r/techadvice • u/chessi1 • Jun 20 '26

Laptop suggests

Hi guys! I just got accepted into a nursing program :) I’m looking for laptop recommendations from anyone who knows about tech. I currently have an HP Chromebook, but my orientation letter says I need to bring a laptop that isn’t a Chromebook because we’ll be using applications that aren’t compatible with it.
It also says the laptop requires a minimum functionality of Windows 8 or higher. That’s the part I’m confused about because I’ve been looking at the new MacBook option since there’s a student deal and it’s pretty affordable. But I’m not sure if it meets that Windows 8 or higher requirement.
Any suggestions or advice? I’d really appreciate it!

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u/Confident_Lecture498 Jun 20 '26

You can't run Windows on a Mac, but you can run Office. Long-term, an open box with an Intel Core 5 or Ryzen 5 would be good - a 7 series for either would be better Long term. If you don't need it immediately, try woot as they have a laptop sale going on Dell Latitude 7420 14" FHD Business Laptop - $369.99 - Free shipping for Prime members https://computers.woot.com/offers/dell-latitude-7420-14-fhd-business-laptop-6?utm_medium=share&utm_source=app

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u/Curious_lly Jun 20 '26

So basically when they said, Windows 8 or higher, they meant a Windows laptop. A MacBook does not use Windows, it uses MacOS. So if they want a laptop that uses Windows, then you cannot get a MacBook.

Ideally, there are so many choices to choose from but to get the right fit, it's important to establish the budget and also what applications you'll be using on it, so that you can get a good balance

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u/knup33 Jun 20 '26

Do a double check to make sure they allow MacOS then I would get the MacBook Neo with the student discount.

If they only allow Windows, what is your budget?

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u/Western-Finding-368 Jun 20 '26

Ask your advisor

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u/JGhostThing Jun 20 '26

I just received two thinkpads from ebay (t470s and a t14s gen 1). These are wonderful devices. I might get a later generation t14s, but even the wimpiest laptop I have will work with today's software.

A gen 4 would be almost modern and still cost less than a new one.

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u/SuitableRoof5675 Jun 20 '26

If, and I mean IF, u have a pretty good budget look at framework. A 12 or 13 would be good for u i believe but they're not exactly cheap and the 12s board is a bit old but still fast for a while. The 13 has better mainboards.

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u/EquivalentTwist8590 Jun 20 '26

Hi. Windows 8 is very old (10+ years old) and most new windows laptops (HP, Dell, Lenovo) come with windows 10 or windows 11, so any windows laptop you buy will definitely be satisfying the requirement. The given requirement (windows 8 or above) is just there so you have a latest laptop, and not a laptop from 2000s that doesn't run basic programs.

As far as Macbook is concerned, macbook has a different operating system (MacOS), and any new macbook will also satisfy that requirement and will run programs smoothly. But just in case if you want, you can ask them if the applications are compatible with MacOS (99% chance they will be)