The Lair

Who’s the computer wizard here? I need to buy my daughter a laptop for college. Need input.

 

I work with computers. What's your budget and what are her needs?

 

I would go with something that is compatible with the courses she will be taking. Something that is expandable. Something that has a decent setup. I run a Dell Precision 7520 with Windows 10 here at work and love it. It is not cheap but it is built like a tank.

I'm not an Apple guy. I prefer Android and Windows. It's more of an industry standard with us. We have iPads here but those aren't as software friendly when it comes to a workhorse based system. Again, depends on what the school might have in play. Should not be specific though. Should be open to many platforms. Obviously her workload wont be so labor intensive at first so you could buy something inexpensive from a big box store.

We have people here that build them to suit our needs so if you want give me all the particulars of what she will be dealing with and I could ask and have the specs for you in a couple days of what someone in the business thinks.

You could be good with a $600 machine for a year. No need to go all out unless it's required. You need to think about other peripherals too. Printer, scanner, digitizer, etc. Again, all depends on her tasks.

Edit, or just ask #RandyFab. I swear this guy has a cape stashed somewhere.

 

I would take your recommendation over mine! You really seem to be thorough in everything you do so no doubt you'd be able to pick a winner.

 

I think she’s dead set on Mac, since that’s what she had all of high school.

I was hoping she would go with Windows based because it’s a lot easier/cheaper as far as hardware and software availability. But Macs do have the capability of running Windows based software, it’s not seamless.

Any input on automatic backup of her drive (likely gonna be a SSD)?

At home, all our devices are auto backed up via our 3TB WiFi drive. I don’t think that’s possible in a dinky little dorm room that she shares with two other girls.

 

I'm more a R/D kinda guy and end user so I can, and usually do, break anything built. I do however have a lot of insight into what is required for various tasks. But......I have this really close friend here at work that is a genius when it come to this stuff. I would defer to him and he would be glad to help. He is also super frugal. He's also a Toyota fan boy. I've known him 25 years. I'm also very close to a couple guys in the IT department. They all know both hardware and software so.......

I appreciate the kind words though.

 

Nothing wrong with Mac at all. We don't use it here at work (civil based engineering) so I have zero experience but my friends will have the answers you need. I am positive.

Not sure how much a Mac costs but the External Backup might cost just as much. It's worth it though. Lost data is bad data. Mac uses iCloud though so an external will likely not even be needed. If you can trust the cloud. Mac is ala carte too so be prepared.

Just from what I know, without even asking anyone, Mac Book Pro. Bam! Just pick a price range. Keep in mind the average lifespan of any tech is 2 years or less. Oh, buy insurance too. Damage and theft, and support. For at first at least.

 

You ease into it... You know, despacito.

 

Glad you are doing good buddy!

 

As much as I don't want to look like I'm dragging my heels with this measurement thing...I still need to measure, I don't want to last minute have @Darkgoatracer cut out a piece. But if he doesn't mind getting it tomorrow evening, I can first thing get a measurement tomorrow after work.

 

I totally get it man. It'll obviously be his call if he's able to get a piece cut or not, but hopefully it works out.

 

He wont step foot in here because of Adams avatar.

 

Getting closer to being on the truck. CANT WAIT.

 

When do you need it by again? I normally am at the shop on weekends and could cut it, but this weekend ill be at nemacolin, so no shop for me.

Its a god dang abomination

 

Ideally you could cut it tomorrow and give it to me at BJs on thursday because I'm meeting up with him at rausch on saturday.

 

Great news!

 

Yeah, there's just no way at this point. I wish i would have remembered/ had measurements i could have cut it last weekend

 

Just charge him extra for the piece! C'mon Nick.