Unsure about purchasing a laptop for my kid

Stinsok · #1 11-17-2011, 05:13 PM

There are going to be some smokin' deals coming up. I saw where you can get a Dell Inspiron for 299.00. We paid a lot more than that for the one we bought for my daughter. My son is graduating high school this year. Would the Dell be able to serve him when he goes to college in a year or so?

clutchcarter · #2 11-17-2011, 06:14 PM

Don't buy him one for college yet. There's a real good chance it might not survive that long. Been there....done that!!
Make him work real hard on scholarships. My stepdaughter got a full ride and they even gave her a brand new Mac!

tplyons · #3 11-17-2011, 07:01 PM

I wouldn't. I took all my graduation money and put it towards my first laptop. Really made me put a value on my computer since I bought it and would have to replace it. I spoke to my advisor to ensure that what I bought would work for my college classes.

BurningSkies · #4 11-17-2011, 07:05 PM

Working on campus, it's been interesting in the past few years. We went from being about 80% PC to being about 80+% Mac. The other day I sat in the big dining room in the student center and it was cool to see that every table within eyeshot had an apple product...not one Gates based machine! There were iPads, iPods, iPhones and mostly MBP's.

But fer real, check with the school before buying.

-Educational discounts with college ID's for both hardware and especially software.

-The software discount is SUBSTANTIAL. It makes Adobe reasonably priced, and things like MS Office dirt cheap. I get the discount and LOVE it...

-Many times purchasing on campus is roughly the same cost as off campus, but you get extra features...like on-campus tech support and repairs, or as our campus does, a more hearty extended (3 years after applecare) warranty than Apple offers.

-Many universities' individual schools or colleges will have specific requirements or suggestions as to the computers they want their students to use. Our University publishes a list, by college and major that explains what system, system requirements and software will be needed when coming in as a first year.

-Talk to your student. Many times their opinions count heavily. No kids like be the ONLY one using a certain something when all the kids are using something else. I know of kids who had their computers 'stolen' because they didn't want that model!

-Check with your school's security department. Theft is a MAJOR problem, and many DPS's will have a program of laptop registration and 'marking' that helps deter theft. Purchase the lock cord that fits the laptop and make sure it gets used...

Ziltoid · #5 11-17-2011, 07:05 PM

I bought mine with my some scholarships money, 1500$ or so but 2.5 years later it's still running as good as day 1. (MBP 13" with up'ed specs)

Sonic_Death · #6 11-17-2011, 07:06 PM

I bought a Dell Inspiron E1505 with a great coupon the summer before going to college. 6 years later, it's still my main computer.

If you treat a computer well, it will perform well for you. I think if you see a great deal that you think will be viable for your son, then I recommend pulling the trigger.

That's just my two cents though. You should also factor in what kind of college setting your son will be in. I went away to college, so a laptop was a bit more of a necessity for me.

As mentioned above, school discounts can be very useful as well.

BurningSkies · #7 11-17-2011, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ziltoid

I bought mine with my some scholarships money, 1500$ or so but 2.5 years later it's still running as good as day 1. (MBP 13" with up'ed specs)

My experience is that MBP cost more, but last longer and remain viable longer. I just bought a new one yesterday! My 2006 just passed away. It still looked new and I BEAT on it for 5+ years. It also is run basically 24 hours a day without a fail. Every PC laptop I've owned has lasted 2-3 years and had failing parts after a year. I've also replaced Ms. Skies Dell with a MBP after 1.5 years of problems.

ADbassman · #8 11-17-2011, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BurningSkies

My experience is that MBP cost more, but last longer and remain viable longer. I just bought a new one yesterday! My 2006 just passed away. It still looked new and I BEAT on it for 5+ years. It also is run basically 24 hours a day without a fail. Every PC laptop I've owned has lasted 2-3 years and had failing parts after a year. I've also replaced Ms. Skies Dell with a MBP after 1.5 years of problems.

My experience has been different. I'm typing on a 2006 dell at the moment that is still going strong.

tastybasslines · #9 11-17-2011, 11:03 PM

My wife bought a laptop that seemed like a good deal at $329...she called me on the phone and told me a few specs and it sounded good...however...
2 usb ports...both on the left side so if you are using a mouse, its a real hassle, poor casing, no button to turn down volume, weak processor.. etc....

Budget is not the way to go with laptops IMO. Another $100 bucks and it would have been a real pleasure!

BurningSkies · #10 11-17-2011, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ADbassman

My experience has been different. I'm typing on a 2006 dell at the moment that is still going strong.

My roommate has a 2 year old Dell that's gone through several repairs, a hard drive dying and the hinges to the monitor falling apart.