a writing disability and have special provisions, so books etc aren't really an option. So, what would be a good laptop or tablet+keyboard for note taking and assignments at school? I do most of my work through OneNote. Not really worried as to gaming capabilities etc, I just want something thats quick and fast to log in and open OneNote notebooks etc and has 6-8hr battery life. Preferably in the <$600 range, any ideas/suggestions? Have my eye on the Surface RT + Type cover, unsure though. Thanks :)

Computing

Comments

  • frondono on 07/09/2013 - 17:58

    have a look through the laptop section? all sorts of bargains pop up. I'm sure you'll find something to your liking. Just don't rush into anything without doing your homework first.

  • scrimshaw on 07/09/2013 - 18:18

    I got an email from MSY — $299 (After $49 cashback via Acer)
    http://msy.com.au/product.jsp?productId=10770

    CPU:Intel Pentium Dual-Core B960 2.2GHz
    OS: Windows 8 64bit
    RAM: 2GB DDR3
    HDD: 500GB

    It's a little low on RAM, but I'm sure you can just take the RAM out of your existing laptop and slot it in, if your laptop is not too old it should be using the same type of DDR3 memory. This laptop would also benefit greatly from an SSD upgrade.

    A smaller netbook sized option is a ASUS vivobook touchscreen.

    Also check out Centrecom, they are running some special weekend offers for 15th anniversary sale. Of note, there is a ASUS Vivotab Windows tablet for $399. However it doesn't come with a keyboard cover, as it's an optional accessory.
    https://www.centrecom.com.au/

  • Astro551 on 08/09/2013 - 01:51

    Battery life is gonna be your hardest bet me thinks (especially due to your price range). surface RT actually wouldn't be a bad option in your case ($499 for Surface RT 64GB + Black Touch Cover - the Surface RT 32GB itself is $349, and if you want the type cover it's still $129.99 :/). even though surface 2 is on the way, if you can wait (will be more than $600 but)..

    Additionally you may want to consider these bad boys (though a bit out of your price range slightly)

    HP Envy x2 ($698, has been cheaper before though) http://www.harveynorman.com.au/homepage/hp-envy-x2-11-g001tu…

    ASUS TF810C ($699, this is the only one with a wacom stylus though if you need that) http://www.dicksmith.com.au/netbooks-ultrabooks/asus-tf810c-…

    they all have superb battery life though (easily 7+ hours I would say), but may be a bit pricey. The cheaper lappy options are probably better tbh (the price is much better for value), but yeh if you were interested in a convertible these are some pretty good options, just not the best time to buy unfortunately.

    all the best with HSC/VCE/whatever other states have, smash those exams, chill with your friends - year 12 is a blast :)

  • rockman117 on 08/09/2013 - 18:16

    Have you considered getting an ipad? They have great battery life (approx 10hrs). You could buy a secondhand one from gumtree for around $400. But new ipad is coming out so id buy it just before year 12 starts for you so all the older ipads depreciate.

    Outline is a top-notch app for OneNote. https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/outline+/id538029496?mt=8 It's $16 but you could just buy an itunes gift card when theyre on sale (take advantage of officeworks 'beat by 5%')
    I have the free version installed which is amazing (but only lets you make up to 30 pages).

    And just get a keyboard to go with it. I've read this is a really good keyboard http://www.logitech.com/en-au/product/ultrathin-keyboard-cov…. I personally wouldnt pay $100 for it but check around for a good deal. I've seen them 30% off sometimes in major retailers (not often though).

    let me know how you go :)

    • scrimshaw on 08/09/2013 - 20:02

      Surface RT would actually be a better choice, as it comes free with Office + One Note. Hook up up a Mouse and Keyboard combo and use it like a laptop, or hook up a display and multi-task Office and browser at the same time. Much more flexible than an iPad.
      Cheaper too, after Windows dropped the pricing.
      http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msaus/en_AU/pdp/Surface-…

      And after the Win 8.1 Update (free) you'll also get Outlook 2013.

  • StRanga on 09/09/2013 - 22:38

    Thanks for the responses guys! Thinking I'll just wait and see if any deals come up over the next month or so on anything decent or some of the ones you guys have suggested. Failing that, I think I might just get the RT as I've already bought a bit into the Microsoft ecosystem (own a Lumia 920), it seems like it'll fit the bill even if it will be outdated in a couple of months, and it might be possible to get it for about $320 with the type cover through my school (usually $540)
    :)

    • Astro551 on 10/09/2013 - 01:20

      Good luck with getting the student price at $320 (in all seriousness - i think you'll need luck). dunno which institutions are buying them, been asking our university to get them ever since the announcement. Offer ends Sept 30 just remind you :)

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