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Milly342

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Original poster
May 27, 2024
169
25
Im going into college and have to use a windows laptop; i really wanted a Macbook but they run programs that macs cant run. What is the best windows laptop that is $800 or less i dont need anything to pwoerful and dont care about the touchscreen aspect of it.
 
Im going into college and have to use a windows laptop; i really wanted a Macbook but they run programs that macs cant run. What is the best windows laptop that is $800 or less i dont need anything to pwoerful and dont care about the touchscreen aspect of it.
Not a specific recommendation, more of a warning. Stay away from HP especially their low cost models. They Seem to suffer an unusually high number of failures within a year or two and you don’t want to get stuck fighting for warranty repairs
 
Not a specific recommendation, more of a warning. Stay away from HP especially their low cost models. They Seem to suffer an unusually high number of failures within a year or two and you don’t want to get stuck fighting for warranty repairs
I can spend a bit higher for a laptop but I’m kinda thinking of a $800 laptop plus a iPad Pro tbh. Also how much is a cheaper hp?
 
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I would avoid hp. Dell has a couple of models less than $800. Not sure if that is the best low cost laptop but they are much better than hp and they are durable. I would consider buy upgraded RAM or SSD if you can afford it

Actually I decided I’m gonna spend more on a laptop and just not get the iPad so the budget is around $1600 usd now I’m so confused on the different processors
 
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Milly… with your new, higher budget, you can shop directly from HP and pick up a decent laptop at a good discount. It’s HP’s low-end machines that tend to break.


Another brand to consider is ASUS.

 
Milly… with your new, higher budget, you can shop directly from HP and pick up a decent laptop at a good discount…

Is hp the best?
 
Is hp the best?
The better ones are good. The budget, entry-level ones, not so much. Do you really need a Windows machine? The deals are great on M1 and M2 MackBook Airs - both 13-inch and 15-inch. I’ve rarely heard of colleges using programs that Macs can’t run. In fact, it’s almost a cliche - college students buying MacBooks.
 
The better ones are good. The budget, entry-level ones, not so much. Do you really need a Windows machine? The deals are great on M1 and M2 MackBook Airs - both 13-inch and 15-inch. I’ve rarely heard of colleges using programs that Macs can’t run. In fact, it’s almost a cliche - college students buying MacBooks.
I want a MacBook, but there are programs that I would be using as a business major that can’t run on a Mac. It’s a bummer bc I love my old Mac
 
HP laptop (especially cheap and mid-range) laptops are trash. Avoid them like the plague. They are slightly cheaper on paper but their build quality is garbage. You would be way better with Dell, Lenovo. Asus or Acer.
How about like a 1200-1600 budget?
 
As much as we despise Micro$oft. An Intel based 15” surface laptop is top quality but it is more pricey the alternatives.
I just wish I can get a Mac but I will admit the old displays on the ultra books are nice
 
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For something to last you through your 4 years, you can't go wrong with Lenovo Thinkpads. Not the sexiest laptops out there but gets all the basics right so they're durable, reliable, and comfortable.

Look for something in the X13 or T14 series (or if you can splurge X1 and Z13 are nice too).
 
For something to last you through your 4 years, you can't go wrong with Lenovo Thinkpads. Not the sexiest laptops out there but gets all the basics right so they're durable, reliable, and comfortable.

Look for something in the X13 or T14 series (or if you can splurge X1 and Z13 are nice too).
What’s better than x1 or z13?
 
ASUS and Lenovo have great laptops
I’d recommend you spend more money and buy Microsoft surface though
 
Can you elaborate? Not a fan of either X1 Carbon/Nano or Z13?
Would be helpful if you can let us know more of what works and what doesn't for you.
Gotcha, im
Mostly just using it for school purposes I just want something that is light like a MacBook air and decently powerful and than can last me for a while.
 
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