Laptop for School, Considering The XPS 13.3" or Lenovo Laptop

LFattyHope on 22/06/2018 - 23:02
Last edited 22/06/2018 - 23:06

So yeah, I am considering getting a laptop for school with good battery life and screen, I'm considering buying an eGPU so I could do like some light gaming, friend considered XPS 13 what should I do, I want it as cheap as possible but my price range is 1.6k (Max)

Things I would like in my school laptop
- Good battery life, if possible over the 10 hour mark
- Good hinge
- Okay design
- Touch screen if possible I don't mind if there isn't any, but I don't want a detachable laptop
- Light, under 2kg
- Atleast 2 USB ports an a thunderbolt

And where to get laptop as cheap as possible, thanks.

edit - Can someone link me a website that can EST a battery life of a laptop? Thanks

Computing

Comments

  • Sage on 23/06/2018 - 00:02

    What programs will you be using?

    • FattyHope on 23/06/2018 - 09:29

      Hey Sage, I will be mainly using programs like word, powerpoint, reading PDF files, watching YouTube, but I also have an interest in gaming so I will be playing some games like Fortnite, Minecraft, Overwatch and league of legends. Thanks!

  • iforgotmysocks on 23/06/2018 - 08:41

    Keep an eye on the Dell outlet there are regularly refurbished and as new XPS13s posted there (during business hours)

    • FattyHope on 23/06/2018 - 09:27

      Yeah but I've never really got a "real" laptop all to myself and I'm not sure if the refurbished ones are dodgy

  • O O on 23/06/2018 - 09:47

    Can someone link me a website that can EST a battery life of a laptop?

    Notebookcheck

    Here is the direct link to XPS 13 (9370) FHD review including battery runtime estimation.

  • xuqi on 23/06/2018 - 12:26

    If you're relying on it for school, get a mid-range Dell (latitude E5480/E5490) or Lenovo (T470/T480) business laptop with 3 year on-site NBD (Next Business Day) warranty. They're built to last a few years, and if something goes wrong it'll get repaired asap for use.

    https://www.notebookcheck.net/Dell-Latitude-5490-i5-8350U-FH…
    https://www.notebookcheck.net/Lenovo-ThinkPad-T480-i7-8550U-…

    A example of some selling locally in Perth (comes with 3 year warranty from Dell).

    https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/wanneroo/laptops/dell-latitu…

  • FattyHope on 29/06/2018 - 20:02
    Merged from Need Help with Choosing Laptop (Dell XPS 13 or New XPS 13)

    There have been quite a lot of deals with the xps 13 recently but I think it's time to actually buy one, I really need help as I am a student but also want to play games, so I think the xps 13 is pretty good choice as I don't want to break my back carrying a 3kg laptop to school everyday.

    Bad things about XPS 13 (9360)

    • 2 lanes
    • Heavier a bit
    • A bit bigger than the new XPS 13

    Good things

    • Bigger battery
    • USB ports
    • A bit bigger than the new XPS 13

    Things I've considered is that, I want to go with the touch screen with makes it 4k but then you need more juice to run the pixel (I think) so battery life will decrease, 4 lanes vs 2 lanes some people say it makes a big difference but I've watched some videos with bench marks and there was only a 4 fps difference :/. I don't know what I should choose someone please help me

    • cauilfield on 29/06/2018 - 20:21

      I bought one in early 2017 and it was 9360 with Intel 7th series CPU:
      1. Had battery replaced already
      2. WiFi kept failing and they have replaced it as well.

      Also sometime the computer would not enter the sleep mode properly resulting in battery being completely drained. Sometimes it would wake up randomly.

      Don't get me wrong, I would say XPS is the best windows machine so far, but it has its flaws.

      • FattyHope on 29/06/2018 - 20:32

        I've seen reviews about the xps 13 and how it got something called "coil whine" not sure if thats a big deal but also so people complain about the xps 13's Killer 1535 Wireless-AC adapter, legit killing the internet, which makes it up to its name but yeah I'll watch out for that.

    • puzzles2 on 29/06/2018 - 20:43

      I've got the new one, there was an issue with the trackpad as it started to stop registering clicks in the first 2 weeks. Bought it from the dell website and had premium support though, so a technician came by the next day and replaced it and its been great so far. I love the design and form factor. The dell xps 13 is far from the best in terms of bang for buck in specs. However the slim design and bezels and the trackpad and keyboard easily make up for it.

      • FattyHope on 29/06/2018 - 21:16

        So, if I got the xps 13 I have to pay extra money for the support right? What is the difference between the Premium support and Premium plus?

        • puzzles2 on 29/06/2018 - 23:19

          It has 12 months premium support included. I just went straight for the new one because I don't really attach peripherals to my laptop very often. If i have to do any real work or typing, I'll use my desktop instead. I can see how the dongle might be an issue for some though. Personally, I'm happy with mine, the windows hello face unlock is sweet, the moment I open the lid the laptop has unlocked.

          • FattyHope on 29/06/2018 - 23:35

            @puzzles2: The camera kinda looks up your noise tho, but thanks I'm still considering the new xps since it has 4 lanes

    • specks on 29/06/2018 - 22:53

      I have the 9360 and would still prefer it over the new one.
      - SD card reader is a marvellous thing as I don't have to join the dongle life. New one has a microsd reader
      - Traditional USB ports are preferred as I don't want to spend more on dongles, then lose them etc. Easier to transfer files between group members in uni for example.
      - All new XPS 13 models come with a glossy screen = fingerprints

      However, I have had problems with it also.
      Battery would drain like crazy when 'asleep' = battery got replaced. fairly straightforward customer support. A technician will come to you and fix it on site.

      • FattyHope on 29/06/2018 - 23:20

        What warranty did you purchase? and also, did the battery get fixed?

        • specks on 29/06/2018 - 23:50

          It comes with a year of premium support, not sure if its premium plus or what not.
          Yes the battery got fixed.

          • FattyHope on 29/06/2018 - 23:55

            @specks: ah so I've heard 3 bad things about the XPS 13, coil whining, wifi problems and bad battery life performance I might have to watch out for those

          • specks on 30/06/2018 - 00:44

            @specks: @JayJayAU: I was very weary about coil whine when I was thinking about buying one, but after owning one, it doesn't really bother me. I can hear a very quiet whine, but you would have to be in a dead room and your laptop right up in your ear.

            Whichever laptop you do go for, they will always be some downsides. I mainly chose the XPS because of its form factor and bezels.

    • Richardc on 29/06/2018 - 23:06

      XPS 13 for game?

      • FattyHope on 29/06/2018 - 23:27

        I'll plug in an eGPU when I get home, maybe even take it around me to friends house but then main purpose is to have a laptop with good battery for school

        • specks on 29/06/2018 - 23:51

          Have you considered the XPS 15? It should be more than capable of playing games and saves some money.
          The cooling of the 13 is very poor. It idles at around 40-50 degrees.

          • FattyHope on 29/06/2018 - 23:54

            @specks: I've considered it, but my family likes to travel so we go overseas a bit so the lighter the better, also spending time at the airport with a laptop with no battery isn't the greatest as well as XPS 15 is like 1.9k.

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