Starting my IT Degree Need a laptop!!

[Dennis Tech Tips]

So as the title explains, I need  a laptop for uni. I am studying IT, more specifically Networks and Security.

My university doesn't have a preferred OS.

So I'm stumped on what to get.

My budget is no more than $2200 AUD

THANKS

[The_russian]

Unless your program is using something weird, you don't really need that powerful of a computer for networking and security. It helps to be able to run at least one VM, so a multicore processor and at least 8GB of ram, preferably 16G should be good. For reference, I am finishing my networking degree, and our whole course was based on online tools (Cisco Networking Academy aka netacad and Canvas, a site used for online courses). I used a MacBook since that's what I prefer with a core I7 4750HQ and 8GB of ram and I have been able to do everything on it. The one thing I would have liked is a bit more ram, I was able to run everything but 16GB would have given a smoother experience. For the things that required Windows or Linux, I created VMs for them that I would only need to run one at a time. I don't know how similar your program will be, I would suggest asking the professors/instructors what programs will be used and any other requirements. Hopefully this helps. 

[Naijin]

43 minutes ago, Dennis Tech Tips said:

So as the title explains, I need  a laptop for uni. I am studying IT, more specifically Networks and Security.

My university doesn't have a preferred OS.

So I'm stumped on what to get.

My budget is no more than $2200 AUD

THANKS

I'm from Belgium, not really sure what models you have in Australia. When I started my IT degree, I bought an overkill laptop for 2000 euros. It had way more than I ever needed.

 

Right now, for 1099 euros, there is the HP Pavilion 15-e1575nd. Probably a different model in Australia, but you could get something similar. It features a Ryzen 7 4800H with 8 cores and 16 threads, 512GB NVMe and 16 GB RAM. Also equipped with a GTX 1660-Ti Max-Q, so should play some games as well.

 

Try to find something with at least 8 threads, 512 GB SSD and 16 GB RAM. You don't NEED to go overkill with a core i9 and 32 GB RAM, but if you want to use the full budget, you definitely can 

[genexis_x]

45 minutes ago, Dennis Tech Tips said:

My budget is no more than $2200 AUD

Any preferences on weight and battery life?

[Dennis Tech Tips]

On 10/22/2020 at 5:41 PM, genexis_x said:

Any preferences on weight and battery life?

The weight isn't a concern, however I would like a really good battery life

[genexis_x]

40 minutes ago, Dennis Tech Tips said:

really good battery life

min how many hours?

[Dennis Tech Tips]

20 minutes ago, genexis_x said:

min how many hours?

10 Hours