Recommendations on Laptop for Noob

Lboozl3 on 27/01/2021 - 07:32
Last edited 27/01/2021 - 07:33

I have just been offered some teaching through a TAFE (adult learning) and need a new laptop as the current one is quite old now with major battery issues. I will be teaching remotely through Zoom. Considering my line of work, (I assume) I should be able to access "education" prices, which is a bonus.

I have no idea about laptops and reading through OzBargain has me confused. I don't really know where to start but feel that I would want 8GB ram (as 4GB seems to get booed). I just want something that runs well and will be reliable. I don't think I would need anything too fancy. Also a bit hesitant to fork out a fortune as I don't think my needs to warrant this.

Any thoughts for this Noob? I wouldn't know what a good deal was if it slapped me in the face.

Computing Computer Laptop

Comments

  • EightImmortals on 27/01/2021 - 08:22
    +2

    What's a 'fortune'?

    • boozl3 on 27/01/2021 - 12:22

      A "fortune" is paying for features/specs that I just wouldn't utilise or notice.

      Like, I need to get from A to B. I want it to be a comfortable ride, but I certainly don't need a Lambo. I am sure the Lambo has some pretty sweet features, but for someone who isn't into cars, I just wouldn't need or appreciate it.

      Buuuut, I also don't want a 1987 Suburu Leone with no third gear that doesn't idle and needs to be push started to get going - sure it can get me to where I need to go, but it is very unenjoable, stressful (because I have to constently park on a hill) and doesn't have airconditioning - the latter of which is not an "essential" but you really would just pay a few extra dollars because the difference it makes is just worth it…..

  • boomramada on 27/01/2021 - 09:08

    Get a Surface Pro, you just need to be gentle with the glass other than that, its works perfectly, and they do have educational pricing or any of the laptops around $1000 mark recently appear on Ozb with 100+ votes.

  • whirlpool_guy on 27/01/2021 - 09:11
    +1

    A business laptop with 8GB should serve you well. Have you considered refurbished? Plenty of decent laptops under $1000.

    Example: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/124535842259

    Last year I scored a Acer Swift 5 from their factory outlet for $899. It's virtually brand new. Make sure the item is "A-grade refurbished" and comes with some warranty.

  • djsweet on 27/01/2021 - 09:53
    +4

    The less tech-savvy you are and the more you need it to "just work", the more you need to spend. Nothing more frustrating than a technology challenged person trying to operate a ultra-budget laptop. Things load slow, user gets frustrated. User clicks buttons multiple times to make things happen faster. Computer crashes. User gets mad and blames the computer. User calls relative. Relative ends up with stress levels through the roof. Everyone loses.

    Just get a Macbook Air/Pro depending on the software you need, or a Surface Pro. Sure it will cost a bit more, but it will save you so many headaches.

    • boozl3 on 27/01/2021 - 12:03

      Haha, I hope that I am not that person. In saying that, I am aware that some laptops are just very budget and will not make for a "good" experience, hence asking at OzB. I don't need anything with crazy bells and whistles, but you're correct to think that I would like something that is reasonably responsive to ensure that I don't go mad!

    • whirlpool_guy on 27/01/2021 - 12:11

      But, this is OzBargain… lol

      • djsweet on 27/01/2021 - 14:41

        Expensive equipment at a discount is still a bargain…
        Doesn't have to be cheap trash

  • Presence on 27/01/2021 - 10:06
    +2

    Ideally you want 8GB RAM, 256GB+ SSD, a full HD screen and preferably an i5 or better. You could get away with less but this is the sweet spot.

    USB C charging is a nice to have. Connectivity is also worth considering.

    The most important thing is size. Do you intend to carry it around every day or just use it at home on a table?

    • boozl3 on 27/01/2021 - 12:12

      Thanks, this is really useful info!! To be honest, we are working from home so it shan't be going anywhere for a long while I would imagine. If/when I do need to take it with me, I would be driving into work and using it on a table as well.

      • Presence on 27/01/2021 - 14:21
        +1

        Well a 15" laptop is gonna be cheaper and offer a bigger screen and keyboard than something smaller so that's probably what to look for.

        • boozl3 on 27/01/2021 - 18:47

          Thanks for all your wonderful advice! Super useful.

          Any particular brands recommended? Or brands to avoid?

          • Presence on 27/01/2021 - 20:31

            @boozl3: Theres so many brands around and most are well established. Dell, Asus, Lenovo, HP, Toshiba, Acer, Microsoft are all pretty reputable. Many have "business" and "consumer" lines so it's hard to compare brands, as it depends on your budget and what you want.

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