So I really don’t know anything about computers. I know coding (got a 5 in AP comp sci) but I don’t even quite get the difference between hardware and software. I need a computer for college. It seems to me the three options are Dell, Mac, and Lenovo AKA Thinkpad, and within each one there is a bunch of subcategories. Through my search, I have found the Dell XPS 15 as the computer that may be right for me. Is it a good choice? And more importantly, there are different specs of Dell XPS 15 that have different RAMs, Cores, Hard Drives, memories, etc. and I don’t know which are worth paying more for. I would like to keep the cost down, I’d say my goal is under $1000 but I don’t know if that is reasonable, and I would be willing to go higher. Is buying used a good idea or not? I’m leaning towards not, but if it is the smart choice I might do that. I looked at Tech’s requirements and I think the Dell XPS 15 fits them. So which specs do I get?
I’m not a total computer expert but:
hardware: physical computers, keyboards, phones etc.
software: programs and apps
Things that are useful for college:
good battery life
portable
I like the Microsoft surface line because you can take use them both for a computer and to take notes by hand electronically (like on a tablet). But, that’s not what you’re looking for so I digress.
Looking at the options for a Dell XPS 15, the first option $999.99 i3 with the 500 GB HHD and the 32 GB SSD would be ok for most everything a college student would do (word processing, internet research, etc.)
If you know your major is going to use some slightly more power intensive programs (don’t know your major but for engineering MATLAB and some CAD programs come to mind (these specs are just enough to run CAD but not great)) the next step up ($1350,00) might be a good choice. You bump up to an i5 processor (faster, can run more intense programs) and get 256 GB SSD. Unless you’re storing a lot of video files or something I’d argue that this is better than the 500 GB HHD because SSD is significantly faster and less prone to damage. In this day and age, you really want to be storing most of your stuff on the cloud or on a external hard drive anyway so you don’t lose your stuff if your computer dies. Its a little over your price range but I found that if you’re savvy about sales and discounts (I combined both a bestbuy discount and a student discount for a savings of about $300 on my $1800 laptop when I bought it last year) you could possibly get close to your budget. Do your research!
Thank you so much for your advice! I definely have decided against a surface pro (trusted friends found it inadequate) but I think I will follow the rest of your advice. Thank you!
If you get the XPS with a 97 whr battery, it will have phenomenal battery life. My dell inspiron has a 74 whr and it’s already pretty good.
The thing about the XPS is that it’s kind of the mac of windows computers. It comes with sleek design, light weight, and high build quality, but if you are willing to go with something a little less “pretty” you can get better performance.
http://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/productdetails/inspiron-15-7567-laptop/fncwf512s
http://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/productdetails/inspiron-15-7567-laptop/fncwf514s
I just switched from a MacBook Air 13 to a Lenovo X1 Carbon. I got the 4th gen w/ an i7, 16gb ram, and 256 ssd. I’m in love with this machine: it’s light, incredibly fast, and the battery is more than all day. Thinkpad coupons come up all the time and catching it at $1,000ish isn’t hard. Mine was a hair under before tax.