Laptop for a Year 11 Student up to $1200

Lrebel77 on 06/05/2022 - 16:52
Last edited 08/05/2022 - 16:02

I'm after a laptop for a Year 11 student that would be relevant for 3-4 years at least (VCE and Uni).

Cost could be roughly up to $1200 though I don't mind going a bit higher if that would help.

He is into gaming too, but usually games on his PS4.

Any help would be appreciated, thanks in advance.

Thoughts around these (the second one is more expensive though). Also product review scores on HP pavilion is pretty low at 1.7.

https://www.harveynorman.com.au/hp-pavilion-15-6-inch-i7-116…

https://www.harveynorman.com.au/hp-victus-16-1-inch-144hz-i7…

Computing Computer Laptop

Comments

  • nxllson on 06/05/2022 - 17:17
    +7

    Hey,

    There are two laptops that I'd recommend for a budget of approximately $1200.

    MacBook Air M1 via AOC Education Store - although these are slightly outdated now with the M2 forecasted to be released within the next couple of months, this is a solid option for $1294.70.

    However given that you've mentioned that he is into gaming, then a HP Victus 16" | RX 5500M may suit for $998. You also get a $100 Harvey Norman GC after the purchase.

    Overall, if you want a laptop to last him at least 6-7 years then the MacBook Air M1 will do its job well. But if you can hold off a little longer then wait for the M2 chips to come out, as it'll be Apple's second rendition (besides the M1 Pro/Max/Ultra) of the M-chip line.

    • deadpoet on 06/05/2022 - 18:02
      +1

      I definitely second the choice of M1 MacBook Air. It's not good for gaming especially since most Mac games still run under emulation( i.e. they haven't been updated to run natively on M1/ARM64 architecture), but it'll be awesome for productivity.

      I don't think it's worth waiting for the M2 MacBook Air as it is very likely to be more expensive — unless OP is willing the stretch the budget by a few hundred dollars more.

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 06/05/2022 - 18:40

      The screen size on the HP Victus might be too big to carry around. Good price and specs, though.

    • jace88 on 06/05/2022 - 22:00

      Ditto. If you need something right away, Macbook Air with M1 seems to be the laptop to beat in terms of being great for everyday life. At this stage they're probably OS-agnostic still unless the school specifies something.

  • MelbEng on 06/05/2022 - 18:09
    +3

    Agree with the Macbook. I've had three of my children use them from year 11 then all through uni.

  • AustriaBargain on 06/05/2022 - 18:35
    +1

    Unless he specifically needs a Windows machine, then MacBook is the one to get. 8GB M1 Air is a little powerhouse, it runs all the major Adobe apps natively now no problem at all.

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 06/05/2022 - 18:36
      -3

      Pay extra for 512GB SSD if you want to run Windows on it.

      • nxllson on 06/05/2022 - 18:54
        +3

        Not sure if you're taking the piss here LOL

      • Daabido on 07/05/2022 - 11:04

        And more RAM and Parallels, as you can no longer dual boot.

        Not that I'd want to.

  • BewareOfThe Dog on 06/05/2022 - 18:36
    +5

    First and foremost, Windows leaves MacOS for dead. however the Macbook M1 is an amazing device. I'll post what I have posted on here before.

    Admittedly, I am not an Apple fan, however I do own and use an M1 MB Pro, with a 32" screen. I prefer Windows as an OS, as well as Android (I have a Galaxy Fold 3). I have been selling Apple products for 32 years, and Apple for a Retailer are the worst company I have ever dealt with. They make companies like Sony, Panasonic, Teac, Coopers, Lion-Nathan look great! They have the worst Profit margins, no staff discount(unless you work at an Apple store), and the worst customers (sorry fanboys).

    MacOS is very illogical (worse than IOS), however I use the MB Pro and iPad for music, which is extremely good, (though I had a few issues with on of the plugins, causing it to crash). You can run Windows on it (though I don't, as I have a dual boot Ryzen 7 system, running windows 10 and Catalina). The Ryzen would beat most Mac Devices under $5000, however , when I saw the specs on the M1, and compared it to my Ryzen, I was blown away.

    This is an amazing device, with the only Negative being 2 USB-C ports, No touchscreen support, MacOS (I can see the hatemail coming now - chill :)) and only being able to use 1 external display, though there is a workaround using Displaylink.

    Give it another go, but pay the extra if possible.

    One other frustration is learning new shortcuts (as you mentioned), minimise buttons being on the wrong side, however you can buy shortcut stickers(amazon.com.au). I have a Logitech MX Keyboard and Mouse, I use with it, and I programmed the shortcuts to use Ctl or alt instead of CMD. Add to that an App called Ubar, that gives you a windows style bottom taskbar.

    As far as price goes, remember that a Macbook, generally has a lifespan of 6 years, whereas a Windows device would be about 3 to 4. Also, the resale value on a Macbook 16 would be higher than an equivalent Windows device if you sell it second hand.
    Admittedly I still use an Acer 11in from 2014, but also a 2013 MB Air as backup.

    Furthermore, there might be new models announced, but later this year(tomsguide.com) which will see price reductions. Otherwise, check the JB, OW, GG, HN sites, as well as Ozbargain to see if they are offering 10% off. Otherwise, you purchase from the Apple Education store perhaps as a 'student'?

    I can't believe I am recommending an Apple product as it goes against my beliefs (My Girlfriend just checked my temperature) though I have done it before on OzB.

    The only other issue is the replacement screens are (ridiculously priced)[https://www.amazon.com.au/GBOLE-Replacement-A2337-2020-Assembly/dp/B093Q5WM63?th=1], like HP usually are, unless you are tech-savvy. Otherwise you could be looking $650-800 thru a repairer, depending on the quality of the screen.

  • BewareOfThe Dog on 06/05/2022 - 18:38

    Hopefully by now they are responsible etc. If not, consider Acer as their screen replacement prices are reasonable, compared to other companies.

  • dealhunting007 on 06/05/2022 - 19:19

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/697541. Keep an eye it comes in stock after sometime

    • nxllson on 06/05/2022 - 20:00

      Not that comparable to the HP Victus to be honest - 11th Gen i7s aren't much better than the Ryzen 5000 series; that in addition to the MSI having an MX450.

  • rebel77 on 08/05/2022 - 12:50

    Hi, thanks for your responses.. I'm not an big Apple and have only used Windows laptops and Android phones.

    Would there be any limitations with using a Macbook at school or with gaming?

    Any thoughts around this one?

    https://www.harveynorman.com.au/rog-strix-g15-15-6-inch-i7-1…

  • Riz01 on 09/05/2022 - 10:10

    I am an Apple Fanboy and both my boys had Macbook air since year 7 to HSC (the old Macbook Air). I bought the macbook air M1 as an upgrade for my second son starting Uni and within 12 months the screen cracked and had to pay 700+ for replacement. This was definitely not an accident but Apple did not cover this. The new screens are not the same as they used to be. Hope this helps.

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