*Disclaimer: your major may require a specific laptop!
The cost of tuition, books, housing, and other college expenses can be overwhelming. Yet another cost to buy is your laptop. But which laptop is best for you? Purchasing a laptop is essential to keep up with lectures, Canvas assignments, and other tasks. This article will break it all down for you, from the different types of laptops to their durability and cost.
The laptop world is a big one with many options, and it can be confusing if you haven’t bought one before. This article will only be focusing on two main laptop brands: Dell and Apple.
Dell
Dell has many different versions of laptops, which is why they recommend XPS and Inspiron laptops for college students. When it comes to XPS laptops, the smaller, lighter design is perfect for students. With up to 4K UHD plus displays and Eyesafe® displays, it is perfect for long hours at the computer. The running price for this laptop is roughly $999 to $1499. However, Dell does offer a 10% student discount when you sign up for a Dell Rewards account.
Dell Inspiron laptops are 2-in-1 touchscreen options that can easily transform between a laptop and a tablet. Overall, these types of laptops are also lightweight with plenty of memory and storage. With the latest processors, sleek designs, and more, Inspiron student laptops provide reliability and higher performance. The prices for this version of Dell laptops vary but they can range from anywhere between $249.99-$849.99.
Apple
There are two MacBooks that would be worth looking into, especially if you like having an ecosystem of Apple products.
The first one is the MacBook Pro with an M4 Chip. The M4 chip is naturally faster than the other variant chips and supports up to 128 GB unified memory and up to 8 TB storage. MacBooks are the premier choice for Adobe products like InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, as they tend to work a lot smoother on Macs.
If you are looking for something more affordable, the MacBook Air with a 10 -core CPU and up to 10-core GPU of the Apple M4 chip. With up to 18 hours of battery life, you can leave your charger at home, and save money in the process.
Other Brands
Lenovo and HP also have good computers to test out, though most majors require either an Apple computer or a Dell. Check with the Ball State website whether your major has a recommended computer brand for you to use.
The Tech Center
Getting a new device doesn’t come without a fair share of technological struggles. The Tech Center, located in room 101 of Bracken Library, is the central spot for all of your tech-related issues. The Tech Center can help you with a variety of problems, from resetting your Ball State password to hardware repair. The Tech Center is open Monday through Friday. Simply walk in and stop at the concierge desk, they will help you with basic technical support or refer you to the support service expert that best suits your needs.
In addition to the physical location there is also the online Technology Help Desk, which offers support over chat and phone (765-285-1517). The Help Desk is open Monday through Friday; however, for issues such as resetting your Duo Mobile or Ball State password, there is 24/7 assistance available.
Right next door to the Tech Center, in room 103 of Bracken, is the Technology Store. Here, you can shop a variety of items, such as laptops (Apple, Lenovo, Dell), iPads, Fitbits, cables, adapters and more. The best part about this store is that many products come with a reduced, educational price! If you find a great laptop that you like, head over to the Technology Store to see if they have any.
