Need to get a new laptop for a student going into Year 10.
Any particularly good deals going on now? Preferably under $1000 and doesn't really need to be able to run any games or anything.
Laptop Recommendation for Y10 Students - Budget $1,000
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More specifically…
OP should get a laptop (preferably cheapest) with the following specs:Intel Core i5-12500 or AMD Ryzen 5 5500
16GB RAM
250-500GB SSD
Screen size is up to OP but 14" is a good comprimise between size, convenience and weight.Brand doesnt matter, however go for one with longest battery run time.
OP should be able get one for about $750-$1000
Either of these 2 would be PERFECT!
The first one has better specs thoughhttps://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/asus-vivobook-15-6-full-h…
https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/hp-15s-eq2230au-15-6-full…
Here is a slightly less powerful budget priced ($588) notebook that would suit your needs
https://www.harveynorman.com.au/acer-aspire-3-15-6-inch-i3-n…
Anything would work as long as it runs word and chrome. If you really want to cheap out, get 2nd hand enterprise laptops off Grays. They're all similarly specced, your usual 16gb, 256gb storage, 8thgen+ cpu, 13 inch, some even sub $100 before the premium. More than enough for a student with no consideration of specialised apps.
https://www.grays.com/search/computers-and-electronics?tab=i…Why not second hand ?
just bought a second hand hp g4 w/ 8gb ram &128gb ssd, touch screen, and ac adapter. Battery life is ~6 or 7 hours (my daughters experience) from ebay for ~$150 delivered - with 20% coupon. Link
Its more than enough for year 10. And if it gets broken then im not going to lose sleep.
For all my kids i bought an inexpensive laptop and then updated every 3 years or so.
My concern was accidental breakage as my kids have told multiple stories of kids at school whose laptops have met unfortunate ends.
If you looking for something for productivity (not much gaming as you have said) then look at a M1 MacBook.
Not for under $1,000 brand new tho
If OP is ok snooping around Marketplace or Gumtree then it would be a decent option. 256GB storage may be limiting depending on what the kiddo is doing.
secondhand lenovo thinkpad T series.
<$500 gets a darn good one
bulletproof.
just work.
servicable.
still the best keyboard experience around.
last forever.What is the most processor heavy thing you do in year 10, or in year 11-12 for that matter? In what subjects?
Some students may do design or creative work with the Adobe Suite, which then may require a beefier system to run those applications smoothly. Eg. IPT or textiles/design. Depends on the school and subjects offered.
Most schools do have computer labs which kids can use which are usually powerful enough to run those apps. Obviously only can be used during school times though and not at home.
Lenovo Ideapad series has plenty of option under $1000. Alternatively, you can also get refurbished Latitude laptops for under $300 from eBay.
Look up past laptop deals for price reference.