Looking for a School Laptop - Budget $500

LCoolkid21 on 20/03/2022 - 08:38

Looking for a computer to get me through very basic coding + word document stuff, so not looking to break the bank. Storage shouldn't be a concern as I have an external hard drive. Just want something that doesn't freeze upon opening some Chrome tabs, cheers.

Computing Computer Laptop

Comments

  • Hellfire on 20/03/2022 - 09:13
    +4

    $500 is a difficult price point. You usually get fairly trash laptops for that. Take a look through old deals to get an idea on what you can get.

    If you can stretch slightly then this deal is still on (at a slightly higher price): https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/681661

    Otherwise refurb would be a good option. Olders dells can often be found with decent specs on ebay.

  • piertlethed on 20/03/2022 - 12:01
    +4

    How about refurbished with 3 months warranty? https://www.reboot-it.com.au/p/Used-Laptops/Lenovo-Laptops/L…

    • realfancyman on 20/03/2022 - 13:35
      +2

      Refurbished / second hand is definitely the way to go for that price. The linked laptop looks like a great option.

  • Kangal on 20/03/2022 - 15:45
    +1

    Get something off Marketplace/gumtree.
    Skip anything Apple or out of your budget, and don't fall for the touchscreen gimmick. Just get something with a good keyboard, good trackpad, acceptable performance, and a screen that doesn't look like a potato when outdoors. Also make sure it has the ports you need (HDMI, USB-A, SD Card, ThunderBolt 3, etc etc). Most laptops will have poor webcams, microphones, and poor speakers… just accept that beforehand. Battery life has hit a plateau on Windows for the past five years, have a glance at it, but don't make it the deciding factor (not much difference in real-world use between a 5-hour vs 6-hour laptop).

    Again, remember this is a tool. Get a no-thrills Lenovo, HP, Dell, Toshiba, etc etc. Don't fall for the fancy RGB lights or premium brand names (eg Razer). You can always upgrade your workhorse-of-a-laptop down the line. Just make sure you have covered the fundamentals I listed above, there are many bad options out there which still have: no ports/dongle-life, glossy screens, sticky keyboards, and inaccurate trackpads. You've been warned.

  • oscargamer on 20/03/2022 - 20:40

    Would a Chromebook meet your needs?

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