Laptop for High School

LDennis3003 on 08/09/2013 - 00:11
Last edited 08/09/2013 - 12:09 by 1 other user

Dear Ozbargin Users,

I'm in high school and will be requiring a laptop (my own, because the roll-out program has ended) to use for notes (instead of books) and to work on Projects. I don't really need super high specs as I'm not those type of kids who like to secretly play games instead of work. Although I wouldn't mind playing a occasional game or two at lunch in the library. I will be using Google Sketchup, Office suite and possibly Adobe.I don't mind Windows 8 as Microsoft is releasing Windows 8.1 in October, which is a massive upgrade! BTW I don't want a Tablet! My budget is limited to maximum $450. My parents don't give much pocket money and I only have $25 saved so far. I'm going to ask them that instead of a B'day present, I would prefer money (max $200).

I have chosen so far the following:

http://www.jbhifi.com.au/computers/acer/11-inch-notebook-sku…

Only deal I can find. But who knows what's going to be around in 1 year. If you have anything to say I will greatly appreciate it.

Computing

Comments

scrimshaw on 08/09/2013 - 01:14

Is there a requirement for the laptop to be lightweight, or have a long battery life?

If so the Acer 11" should suit your needs, however the processor the Acer is running isn't exactly what I'd call fast. For office work it's fine but gaming and media editing (Adobe) might be a bit of a stretch for the CPU.

If you don't mind having a 14" or 15.6" laptop there a lot of faster options at around the $449 price range.

For example this HP Sleekbook packs a Core i5 ULV, 4GB RAM and 1TB HDD which is priced at $449 (although stock is hard to find)
http://www.officeworks.com.au/retail/products/Technology/Com…

Some other options you could consider, which have Core i3's (These have cashbacks and need to be claimed 2 weeks after purchase)
$409 after $49 cash back
$449 after $99 cashback, has a discrete GPU

(These guys are based in Pitt St Sydney, so you can pick up your laptop to save the shipping fees)
- Dennis3003 on 08/09/2013 - 01:53
  
  There are no requirements so far I believe. Who knows what there will be in next year. Thanks for the recommendations though.
  
  :)
expertreader on 08/09/2013 - 16:10

-1

this is one is alright deal as well… http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ASUS-X402CA-Intel-Dual-Core-4GB-3…

it is featured on the ebay homepage as a special(not that it matters though)
- Dennis3003 on 08/09/2013 - 17:03
  
  I have a similar one in mind: http://www.harveynorman.com.au/asus-f55u-sx055h-laptop.html
  
  Who knows if t will be available at Christmas in about a year or less.
  - scrimshaw on 08/09/2013 - 19:50
    
    -1
    
    http://www.harveynorman.com.au/asus-f55u-sx055h-laptop.html
    
    t comes with an AMD® E2-1800 1.70GHz Processor
    
    Avoid this one. This laptop has a weak CPU and is actually slower than the Acer 11" you considered above.
    
    And the price too expensive — this laptop's worth at most $299.
    - Dennis3003 on 08/09/2013 - 21:32
      
      My mum has a AMD ((1.9GHz) laptop running Vista!) and it's quiet fast. I've tried running graphic intense games at they don't lag. The only thing is that I like the Asus laptop but it will probably not be available to purchase next year.
    - _Bruce_ on 09/09/2013 - 07:28
      
      +1
      
      You know that AMD make more than one type of CPU right? Also laptops come with a range of GPUs for games.
victorwilson on 08/09/2013 - 20:23

+1

Assuming you're in NSW, make sure you get a laptop with a 5GHz wireless card and wireless "a". Otherwise you won't be able to connect to the nswdet network at your school.
- scrimshaw on 08/09/2013 - 20:43
  
  -1
  
  Many schools run a regular 2.4 ghz Wifi B/G/N network in addition to 5ghz, and you don't actually need 5ghz wifi card.
  
  At least at the one where I work at, we use 802.11N and all computers / tablets can connect and authenticate normally to the school portal and the staff can also access DET.
  
  It's "nice to have" but not absolutely neccessary.
  - Dennis3003 on 08/09/2013 - 21:30
    
    +1
    
    At our school the wireless network is hidden to student and staff laptops. Even Personal (non school laptops) cant access the Wireless network. From next year they are un-hiding (the letter also said phones will be able to access the network) the network.
    - Dennis3003 on 24/03/2014 - 18:25
      
      Sorry, ignore the above post.
      
      The school network is indeed a 5ghz network.
Geekomatic on 08/09/2013 - 22:31

There's a couple of Acers that are going out cheap w/rebates ($299 & $348).

If you can convince your parents by midnight tonight- here're the deals currently at MSY:

http://www.msy.com.au/product.jsp?productId=10770

http://msy.com.au/product.jsp?productId=10211

Otherwise, keep your eyes open for similar deals approaching b'day/Xmas. Just Google for whichever manufacturer you're considering + cashbacks/rebates.

Cheers
- Dennis3003 on 09/09/2013 - 00:44
  
  I'm thinking about the Asus. Hope it will around mid-next year.
  - edgar28 on 10/09/2013 - 15:02
    
    a few of my frens were using Asus (i7), and was really good - just for 1 year +, after that the battery just last 1 hour.
    and they vowed not to get Asus anymore. (their opinion - i never owned one before)
    - zelda707 on 10/09/2013 - 15:22
      
      it's the same with all laptops. it depends on how you use it and when you charge it. I have a toshiba that lasts at max 20 minutes
    - scrimshaw on 10/09/2013 - 17:45
      
      The battery is the first thing to go on a laptop (and every other device that runs on Lithium batts). Fortunately laptop batteries are replaceable… though the battery costs around $60, not exactly cheap.
      
      If you look after your laptop battery, it will last you a long time, but as far as high school is concerned you will have to bring it to school every day and run down battery quite often (and degrading it quickly). It's not something you should be concerned about, in this situation.
Briefcase Mong on 09/09/2013 - 19:34

which school do you go to ?
- Dennis3003 on 09/09/2013 - 22:21
  
  Randwick Boys High School. Why do you ask?
  - Briefcase Mong on 10/09/2013 - 18:21
    
    It's a public school you should get free laptops
    - Dennis3003 on 11/09/2013 - 16:07
      
      +1
      
      The Rollout has ended this year.
CMI on 09/09/2013 - 22:45

$25… think Lenovo.
- edgar28 on 10/09/2013 - 14:07
  
  yeah I got the X200 from ebay was quite good.
phancy on 10/09/2013 - 03:49

+3

It seems you're looking for a laptop for mid NEXT year and a budget one at that. Id probably suggest dont even bother taking too deep of a look into whats available right now. Im almost certain every model youre looking at at the moment will be unavailable when you are ready to buy. And if they are available, they certainly wont be worth buying - relative to the newer cheaper laptops that will be available mid next year.

The most you will get out of this is the experience of looking for a laptop and understanding what all the tech jargon means in terms of a suitable laptop for yourself. That's my 2cents anyways
porkupine888 on 10/09/2013 - 18:01

hi dennis3003, tried sending you a private message. any opportunity to discuss a 2nd hand laptop for your use?

please let me know via [email protected] thanks
- Dennis3003 on 11/09/2013 - 16:07
  
  I would rather buy a new one.
  - mrmarkau67 on 24/03/2014 - 20:38
    
    If you are patient and know what you are looking for, Windows laptops are much better value second hand.
    
    For example this one:
    
    http://www.graysonline.com/lot/0007-612861/computers-and-it-…
    
    For $400 you would have laptop built like a tank rather than a takeaway food container and have enough money left over for a new battery and an SSD drive.

Laptop for High School

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