Is it worth buying a new computer for Uni?

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  1. CountvonCount's Avatar
    • Junior Member
    • Posts: 37
    Is it worth buying a new computer for Uni?
    Here is the situation, I am transferring to a new Uni for my second year and I have a laptop as described below. I have a TV (not planning on getting a TV license) so I'll use my laptop for TV and Films. I'm indifferent about using it for lectures as I don't mind hand-writing my notes.

    • I have a second hand Advent 7109B (I'm not sure how old it was before I got it and before you ask my dad got it for me for about £40 so it seemed like quite a bargain) and I've had it for about 3 years
    • The battery is essentially dead, in that if I take out the charger it turns off in seconds (I've seen replacements ranging from £35 to about £60)
    • It has about 60GB memory, app 25GB is free
    • I have an external hard drive which has about 220GB free memory
    • I have used it without any problems through Years 12, 13 and my first year at Uni
    • I installed Windows 7 as soon as I got it and it works fine, although Word can be a bit temperamental if I haven't used it for a while


    I currently have a budget of about £400; it'll be around £600-£700 closer to September as I'll be getting a bit of work here and there from this week. Is it worth getting a new laptop and if so what would you recommend? Or would you just make do if you were in my position?
  2. MeGusta's Avatar
    • Respected Member
    • Posts: 212
    Re: Is it worth buying a new computer for Uni?
    You do know you'll still need a TV license if you watch TV on your laptop. And if I was you I would hold out on buying a new laptop and just back up my stuff regularly until it's gone forever, then I'll get a new laptop.
  3. CountvonCount's Avatar
    • Junior Member
    • Posts: 37
    Re: Is it worth buying a new computer for Uni?
    (Original post by MeGusta)
    You do know you'll still need a TV license if you watch TV on your laptop. And if I was you I would hold out on buying a new laptop and just back up my stuff regularly until it's gone forever, then I'll get a new laptop.
    I meant I'd watch stuff on 4od and Iplayer. I'm pretty sure you only need the license to watch live TV.
  4. Iqbal007's Avatar
    • TSR Legend
    • Posts: 13,345
    Re: Is it worth buying a new computer for Uni?
    (Original post by CountvonCount)
    I meant I'd watch stuff on 4od and Iplayer. I'm pretty sure you only need the license to watch live TV.
    You are right, but be careful, even if your tv is unused you need to proof it, so it being hooked up to your laptop would be wise.
    To be honest the only reason for you to get a new laptop is cos it's dying with the battery. Doesn't seem like you need one if it meets your current needs.
  5. momanium's Avatar
    • Exalted Member
    • Posts: 334
    Re: Is it worth buying a new computer for Uni?
    I would say to wait until a sales period. Like after Christmas and then buy one. If that one has lasted then you really dont require much from your laptop and must be patient! When you do buy a new one for around 400 pound (i3/i5, 600gb, 6gb ram) you will not know how you survived before.
  6. charlie9872's Avatar
    • Exalted and Worshipped Member
    • Posts: 1,068
    Re: Is it worth buying a new computer for Uni?
    Single core processor and 1GB ram, ouch. I'd defiantly recommend getting a new PC if you can afford one - what are you going to be using the laptop for? Standard things such as web browsing, word, dvds? For that then £400 will be alright:

    http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/lenovo...84781-pdt.html - Lenovo (very reliable brand) i5 processor, 4GB ram and 500GB HD . It'll be light speeds above what you're using at the moment: £379.

    http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/asus-a...48379-pdt.html - Asus (again, reliable brand) exactly the same specs as the one above, but in a more adventurous colour if you find the lenovo a bit bland

    If again you wanted to save some more money and stoop for one with an i3 processor which will still deliver decent performance.
    Last edited by charlie9872; 16-07-2012 at 10:58.
  7. jac20120's Avatar
    • Junior Member
    • Posts: 27
    Re: Is it worth buying a new computer for Uni?
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