Hey everyone.
I need to get a device for our eldest starting high school.
They use a Virtual Desktop Interface while at the school so a presume the speed and storage isn't a big problem. Has to last 8 hours on battery and have a screen size of at least 10inches.
Windows OS preferable or you have to pay an extra software licence fee otherwise. That rules out an android tablet.
Dont want to pay a lot, it will be carried back and forward between school each day.
Thanks for any ideas.
My 15yro bought one too, and has been trouble free and done everything she needs.
That's great reassurance, we are will waiting for ours to arrive. Its due end of Jan I believe, just in time for school.
Here we go again. To summarise and to save people the hassle of posting;
Apple is underpowered, overpriced rubbish.
Apple is quality that will last the distance.
If you don't get Windows, you have to deal with Apple crippled software.
If you get Windows, you will never see the end of tinkering just to get it working correctly.
If you don't get Linux, it probably means you have a life and a wife.
If you get Windows, you will never see the end of tinkering just to get it working correctly.
I don't understand what you mean by that, mind elaborating? Windows has always worked for me straight out of the box. I do tinker it to make it slightly more streamlined but that's not really necessary for me.
It was more parody than anything, but I have always found with Windows I end up doing a lot more keeping Windows happy than I do with macOS, even with Windows 10.
And I have tried all versions of WIndows back to 2, so it's not like I'm not familiar with its peculiarities.
Haha fair enough, that pretty much flew over my head
What is the virtual desktop interface? I haven't come across a school with that yet.
I believe the kids essentially are using the device to access a remote desktop run by the school. Everything they need to access and the software is running on the schools server and the kids access it via a virtual desktop.
http://www.cisco.com/web/offer/eduk12/pdf/virtual_desktops_i…
Just a fancy word for virtual machine (VDI). Actually, you can get away with an el cheapo netbook if they will be using VDI as all they'd be doing is logging into their virtual desktops where all software/data is already installed. You can do that perfectly with a 5 year old netbook.
I could use a chromebook or similar but there is some licencing issues around using other than windows.
$60 per year.
It would mean that instead of having software on their computer they logon to Remote Desktop (i.e a server) at the school to use everything they need.
It's a bit silly really I mean I would be running everything locally if I were them and just uploading files to the school's server. Virtual desktop is great but it is usually slow as hell.
Most schools give their students a email with a .edu address meaning they can get Office for free. What else do they need?
P.S don't buy a el cheapo 5 year old heap of crap used laptop just for the sake of it. You'd be better off buying something that is modern, has a warranty and can be used at home to do other stuff (light gaming if they are into that) etc.
I beg to differ. At work I do all my (software development) work on a VDI through a MS Surface, and it's great. Fast and responsive, but I guess we have some pretty serious server infrastructure and decent network connections. It's quite a bit better than my experience of running a VM on my laptop while at Uni.
From the school IT Department point of view depending on the size of the school, it makes a lot of sense. Only need to set up the environment once, then spin up new instances for students, rather than configuring laptops or school-owned desktops.
I've only used the Uni systems and want to tear my hair out every time. As you say you probably have significantly better infrastructure.
Get something that your kid wants and likes, that dell Inspiron is good and ideal, but when it was displayed on the shelves at harvey norman i really disliked the aesthetics and typing experience on it as well the cheap feel to it. Get something with an SSD and something your high school kid will utilize effectively so that he or she will get the most out of your money. Somethings its best to just get something that the indvidual will like and use, that way he or she will use it happily, if that isnt the problem, then dell Inspiron is your best option.
She is 11, her typing will be painfully slow regardless :)
The inspiron has a 128GB SSD and comes in a few colors. Unfortunately money is tight especially after books and uniform ect so i cant just get whatever she likes.
i see, then i guess the dell is a good choice.
Latitude 5000/7000 series from Dell Outlet (12 or 13), or second hand X220. The X220 can be found for around $200, add a 128gb SSD for another 60 or so and you have a solid little laptop that's built like a tank
This ^^. I couldn't agree more. It is actually worth while to check the DFO; sooner or later you are going to find a good deal. Just look for "As New" in description; These are the one that have been returned/cancelled orders.
Thinkpad X220*
It is surprising how little the thinkpads have changed since i used one in high school 20 years ago.
I know they are built like a tank which is a pus but the i would probably also need a new battery to make it last a day. Really puts the price up. $135 USD. ouch.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/High-Capacity-X220-X220t-X22…
(eBay is ok too, but it'll be a couple dollars more)
I've used Chinese batteries before on my Latitude and Thinkpads, they're usually at 80-90% run time of the original OEM battery. Just grab one (or two), leave a spare in bag and swap it out at lunch or whatever. For $300 or so its probably your best bet, as even outlet stuffs starts from $700 or so.
Another option for around that price range is a Chinese Core M/Cherry Trail Atom tab with keyboard, but quality control can be iffy
Whatever you end up getting, please get a decent case/bag for it and list it under your home and contents insurance if you have any.
For $300 it wouldnt be worth claiming would it?
That depends on what a $300 device is worth to you.
Also, avoid laptops with touch screens.
I think you misunderstand what i mean. Claiming a $300 device on insurance may not be worth doing due to insurance excess and the increase in premium they will charge you in the future.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I was under the impression that certain things listed under contents had a lower excess and didn't increase premiums?
Checked AAMI. you have to add laptops at an extra premium and then you have a $100 excess.
So you pay a few dollars extra each month, and extra $100 if you do claim. And if you do claim AFAIK your premiums will go up in the future.
Probably not worth it unless you were buying something higher end.
I just purchased This for a family member requiring BYOD this year. It meet all the criteria required. 11.6" screen, 4gb ram (upgradable) 128gb ssd so no speed problems, advertised upto 10 hour battery and dual band wifi adapter.
Its not breaking the bank either. Decent reviews as well.
Edit: and it has a weight of only 1.18kg as it will be carried back and forth ea day.