Any suggestions?
How good a deal is this X1 Yoga G4 (14" FHD Touch, i5-10210U, 256G/8G) $1499? - https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/582277 - it has 3 years onsite warranty too.
The school wants a Win10 laptop that is touch-enabled and preferably with a pen/stylus (Mac is ok, but they are predominantly a Wintel MsOffice 365 (they use OneNote as class note sharing, so a windows 10 machine makes sense). They also recommend a military spec (mil-spec) strong one.
They offer through their preferred local supplier Lenovo laptops (I like their alloy bodies). I am quite happy with DIY on pcs and laptops, so don't need the school support. Prices are Thinkpad 11e Yoga 6th Gen (M3, 11.6") at $1299 and not recommended by them, Thinkpad L13Yoga (i3, 13.3" at $1359 or Thinkpad X13 Yoga (i5, 13.3") at $1,849 [at least they are not ripping us off, its reasonable pricing but not Ozbargain prices]
Research:
I checked out these posts on school gaming capable laptops (- outcome —> Battery life/weight too big a compromise) - https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/579166
Stylus / touch screen pen discussion —> https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/582092
Cover - seems the eBay x-cover at 160 bucks may be worth it for bad drops and thefts in the first year. read this post too https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/563736
I think you are nuts to pay so much for a school kid laptop.
Buy a much more affordable one, and impress upon your child they are responsible for keeping it in good condition.
For reference, my kids have had a $280 second hand Lenovo, a $400 HP stream and a surplus old Thinkpad. All were fine for 6 years of high school.
If you really want to give them a touch screen, fine, but spending $1000+ on a kids PC is unnecessary.