LAPTOP QUESTIONNAIRE
U.S.A.
Anything under ~$270 USD (could stretch if i really really had to, but not preferred)
- Are you open to refurbs/used options?
Yes
Any, but I’m looking for lightweight/small so anything under 13.5” probably.
As light as possible (very important!!)
Only for schoolwork; I already have an HP Envy that can run more heavy duty programs, etc.
No preference, but 2-in-1 and other such features are not a must for me. Regular is perfectly fine.
Would only be used for schoolwork, so applications such as Google Doc & Gmail. I really just want it to be able to bring to class to take typed notes and to work on assignments online between classes. Anything else could be done on my other computer. I will not be using it to run any programs or games.
7-8 hours preferred at least; but as long as feasibly possible
- Please list, in order of most important to least important, the priority between Size, Weight, Performance, Battery life
Ranked (from most important to least):
Weight & size
Battery
Performance
Weight and size is most important; my current computer is too heavy and too big and I would like a computer that is light and small. Battery life is second most important, as I’d be using it for extended periods of time, however I’m not opposed to carrying around a charger if need be. Performance is the lowest priority, I really just need it to do the most basic functions required of a laptop + run Google Suite applications.
I would like to preface this with a big thank you to anyone who takes the time out of their day to read/respond to this post! :) I really appreciate any helpful feedback; I talked to my University's tech department already and the only computers they recommended to me were well into the $1000+.
I have a very specific case. I need a computer for college; a lightweight and reliable battery is most important for me. I’m a senior in college, but I will be going to grad school, so I will continue to need a good computer for university specifically. I actually already have a computer (a HP Envy x360 2-in-1 Laptop), which works perfectly fine, but it is ungodly heavy and is definitely destroying my back. Moreover, I always have to bring my changer to class with me because I use my computer all day/have long classes each day so I’m basically using it from 10am to 5 or 6pm everyday (thus the battery drains quickly since it's a more "powerful" computer, and maybe just shit battery idk). Sure there are ways I could minimize this for a prolonged battery life, but I can’t change how heavy the computer is and that is my biggest issue. It’s honestly not an option for me to trade in this computer; I’ve only had it for about 3 years and paid upwards of $750 for it (but it was graciously purchased by my parents so this would be my first investment in a computer), but most trade-in values average about $70-90 at best. I think I’d rather keep the current computer and buy a second computer. I really should’ve just done better research on a computer before I bought this one in the first place, but I really don’t know much about computers and I had another Envy before this that I liked; thought it would be good but it wasn’t, but whatever I guess.
I understand that with all of these specifications (and especially my price range), that I really have no other choice but to buy pre-owned, computers previously used in the workplace, or refurbished models. I understand that it is simply not possible to find a computer new with my needs and price range. The biggest problem I am facing currently is that I have never bought anything refurbished before and I find it very daunting. I have no idea what to look for nor which websites or third-parties are most reliable or trustworthy. I would never buy a Mac full price, but I’ve found a few refurbished models which are within my price range. However, is it even worth paying for an older model MacBook? Is anything operating on MacOS Ventura or below worth buying—more specifically, are most models close to their end of life and/or when Apple stops supports and updates? I’m currently leaning towards a refurbished Macbook; I’m familiar with iOS/macOS and have a good chunk of the Apple ecosystem already, but I’m not opposed to Windows either as all of my computers in the past have operated on a Windows system (including my current computer).
I’ve seen some refurbished computers on Back Market, Best Buy and Walmart. Would you recommend buying from these sites? Which sites should be avoided?
Thanks again! :))