Spec me a laptop for University

Dirk Diggler · 7 Nov 2016 at 10:39

It's for my daughter. I have no idea where to start with Laptops as I hate them.

Any ideas on what would be perfect for someone to capture their Uni work and general Googling/Netflix?

Dirk Diggler · 7 Nov 2016 at 13:04

Yea, I think SSD must surely be a requirement?

What about screen size? Is 13" enough or does it need to be 15" minimum?

Dirk Diggler · 7 Nov 2016 at 13:11

MiSJAH said:
What are the benefits of an SSD for googling/netfilx/uni work?

Boot times I understand, but what else?

It woould be adding cost for the sake of it, no?

Mostly because Floppy > HDD > SSD.

And SSD's are pretty cheap these days, aren't they?

Dirk Diggler · 7 Nov 2016 at 15:42

MiSJAH said:
No, not really. SSD per GB £0.32 vs HDD per GB 0.09p.

So that's your price difference, what benefits do you get for the extra cost?

Fair point. I'll have a think, thanks for the info.

Dirk Diggler · 8 Nov 2016 at 11:54

Evilpaul said:
Probably an important thing to ask is what sort of course the OP's daughter is doing. Is it just going to be Word/Excel/PowerPoint or are there going to be any special requirements like video editing, graphic design, programming, etc...

It's going to be law, so should just be the normal document stuff.

Dirk Diggler · 9 Nov 2016 at 09:36

I'm going for SSD.

What's the thoughts on screen size? I don't want it too big or she'll struggle to lug it around?

Dirk Diggler · 9 Nov 2016 at 09:55

Actually, could some kind soul Google "HP Pavilion 15-au078sa 15.6" Laptop - Gold" and look at the offer from the retailer who sound like they make indian food?

Is the i5 6200U a showstopper with that paltry core clock speed?

Dirk Diggler · 11 Nov 2016 at 13:14

It's looking like a toss up between :

Lenovo V110-15ISK 80TL (£350)

And...

HP Pavilion 15-au078sa (£480)

I'm struggling to see the justification for the extra £130 other than a 256GB SSD v 128GB SSD (I can swap her SSD for something bigger if she's struggling).

Anyone any idea why the big price difference?

Dirk Diggler · 28 Nov 2016 at 14:45

I'm close to buying now... just need some reassurance!

If you Google this text, it's the first Rainforest link. I've went for the i3-5005U, 8GB RAM and a 128GB SSD. I beleive I can install a HDD in place of the CD drive if required? I also think the 14" screen would be just about the right size.

HP 14-am025na 14-inch HD Laptop (Turbo silver) - (Intel Core i3-5005U, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB SSD, Intel HD 5500 Graphics Card, Windows 10)

Anyone got a reason not to go for this one?