University Laptop Suggestion for 1k or under

LMudding07 on 03/03/2015 - 19:42
Last edited 03/03/2015 - 19:52

Hi Ozbargain!

I am a BBIS (Business Information System) student that needs a good computer for studies which involves programming and essential tasks like MS word, excel, power point. I am NOT looking to game on this computer and the ability to put a sim card into it for internet would be a huge plus, but not essential.

Also, preferably around the 13-15inch mark.

I have read previous forum post's and singled out these laptops

-Macbook Air
-Dell Latitude
- Dell XPS 13
- Surface Pro 3

Could also be noteworthy to know that I have a good PC that I have at home, when doing more intensive stuff.

For those who do have knowledge about these laptops (or computers in general), please share your advice! :)

Also, am I eligible for any educational rebates?

Thanks in advance for all replies!

Computing

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 03/03/2015 - 19:57
    +2

    Apple and Microsoft products, there are usually educational discounts. See the previous ozbargain posts on MS Surface. Currently, 10% off plus a $100 voucher that you can use to spend on Surface accessories like the keyboard.

    Dell Latitudes can be specced to include a WWAN card (mobile broadband networking card) if required. Surface 3 however doesn't have WAN capability and neither does Mac.

  • cheesecactus on 03/03/2015 - 23:29

    Used both the macbook air and surface pro 3. You can get educational discounts on both. MSFT is currently giving a $100 voucher as well (buy the keyboard).

    Surface has a touchscreen and a pen which is great for lectures.

    Otherwise they're pretty similar. So i'd probably go with the surface.

    As for mobile networking…. Uni has wifi, and tether your phone elsewhere? Alternatively get a usb hotspot type thing. The SP3 only has 1 usb port, so use it wisely!

  • [Deactivated] on 04/03/2015 - 08:55

    MacBook Air. Mine is almost three years and going strong. Still looks new and works well, except for the Magic Mouse which keeps dropping out.

    Edit: almost everyone in my uni uses a Mac, so if you want to conform, there you go.

  • iridiumstem on 04/03/2015 - 09:07

    Surface pro have a stylus that really shines if you have maths equations and chemical structures you constantly need to jot down. I'd say that if you need something that does that then SP3 isn't a bad choice. If you just need a laptop, Dell or Apple would be better, IMO.

  • beerpara on 04/03/2015 - 11:51
    +1

    If you are considering a Macbook Air, wait a week as new ones are rumored to be announced next Tuesday at the apple watch event.

  • mrmarkau67 on 04/03/2015 - 13:49

    Go for the good value-for-money, best performing option. Macbook Air 13".

    Unless you want a very high res screen (XPS 13), to be able to upgrade the components (Latitude) or draw with a stylus (Surface Pro) and are willing to sacrifice performance to get it.

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