Which computer for our Grandson? (1 Viewer)

Teasy2007

LIFE MEMBER
Sep 26, 2007
2,086
1,159
Rotherham South Yorkshire
Funster No
428
MH
Carthago Malibu PVC
Exp
Since 2005
Our grandson Sam is going to Sheffield University this month and we have promised to help him with the purchase of a small laptop. (It needs to fit in his backpack)

I’ve started researching but there are so many offers I can’t work out which would be the best. It needs to be Window 10, reasonably fast, reasonably priced and have a good sized memory.

Any advice would be greatfully received.

Ginny
 
OP
OP
Teasy2007

Teasy2007

LIFE MEMBER
Sep 26, 2007
2,086
1,159
Rotherham South Yorkshire
Funster No
428
MH
Carthago Malibu PVC
Exp
Since 2005
I’d let him make the decision because you might buy the wrong one

He is about as knowledgeable as I am, computers aren’t his ‘thing’. He likes the look of HP, but I want to make sure he gets one which will see him through to end of his degree.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Aug 27, 2009
19,788
23,032
Hertfordshire
Funster No
8,178
MH
Van Conversion
Exp
40 years
Our grandson Sam is going to Sheffield University this month and we have promised to help him with the purchase of a small laptop. (It needs to fit in his backpack)

I’ve started researching but there are so many offers I can’t work out which would be the best. It needs to be Window 10, reasonably fast, reasonably priced and have a good sized memory.

Any advice would be greatfully received.

Ginny
There are some really good value ssd on the market now not as large as a disk drive but very fast and easy to boot. Additional storage is readily available in a number of clouds at reasonable cost and it is there from whichever university or home computer he is using. Just another option....(y)
 
Apr 25, 2014
1,222
4,981
Lancaster
Funster No
31,133
MH
Overhead cab
Exp
8 years
There are some really good value ssd on the market now not as large as a disk drive but very fast and easy to boot. Additional storage is readily available in a number of clouds at reasonable cost and it is there from whichever university or home computer he is using. Just another option....(y)
I don't know anything about computers either except our Dell has always been reliable. I don't understand this post quoted at all so can't comment on it (apart from what I've just said).
Do you have an independent computer shop or someone who fixes computers nearby? We've got a couple locally and they have been very helpful with advice in the past.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Apr 25, 2014
1,222
4,981
Lancaster
Funster No
31,133
MH
Overhead cab
Exp
8 years
Just another thought. I was in Manchester the other day and saw a shop that said 'Google Garage' so went in. They specialise helping people with any software/computer/smart phone etc problem and were very helpful with a friend and their smartphone. They're not trying to sell you anything just reccomend.
They said that there are a few of their shops arund and they are taking on more
 
Jan 3, 2008
3,329
5,340
Pakefield, Lowestoft, Suffolk, UK
Funster No
1,118
MH
Looking
Exp
35
I don’t know why it has to be windows 10 based. If that really doesn’t matter you could try Apple as they do a substantial student discount. A MacBook Air is very light and compact and would fit a backpack easily. They are also very robust. Worth looking at.
 

MattR

LIFE MEMBER
Aug 18, 2013
4,083
37,356
Beds
Funster No
27,578
MH
Panel van
Exp
Years
Our grandson Sam is going to Sheffield University this month and we have promised to help him with the purchase of a small laptop. (It needs to fit in his backpack)

I’ve started researching but there are so many offers I can’t work out which would be the best. It needs to be Window 10, reasonably fast, reasonably priced and have a good sized memory.

Any advice would be greatfully received.

Ginny

Why Windows 10 and what will he need it for? What will he be studying and what make of smartphone does he have (assuming he has one)?

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Mar 23, 2012
9,446
31,629
sleights
Funster No
20,245
MH
c class
Exp
1
I would llok more into the spec required. He will need it to be approvede by the IT lot before connecting tot he uni network (unless its changed since our son went there) so you could ask them for tips on where to look or there might be a computer supplier they recommend. Try contacting this link its for student equipment repairs
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cics/support/student

The link is for Sheffield uni if its Sheffield Halam send me a message my brother works there I can ask him. I think it will be better to get one from somewhere recommended/possibly local in caes theres a problem later especially if he's not very IT savvy himself.

One thing to remind him is to MAKE SURE HE BACKS UP EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!! no matter how big the memory
 
Sep 10, 2012
2,117
3,564
worcester
Funster No
22,842
MH
Sunliving van
Exp
2012
Aldi had a small computer for sale in its offers the other day.
Usually excellent spec for the price but no sexy brand name.
I've had one of their medion brand machines for years and it's been good.
 
Aug 26, 2008
4,721
24,575
B&NES
Funster No
3,823
MH
Van Conversion
Exp
since 2007
Or, you could buy him a refurbished ex-corporate laptop.

A shop in our High St offers good quality high spec ones with Win 10 installed for around £150 including VAT. The Win 10 is proper licensed not iffy pirated. I bought a Lenovo from them as a back-up when my main laptop broke down.

Dells, HPs, Lenovos, Toshys etc.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
OP
OP
Teasy2007

Teasy2007

LIFE MEMBER
Sep 26, 2007
2,086
1,159
Rotherham South Yorkshire
Funster No
428
MH
Carthago Malibu PVC
Exp
Since 2005
Why Windows 10 and what will he need it for? What will he be studying and what make of smartphone does he have (assuming he has one)?

He has an android smartphone which has served him well for his A levels but he needs a ‘proper’ laptop for Sheffield Uni.

He is starting a Paramedics degree course and has worked very hard to get there. Another funster told me he should aim for Windows 10 and the office suite of programs.

Ginny
 
OP
OP
Teasy2007

Teasy2007

LIFE MEMBER
Sep 26, 2007
2,086
1,159
Rotherham South Yorkshire
Funster No
428
MH
Carthago Malibu PVC
Exp
Since 2005
I would llok more into the spec required. He will need it to be approvede by the IT lot before connecting tot he uni network (unless its changed since our son went there) so you could ask them for tips on where to look or there might be a computer supplier they recommend. Try contacting this link its for student equipment repairs
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cics/support/student

The link is for Sheffield uni if its Sheffield Halam send me a message my brother works there I can ask him. I think it will be better to get one from somewhere recommended/possibly local in caes theres a problem later especially if he's not very IT savvy himself.

One thing to remind him is to MAKE SURE HE BACKS UP EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!! no matter how big the memory

Sam has already emailed the University to ask which computer etc but they have not replied yet.

He does not really like computers! A novelty for someone his age, he sees them as a means to an end. He wants me to help him choose, but it’s nearly 12 years since I was fully IT savvy and an awful lot has changed!
 
Mar 23, 2012
9,446
31,629
sleights
Funster No
20,245
MH
c class
Exp
1
He has an android smartphone which has served him well for his A levels but he needs a ‘proper’ laptop for Sheffield Uni.

He is starting a Paramedics degree course and has worked very hard to get there. Another funster told me he should aim for Windows 10 and the office suite of programs.

Ginny
I think that will probably be at Sheffield Hallam so the link to the IT dept I gave will be wrong. I will ask my brother if theres an IT help desk

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

DBK

LIFE MEMBER
Jan 9, 2013
17,968
47,804
Plympton, Devon
Funster No
24,219
MH
PVC, Murvi Morocco
Exp
2013
Dont forget he will also want to connect to the internet. There may be a wireless network in the uni but probably not where he is going to be staying.
You can get USB dongles from most of the main phone companies, such as O2 etc and you could buy him a 12 month data plan to go with it. A MiFi is another way of achieving the same thing but a dongle will be simpler as it will use the laptop's battery.
Without any guidance from the uni I would stick with Windows 10 as it will be the most commonly used OS amongst the students I think so he should be able to get help if he needs it and if there are any specific programs the uni need him to run they are bound to be available for Windows 10.
If he signs up to a Google account he will get 15Gb of cloud storage free. It might sound a lot and if all he is going to do is backup essays etc it should be enough. I have 1Tb but it costs be £10 a month though it now holds a backup of all my photos and videos etc.
 
Mar 23, 2012
9,446
31,629
sleights
Funster No
20,245
MH
c class
Exp
1
Dont forget he will also want to connect to the internet. There may be a wireless network in the uni but probably not where he is going to be staying.
You can get USB dongles from most of the main phone companies, such as O2 etc and you could buy him a 12 month data plan to go with it. A MiFi is another way of achieving the same thing but a dongle will be simpler as it will use the laptop's battery.
Without any guidance from the uni I would stick with Windows 10 as it will be the most commonly used OS amongst the students I think so he should be able to get help if he needs it and if there are any specific programs the uni need him to run they are bound to be available for Windows 10.
If he signs up to a Google account he will get 15Gb of cloud storage free. It might sound a lot and if all he is going to do is backup essays etc it should be enough. I have 1Tb but it costs be £10 a month though it now holds a backup of all my photos and videos etc.
These days I don't think the dongle is needed as theres such good wifi coverage and he can probably tether from his phone for short term use. I would buy too little if anything until its clear what he needs I remember buying what turned out to be more than a years supply of jars of pesto when our son went to uni!!!!!!
 
OP
OP
Teasy2007

Teasy2007

LIFE MEMBER
Sep 26, 2007
2,086
1,159
Rotherham South Yorkshire
Funster No
428
MH
Carthago Malibu PVC
Exp
Since 2005
I don’t know why it has to be windows 10 based. If that really doesn’t matter you could try Apple as they do a substantial student discount. A MacBook Air is very light and compact and would fit a backpack easily. They are also very robust. Worth looking at.

Do you know what sort of discount? I’ve tried to access their site but can’t get to see any prices or discounts.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
OP
OP
Teasy2007

Teasy2007

LIFE MEMBER
Sep 26, 2007
2,086
1,159
Rotherham South Yorkshire
Funster No
428
MH
Carthago Malibu PVC
Exp
Since 2005
These days I don't think the dongle is needed as theres such good wifi coverage and he can probably tether from his phone for short term use. I would buy too little if anything until its clear what he needs I remember buying what turned out to be more than a years supply of jars of pesto when our son went to uni!!!!!!

That is exactly what I thought, it’s too easy to buy what you think and get it terribly wrong. He is funding everything (through student loans and working part time), so it has to be right as he can’t afford to make costly mistakes.

Ginny
 
May 8, 2011
3,834
47,981
God's county. Helmsley, North Yorkshire.
Funster No
16,317
MH
IH Tio 630 RL
Exp
Since April 1846 but have always camped.
He has an android smartphone which has served him well for his A levels but he needs a ‘proper’ laptop for Sheffield Uni.

He is starting a Paramedics degree course and has worked very hard to get there. Another funster told me he should aim for Windows 10 and the office suite of programs.

Ginny
My son has just finished his first year at uni training to be a paramedic and he absolutely loves it!

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Jan 3, 2008
3,329
5,340
Pakefield, Lowestoft, Suffolk, UK
Funster No
1,118
MH
Looking
Exp
35
Do you know what sort of discount? I’ve tried to access their site but can’t get to see any prices or discounts.
I think something on the order of £250 nit you would still be looking at say £600/700 even with the discount. You could also buy a refurbished MacBook which come withc12 months warranty and would be indistinguishable from a new one. If you want facto go further you could phone Apple and they will answer your questions.
 
OP
OP
Teasy2007

Teasy2007

LIFE MEMBER
Sep 26, 2007
2,086
1,159
Rotherham South Yorkshire
Funster No
428
MH
Carthago Malibu PVC
Exp
Since 2005
My son has just finished his first year at uni training to be a paramedic and he absolutely loves it!

Wow, is he at Sheffield? Well you know exactly what he needs, can your son give any advice, and do’s or don’ts. it’s a small funster world!

Ginny
 
Last edited:
Feb 22, 2014
2,107
10,269
Grantham
Funster No
30,233
MH
Rapido Le Randonneur
Exp
Since 2015
I don’t know why it has to be windows 10 based. If that really doesn’t matter you could try Apple as they do a substantial student discount. A MacBook Air is very light and compact and would fit a backpack easily. They are also very robust. Worth looking at.

My Grandson got rid of his Mac purely because a lot of the uni stuff is done on Windows. Some are converted to Apple, most are not, lots of free theory books, papers, reports, exam papers etc all on windows for free and either not available for Apple or they. cost. He’s very pleased with his Lenovo though. Fast and able to handle having lots of different windows open. It costs though.
 
Feb 22, 2014
2,107
10,269
Grantham
Funster No
30,233
MH
Rapido Le Randonneur
Exp
Since 2015
My Grandson got rid of his Mac purely because a lot of the uni stuff is done on Windows. Some are converted to Apple, most are not, lots of free theory books, papers, reports, exam papers etc all on windows for free and either not available for Apple or they. cost. He’s very pleased with his Lenovo though. Fast and able to handle having lots of different windows open. It costs though.

Apple give Students a 10% discount, I think. Lenovo it’s 20%
 
Aug 26, 2008
4,721
24,575
B&NES
Funster No
3,823
MH
Van Conversion
Exp
since 2007
For an Office suite, you can choose between Microsoft Office Home and Student edition (not free) or Libre Office which is free (I also use it).
 

MattR

LIFE MEMBER
Aug 18, 2013
4,083
37,356
Beds
Funster No
27,578
MH
Panel van
Exp
Years
He has an android smartphone which has served him well for his A levels but he needs a ‘proper’ laptop for Sheffield Uni.

He is starting a Paramedics degree course and has worked very hard to get there. Another funster told me he should aim for Windows 10 and the office suite of programs.

Ginny

Don't forget students can get MS Office 365 for free: https://products.office.com/en-gb/student/office-in-education

As this is cloud-based, it wouldn't matter what OS is used. There may be some limitations using it off line - I have not experimented with it but it would allow a Chromebook or similar to be purchased for less than £200. Not as flexible or as powerful as a laptop but cheaper and potentially more versatile than a laptop (https://www.lifewire.com/chromebooks-vs-laptops-4163797)
 
D

Deleted member 29692

Deleted User
Another funster told me he should aim for Windows 10 and the office suite of programs.

Why?

There are plenty of other and better options.

The "it has to be Windows and Office" thing is the default position of people who haven't got a clue what they're talking about.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

Join us or log in to post a reply.

To join in you must be a member of MotorhomeFun

Join MotorhomeFun

Join us, it quick and easy!

Log in

Already a member? Log in here.

Latest journal entries

Funsters who are viewing this thread

Back
Top