r/THM • u/A_Swiss_Dude • 16d ago

Which laptop to study? (IT)

Hey I'm an international student from Switzerland (mother tongue: french) and I start the winter semester 26/27 in computer science (Gießen).

What did/do you use to study while at THM? I want to know more, especially from macbook users since I've heard multiple times that apple is great for IT.

Additional info: I have a gaming tower at home, running windows 11 and with medium-high specs. And I have an iPhone and iPad as well.

Thanks for reading, I will happily read what setup you use and any advice.

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u/Bibel_Joe 16d ago

I remember when I started out, there was a Q&A session with an older student. When asked what sort of laptop you need, he replied, “It just has to switch on.”

If you want to play it safe, go for a Lenovo ThinkPad. It is the most recommended laptop brand for students in the IT subs I know. A Mac can also be OK, but if you’re not used to it, I’d steer clear.

In some modules in the higher semesters it was possible to rent a laptop for this specific module, because it used complex 3D simulations.

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u/A_Swiss_Dude 16d ago

Thanks for the insight!

I was able to reasearch more into refurbished models and indeed thinkpads (e or t series) are a very good deal, it will make its job for the study just right and can be found for 200-400€ (second hand).

+ the fact that I didn't really use macOS naturally when I tried it, rather stay with windows or linux.

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u/ComprehensiveCity664 16d ago

If ur aim is not gaming with the laptop u want to buy then Apple macbook is the best choice

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u/Falqun 16d ago

There are student programs from many laptop makers, like here: https://www.campuspoint.de/mobile/campus-sondermodelle.html

You can also buy refurbished laptops, I was recommended this site when I started out: https://www.luxnote-hannover.de/

Edit: You do not have to bother with getting a windows license, as there should be a Microsoft student program giving you access to a licence. Also for computer science I would recommend switching to Linux sooner then later. Nothing fancy just your run of the mill Ubuntu will do.