Hello all. I’m currently a physics major intending to switch major to computer engineering/physics double major.
Due to financial reasons, when it came time to enter in the fall of last quarter, I had to opt for a Chromebook (Acer c720), as it was a bargain (to me, anyhow) for it’s price. It has served me well so far, but it does have some problem. I’m not sure it is an appropriate choice for someone intended to get involved in the programming aspects of comp eng./physics, such as lab/research work and all that. As such, it was suggested that I try to find a different computer at some point. I know that I can use a Linux distributor such as Ubuntu, but I’m not exactly sure how the process goes, unfortunately.
Anyhow, I currently have ~$600 saved up at the moment. My father would be willing to lend me $200 if I ask (I intend to pay him back, since I have told him that I would finance ALL my expenses during college), and my brother would probably buy this Chromebook for around $150-$250 (originally priced ~$300). That would bring my total range to around $500-$1150 IF I receive help from my brother and father, which I would rather avoid. If I were to do it myself, I would stick with my original $500-700 budget.
Now, is it possible to get a good laptop for $500-$700? I don’t care about specs too much, I just need it to be appropriate for programming, last for at least 3 years (hopefully), maybe handle things like 3d modeling software (which I’m told WILL be needed, I don’t know why). Being able to game on it is not a big factor, but it would nice, all the same.
I’m slightly worried those features are above the price range I set for myself, so any expert advice would be appreciated, thanks.
(Btw, I will get a job soon, so I will most likely postpone a purchase until I can save up much more that I currently have.)
