I need to replace the notebooks that my kids use for school. My eldest is just about to enter year 11 at school, so I would like something that might last her through school and maybe the early years of her degree if she chooses to go to University. I’ll buy an identical machine for number 2 daughter who is in year 9 and hopefully she’ll get through A-levels before killing it.
Decent screen and keyboard, not too heavy, capable of surviving day-to-day use by kids (built out of kevlar might be good). Major usage will be essay writing, graphics, watching youtube and netflix. Budget to about £1200 for both with a preference for Windows machines as that is what I use. I don’t think Macs are in budget unless purchased used.
All advice welcome, particularly suggesting about SparcStations or BBC B type things…
I’ve had recent laptops from Dell, HP and Lenovo. The Lenovo was best by miles for reliability. If an 11.6" screen is enough, the Thinkpad 11E is ruggedised (to Mil Spec) and costs £399.
Find out what software the school uses then search for a deal with as many pre- installed licensed programs as possible on something that can run them.