Laptop for High School - Year 9 - recommendations please

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KrazyKid

599 posts

Ultimate Geek
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Topic # 223218 19-Sep-2017 20:21

My Daughter is starting High School next year and we need to actually buy her a laptop this year as the school would like her to bring it along in November (for some reason)
Anyway the tech requirement is basic, no locked down at all - 4G ram, 10"+ Screen, 5+ hours Battery life.

The school doesn't care if it is a Chrome, Mac or Windows Machine.

Any recommendations on what worked for your family?

My general thoughts are that it should:

be light enough to carry for a 13 yr old when walking to and from school.

be strong enough to survive the life that kids lead

Will be probably upgraded in a few years as the requirements at year 11 or 12 will be higher than year 9.

Will like it to be still usable by my other daughter when it is handed down to her in 3 years time

Thanks

martyyn

1141 posts

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Reply # 1870257 21-Sep-2017 13:47

My head says get a Chromebook, but I've had both good and bad experiences with them.

My DD is a Dell Chromebook 13. i3-5005U, 4GB, 13" 1080 screen, 9+hours of battery, light and with the right apps I can do everything I need to in order to run my business on the road. I love it.

However, we were forced to buy Acer C720's by the college three years ago for my two kids (Year 7 and 9 back then). Both have been back multiple times and both died completely when just outside the 3 year warranty. My son treated his like a doormat but my daughter's still looks brand new.

I wouldn't buy a Chromebook with 2GB ram but the 4GB ones available now are, IMO, ridiculously expensive. I paid $400 for mine from the Dell Outlet and it was brand new, so I admit my price expectations might be a little skewed. But $500 for a 4GB Acer just seems too much to me.

My son now has a used Dell Inspiron 11 from TM. Cost $150 and still works perfectly and I will probably do the same for my daughter.

My advice would be to spend less on something now which you would be happy to throw away after 2/3 years.

CYaBro

2933 posts

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Reply # 1870294 21-Sep-2017 15:01

Have a look at one of these:

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/NBKLEN80605I/Lenovo-N22-Semi-Rugged-design-Education-Notebook-1

I think these are great for the price, I use one myself at home when I want to use a computer in front of the TV.

The battery lasts for ages and it has those extra nice features that help with the young users - Screen can fold flat on the desk so much less chance of damaging the hinges.

Has a spill resistant keyboard as well.

Full Windows 10 Pro is a nice extra as well.

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