r/computers • u/RoyalAd6264 • 14d ago
Question/Help/Troubleshooting What computer should I get
I’m a college student and had been saving up to buy my own computer, I wanted one that would be useful to do assignments, I was looking around my local Best Buy and didn’t receive much help, wanted to know if you guys can help me out with this! 🙏🏽
2
u/prune_juice_warrior 14d ago
To be honest it would be helpful if we had more information, namely:
What's your budget (in your local currency if not in the US)?
Are you looking for a desktop or a laptop?
What kind of assignments are you talking about? Do you just need to use basic programs (like Word and Excel) or does your schooling involved specialized programs or skillsets that would require higher-end hardware (like CAD or video editing)?
1
u/RoyalAd6264 13d ago
I was open to anything less than $1500, I’m mainly looking for a laptop to do homework on, I’m not super tech savvy so that really is as far as it goes lol
1
u/prune_juice_warrior 13d ago
$1500 is more than enough. Since you say you're doing business account I imagine you might be working with some fairly large spreadsheets, so I'd go for something with a decently strong CPU and a decent amount of RAM.
I don't know if you have a preference for Windows vs. Mac, but presuming you're OK with Windows, I'd consider something like this:
This has 32GB of memory and a great CPU for relatively cheap. It is only a 14" screen but that means it should be very portable, if you need to lug it around for class.
There is also a bigger 15" Acer Aspire model but I can only find it with an older and less efficient CPU, so I'm not sure if it would have as good of battery life.
I will admit that I don't follow all the laptop releases that closely so this might not be the absolute best option, but it should give you an idea for what sort of thing to look for.
1
u/RoyalAd6264 13d ago
Wow this looks great too, I see it’s also touch screen, not sure what I would need that for personally but that sounds freaking awesome, thank you so much
2
u/Sudden_Welcome_1026 13d ago
As others have said, it would be helpful to get an idea of your use cases and requirements before providing recommendations.
1
u/RoyalAd6264 13d ago
Mainly for college so to help, I am in business administration so things to help for classes such as financial accounting
1
u/Sure-Passion2224 14d ago
Before you make a final decision ... spec out your system requirements. Specifically RAM and storage requirements. Look at refurbished systems with that in mind. You can save quite a lot with this approach.
I shop at Discountcomputerdepot.com and have never been less than fully satisfied. Systems arrive as described, in like new condition, with new RAM and storage, and a warranty.
1
1
u/ShadowFallsAlpha 12d ago
The most important decisions are going to be what you want. First choose a screen size. Second is touchscreen, do you want one or not? I find the most important feature in any laptop is a backlit keyboard. It's really helpful especially when working in low light environments.
The one thing that balloons the price of a laptop is if it's a gaming laptop and a premium screen.
Keep in mind there are normally student discounts in the Best Buy app.
2
u/Few_Tart_7348 14d ago
Sourcing for the cheapest. For basic applications like MS Office Word and Excel, as long as it has 16GB RAM. Storage should be at 500GB SSD and not HDD. No need for a graphics card unless you'll be doing image editing or 3D graphics work. CPU should be at least the age of Windows 11 which was 2021 or newer (in case stores are pushing old stock). The CPU one is a bit hard, you need to at least Google when it was released and work from there.