I’m getting a laptop for Computer Science Bsc, what do you recommend?

Hi!

I’m starting uni this year, I’m going to do a Computer Science BSc and I’m going to get a laptop. I’ve been looking at getting the ASUS Zenbook Duo ultra 9, 32GB RAM and 2TB storage, it’s £1899 from Currys. I’m able to afford it but is that overkill?

I like the two screen design, especially for programming as I’ll be searching up solutions every 5 minutes, and I like the large storage and RAM.

Also, is the i9 any different to ultra 9 processor (intel)?

I just want some insight into what other students use and what they recommend processor wise and screen size wise.

Thanks! :smile:

Reply 1

Dunnig Kruger

That's a great laptop. However, the price is £1899.
You can get laptops for free. Or a used premium business laptop for £130 to £250 would be much better on the cost front and for the vast majority of stuff you'll be doing on it, just as quick.

Size of laptop depends on you. It does not depend on what other students use.
Get a 13.3" laptop if you are of slight build and will be walking or using public transport a lot.
Get a 14" laptop if you are of medium build and will be carrying the laptop around a lot.
Get a 15.6" or 16" laptop if you are of strong build. Or if you are of smaller build and won't carry the laptop a lot and will instead transport it by car.

Install Linux on it as soon as you get it for a proper Computer Science working environment, instead of the dog's dinner that Windows is.

You could add a 2nd laptop or a used £100ish 32" 4k monitor to your IT setup.

Reply 2

iiEllaxox

Original post by Dunnig Kruger

That's a great laptop. However, the price is £1899.
You can get laptops for free. Or a used premium business laptop for £130 to £250 would be much better on the cost front and for the vast majority of stuff you'll be doing on it, just as quick.
Size of laptop depends on you. It does not depend on what other students use.
Get a 13.3" laptop if you are of slight build and will be walking or using public transport a lot.
Get a 14" laptop if you are of medium build and will be carrying the laptop around a lot.
Get a 15.6" or 16" laptop if you are of strong build. Or if you are of smaller build and won't carry the laptop a lot and will instead transport it by car.
Install Linux on it as soon as you get it for a proper Computer Science working environment, instead of the dog's dinner that Windows is.
You could add a 2nd laptop or a used £100ish 32" 4k monitor to your IT setup.

Thank you for the advice!

I’m sort of average height and build so I think 14” is defo my go to then. It also fits in my bag I already have so that’s preferable.

But how come Linux is better than Windows?

Reply 3

Dunnig Kruger

Yep 14" sounds like the perfect size for you.
From ebay you can buy used fully working:
Dell Latitude 7400's for about £130.
HP 840 G6's for about £155.
HP 840 or 845 G8's for about £270.

Linux, eg Debian with KDE Plasma is better than Windows for having better default settings, being less bug ridden, more stable, more secure, easier to customise for better workflow. And then there's all the free industrial strength development tools for Linux.
In server form, Linux is better than Windows Server for the above reasons as well as having lower system overhead due to it not running a GUI.

It's one of those where once you've gotten used to Linux, as a computing techie, you'll never want to go back to Windows.

Google "computer science why linux not windows" for more info.