IRL - College freshman laptop advice

[Koko]

Hello, my daughter will be going away for school and I want to get her a new laptop and I’m thinking a mid to low tier gaming one.

Currently she is going to be majoring in English or history so don’t think she’ll need anything crazy but just wondering peoples opinions who have been through college recently ect…

 

[kaen01]

@ImGreg also looking for that advice

 

[Daxchu]

For college the priorities should probably be; size, weight, battery life, and durability. Maybe screen brightness if expecting to use it outdoors.

For Windows laptops, I used to get Dell XPS (ex. Dell XPS 13) mostly but more recently have been happy with the Lenovo lines (ex. Lenovo Slim 7i Aura).

There was a generation of the XPS 13 (the 9300 from around 2020) that I had a few problems with all at the same time which is around when I started looking at alternatives. Other than that one model the XPS line has always been pretty good for me. When I next upgraded my main gaming laptop after that, I ended up with a Lenovo Legion 9i and have really liked it. The newer XPS models seem to have resolved a few issues but I don't have any long term experience with them.

 

[Redbot]

I usually say "used thinkpad" on all recommendations but if she has an .edu email address and you want new then consider the $100 discount on the Macbook Neo

The first iterations of framework had some issues but they've been sorted now. I'd also check out the Framework 13 line,

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but no student discount.

size, weight, battery life, and durability.

Great advice. Laptops are more than specs, they have hinges that snap when made of cheap plastic, and screens that crack when not reinforced. Get premium build quality and she'll graduate with it.

 

[reedreddington]

Macbook Neo should cover all the bases. Don't forget to review the AOTC tax credit guidelines.

Edit* Here is a reddit from a student perspective I just found:

 

[Koko]

She’s an Apple fan so going to go with Mac neo!

Originally I was thinking gaming laptop but she doesn’t game at all and is an Apple fan so seems best fit.

Thank you all.

 

[Redbot]

She's still got some options for games,