Student laptop needed.

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irv

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Oct 8, 2006
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Oshawa, Ont. Canada
My son, who is in college taking electrical engineering, is in need of a new laptop.

I know zero about them other than knowing the current one we have is dated and no longer suits/fits his needs.

I just tried to get some info out of what he needs/requires in a laptop but he also doesn't really know. He just knows our's is slow and it needs to be plugged in in order for it to work so it is not very mobile, which he would like.

I found this list but I am currently thinking about this Acer. The good the bad and the ugly would be appreciated, and again, I know very little so I am trusting your experiences/knowledge with them.
https://www.t3.com/news/best-student-laptops

Acer I am thinking about. Great price, but of course if it isn't enough, then I'll look at others: https://www.staples.ca/products/288...-n3060-32-gb-flash-4-gb-lpddr3-chrome-os

Another list I just found with different choices: https://www.pcmag.com/roundup/285524/the-best-laptops-for-college-students
 
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I'm going to say this loudly, get something with high RESOLUTION and preferable a bright screen. That 1366 x 768 screen is PATHETIC of the one in the link.
 
Picking a proper notebook for school requires more requirements.

You need to know what it will be used for.
The main criteria is which operating system is appropriate: Mac, Windows or Chrome OS.
After that, a good quality brand with portability should do the trick.

Mac OS - you need an Apple
Chrome - I like Google Pixelbook, Asus or Acer.
Win - The Microsoft products are great but pricey. Otherwise Dell.

Costco has great prices, return policy and extended warranty.
 
Originally Posted by irv

https://www.t3.com/news/best-student-laptops

Acer I am thinking about. Great price, but of course if it isn't enough, then I'll look at others: https://www.staples.ca/products/288...-n3060-32-gb-flash-4-gb-lpddr3-chrome-os

Another list I just found with different choices: https://www.pcmag.com/roundup/285524/the-best-laptops-for-college-students


probably need windows not chrome os. make sure the screen is 1080p or better resolution, I prefer matte instead of glossy screen.. less reflections.

SSD drive at least 250GB, 8GB ram, amd ryzen 5/7 or intel i3/i5 or better

this one checks all those boxes
https://slickdeals.net/f/13628773-l...b-ssd-450-free-shipping?src=featured-cat

if money is no object I prefer the lenovo thinkpad T series. they hold up better and are more business class vs consumer grade.
 
I definitely need more info from him but I guess/assume he doesn't know a lot either as I asked him what programs, etc, he needed and I was told the things I mentioned earlier.

Of course he just dropped this request on me today instead of last week but it looks like some places still have sales on. https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/collec...ffers_computing_20191206_laptops_on_sale

Costco is another great option which I never thought of.
I also have to find out if he would prefer a mouse or a touch screen?

I assume with all units, things can be added later if required or if his course becomes more technical, which I assume it will?

I will try to get more info out of him if and when I can.

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help so far.

:
cheers3.gif
 
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Originally Posted by irv
My son, who is in college taking electrical engineering, is in need of a new laptop.

I know zero about them other than knowing the current one we have is dated and no longer suits/fits his needs.

I just tried to get some info out of what he needs/requires in a laptop but he also doesn't really know. He just knows our's is slow and it needs to be plugged in in order for it to work so it is not very mobile, which he would like.

I found this list but I am currently thinking about this Acer. The good the bad and the ugly would be appreciated, and again, I know very little so I am trusting your experiences/knowledge with them.
https://www.t3.com/news/best-student-laptops

Acer I am thinking about. Great price, but of course if it isn't enough, then I'll look at others: https://www.staples.ca/products/288...-n3060-32-gb-flash-4-gb-lpddr3-chrome-os

Another list I just found with different choices: https://www.pcmag.com/roundup/285524/the-best-laptops-for-college-students


Since you are admitting knowing very little about laptops.....
Let your son pick out the one that suits his needs best.
 
He's an engineering student. He should know (or be able to find out) what he needs. An engineering student should be good at that.

Suggest a ballpark price, ask him to check the specs and come back with 2 - 4 proposals that would meet his needs. Then pick one based on your budget.

Or even better, give him some money and let him pick his own.

Either way he'll be responsible for his purchase.
 
Have him check with the EE department. If he had to do circuit layout using a CAD tool, having a dedicated graphics card would be useful.
 
Originally Posted by WagonWheel
Have him check with the EE department. If he had to do circuit layout using a CAD tool, having a dedicated graphics card would be useful.

+ 2

Often the Engineering program or the EE Dept. has a spec. sheet. It might be available in the bookstore (what's that?), but the department office or any of his profs should be able send him the information.
 
Whatever laptop you end up getting needs a SSD at a minimum. I can't believe how much speed they bring to the game for all functions.
 
Had better check with the University and the Electrical Engineering Department.

My son is in Mechanical Engineering and the computer he needed had to be able to run Solid Works.

Specific processor, specific video card, specific amount of RAM, Specific hard drives… Got him one that was a little better than the minimum so he would not need to upgrade in a couple of years. We went with a Dell Precision Mobile Workstation. A hefty computer and a hefty price but it was recommended by the CAD Program Developers.
 
Engineering schools that require apple is very rare. I went to one. Graphic arts major... different story.


If Mathlab with Simulink will be needed for EE courses....

https://www.mathworks.com/support/requirements/matlab-system-requirements.html

Dell has some options that won't break the bank
https://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/dell-laptops-and-notebooks/sr/laptops/inspiron-laptops-netbooks/solid-state-drive-ssd?appliedRefinements=8787,6092
 
Thanks guys. That is some great information!
I never even thought of him asking his professor what he might need in the future.
He has only been in this course since September (1st year) so I would assume things will be getting a little more in depth/complicated going forward?

He is currently at work now so I will be sure to tell him this tomorrow so he can ask his professor early next week.

I appreciate the info.

Thanks again.

cheers3.gif
 
I would have him check with "the department" vs. a Prof. Reason being his current prof may not teach a course that requires a specific system.
 
Originally Posted by WagonWheel
I would have him check with "the department" vs. a Prof. Reason being his current prof may not teach a course that requires a specific system.


Ok, will do.

Thanks.
cheers3.gif
 
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