Cheapest laptop with 4GB Ram & WiDi direct to run Windows Pro

Lteasatotalling on 15/09/2015 - 12:23

We run a school & need laptops for students. 6 to 8 in total.
It needs WiDi direct, so the student's work can be wirelessly projected to the tv that has an MS Display Adapter
I think 4GB is minimum for Windows Pro
The laptop itself doesn't need to come with WINdows Pro, because its probably cheaper for me to buys Windows Pro upgrade keys on the net - Windows Pro is required so the students can log onto our local domain (Windows Server 2012 R2)
It doesn't need a DVD drive, as I can get a USB external DVD drive for whenever DVD software needs to be uploaded.
Need minimum 11" screen

Is this HP250(N0C11PA) at $329 each from MSY the cheapest option that would suit:

http://cdn.msy.com.au/Parts/notebook.pdf

The main use of the laptop is typing Word documents & using a software program for testing their language skills.

Computing

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 15/09/2015 - 14:37

    Widi requirements (hardware wise)
    http://supportkb.intel.com/wireless/wireless-display/templat…

    Doesn't seem to be supported. Pentiums and Celerons are not included in the list given.

    The min requirements for the processor starts with a Core i3 series, and it also needs to have an Intel wireless chipset.

    A list of supported Wifi adapters are:

    Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 1000, 1030, 2200, or 2230
Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N 2200 for Desktop
Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N 6200, 6205, 6230, or 6235
Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N 6205 for Desktop
Intel® Centrino® Wireless-N + WiMAX 6150
Intel® Centrino® Advanced-N + WiMAX 6250
Intel® Centrino® Ultimate-N 6300
Intel® Dual Band Wireless-N 7260
Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260
Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 for Desktop
Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 3160
Intel® Wireless-N 7260
Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265
Intel® Dual Band Wireless-N 7265
Intel® Wireless-N 7265
Broadcom BCM43228*
Broadcom BCM43241*
Broadcom BCM4352*

    Tips: It's generally easier to shop for the notebook you want by going to HP, Lenovo or Dell and then getting a CTO (config to order) laptop. This way, you can specify the components in each laptop.

    You will also get warranty support from the manufacturer. You don't really want to deal with MSY for product breakdowns…especially in a education or business setting. You need fast turn-around time.

    Are you sure you absolutely need Widi? Can't you just have a dedicated laptop that is used to operate the projector?

  • teasatotalling on 15/09/2015 - 15:55

    Thank you for your comprehensive feedback - much appreciated.
    So I can be covered by some form of warranty and keep costs down, I might look at refurbished laptops with a 3rd or 2nd gen Core i3.

  • KaTst3R on 15/09/2015 - 16:30

    I find Widi buggy sometimes. It may or may not connect.

    For a possible solution right now, you can try TeamViewer. It is free for non-business uses and you can use your current hardware to connect. The only thing you need is a permanent laptop connected to the projector for you to connect to the student's screen. There are many ways to use this and i think what you really need is the screen sharing function which it has. You can explore a little. Only thing you need to take note off is to shut down the school pc after hours as the kids can still connect to that from home.

    https://www.teamviewer.com/en/index.aspx

    • scrimshaw on 15/09/2015 - 16:49
      +1

      Googling MS Wireless Display adapter, I don't think it uses the WiDi protocol. Seems to be using Miracast, which will operate so long as you have a HDCP enabled device and Wifi N, which basically most laptops will support.

      Is this your device?

      http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msaus/en_AU/pdp/Microsof…

      Compatibility

      All Miracast-enabled Windows 8.1 devices, including Surface 2, Surface Pro, Pro 2 and Pro 3, and Miracast-enabled Android devices 4.2.1 and later (full functionality not available with non-HDCP devices).

      Looks like you just need to have a Win 8 or Win 10 laptop and you're good to go. Core i3 may not be required.

      • KaTst3R on 15/09/2015 - 17:43

        LOL you just saved OP a big face palm….imagine he only figured out the adapter uses miracast after the order of laptops is delivered. And to save costs, the laptops are installed with Windows 7 with Widi enabled !!!

  • Mikinoz on 15/09/2015 - 16:35

    WIndows 8 & 10 solves requirements for widi, if you have any laptop or tablet that has windows 8 or 10 you dont need to worry about widi requirements you detect the screen and your good to go.

  • teasatotalling on 15/09/2015 - 18:12

    Got a good price on refurbished HP 4330s laptops with 2nd gen core i5, DVD burner, Windows Pro & 3 month warranty

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join