Laptop Recommendations - Revision history

Steve410: /* Purchasing Dell Laptops */

2026-02-17T14:58:47Z

Purchasing Dell Laptops

Steve410: /* Windows */

2026-02-17T14:57:25Z

Windows

Steve410: /* Windows */

2025-07-21T20:47:22Z

Windows

Steve410: /* Windows */

2025-07-21T20:45:54Z

Windows

Steve410: /* Windows */

2025-07-21T20:44:09Z

Windows

Steve410 at 20:40, 21 July 2025

2025-07-21T20:40:32Z

Steve410 at 20:39, 21 July 2025

2025-07-21T20:39:49Z

Steve410 at 20:39, 21 July 2025

2025-07-21T20:39:11Z

Steve410: /* Windows */

2025-07-21T20:21:43Z

Windows

Steve410: /* Windows */

2025-07-21T20:20:55Z

Windows

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 [http://dell.com Dell] Laptops are a popular brand of laptops (and desktop computers.)  Dell Laptops are primarily Windows-based.  The CS Dept staff and computer labs use Dell laptops and computers.  If you're interested in purchasing a Dell laptop or computer, you can take advantage of savings offered to JHU affiliates by visiting:
-:https://store.jhutechstore.com/dell
+:[https://www.bkstr.com/johnshopkinsstore/shop/electronics/computers-tablets?Brand=brand_ntk_cs:%22Dell%2BComputer%22&pageNumber=1&orderBy=1  JHU Tech Store]
 The JHU Tech Store site provides links for personal and departmental Dell computer purchases.

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 '''VIDEO OUTPUTS:'''  Also, make sure there is some kind of video-out connector (HDMI?  Display port?  Mini display port?)
-'''BLUETOOTH:''' Bluetooth would be a good feature to have (helps to sync with phone/tablet.)
+'''BLUETOOTH:''' Bluetooth would be a good feature to have (helps to sync with phone/tablet, and especially, headphones/earbuds.)
 '''USB:'''  USB-C and USB-A are both both useful on laptops today, so if you can get a laptop with both types, you should be covered for the various kinds of peripherals today, and you won't need an adapter for them.
-'''WEBCAM:'''  Needed if student will be doing video conferencing/video-based meetings.  Many laptops can be ordered with a built-in webcam. Make sure the webcam is located at the top of the display.  (Several years ago, Dell chose to put their webcam at the bottom of their display.  They have since moved the position to the top of the display.)  If you choose not to include a webcam, you can always purchase an external USB webcam.  For security concerns, you might want to consider covering the lens portion of your webcam  with something dark when not in use. A small piece of dark paper taped to cover the lens.  If you you plan to cover your webcam's lens with some kind of tape (like electrical or masking tape), be careful to avoid getting tape residue directly on the lens.
+'''WEBCAM:'''  Needed if student will be doing video conferencing/video-based meetings.  Many laptops can be ordered with a built-in webcam. Make sure the webcam is located at the top of the display.  (Several years ago, Dell chose to put their webcam at the bottom of their display.  They have since moved the position to the top of the display.)  If you choose not to include a webcam, you can always purchase an external USB webcam.  For security concerns, you might want to consider covering the lens portion of your webcam  with something dark when not in use. A small piece of dark paper taped to cover the lens.  If you you plan to cover your webcam's lens with some kind of tape (like electrical or masking tape), be careful to avoid getting tape residue directly on the lens.  Some laptop webcams now come with sliding covers.
 '''BATTERY LIFE:'''  Make sure it gives you at least 5 hours.  Of course, longer battery life  is better.  Also, many of today's smaller laptops might have non-removable batteries. If that's the case, consider getting a laptop with as long a battery life as you can afford.  Maybe at least 8 or more hours?  We say this because, for laptops with non-removable batteries, each year, the life of the battery lessens.  So, after 4 years of college, you will have wanted to make sure you started with a long-lasting battery, so that when it weakens over time, it still provides decent enough battery life.

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:47, 21 July 2025
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−	'''''AND FINALLY...''''' "Try Before You Buy"... if possible, check out the laptop at a store. Make sure the keys have the proper feel for you and that the display is easy to see for you. Make sure the laptop is not too heavy. Most laptops are thin nowadays, but, if getting one with a larger (15" or more) screen, it's best to make sure it's not going to be too heavy to lug around campus.	+	'''''AND FINALLY...''''' "Try Before You Buy"... if possible, check out the laptop at a store. Make sure the keyboard keys have the proper feel for you and that the display is easy to see for you. Make sure the laptop is not too heavy. Most laptops are thin nowadays, but, if getting one with a larger (15" or more) screen, it's best to make sure it's not going to be too heavy to lug around campus.

	==Purchasing Dell Laptops==		==Purchasing Dell Laptops==

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 '''WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEM (OS)''': Any flavor of Windows 11.  There are  higher-cost versions (e.g. Windows 10 Pro) with features not available on lower-cost versions.
-'''CPU/PROCESSOR:'''  nothing less than an i5 processor, but if funding allows, get an i7 or higher.
+'''CPU/PROCESSOR:'''  nothing less than an i5 processor, but if funding allows, get an '''''i7''''' or higher.
-'''MEMORY/RAM:'''  Minimum of 16GB or more.  16GB is becoming the standard.  You might choose to opt for 32GB if you plan on more memory intensive work on your laptop.
+'''MEMORY/RAM:'''  Minimum of '''''16GB''''' or more.  16GB is becoming the standard.  You might choose to opt for 32GB if you plan on more memory intensive work on your laptop.
 '''HARD DRIVE:'''
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 * How much Hard Drive/Disk size (''disk space'') you need depends on how much disk space course work would require.  For cost-saving reasons, we recommend at least 512GB SSD at a minimum, but a 1TB SSD would be better if you're going to be saving all your data on that drive.  If going with a traditional hard drive (i.e., not SSD), start with 1TB.
-'''DISPLAY:'''    Video display size and resolution is personal preference.  Consider anti-glare (matte) displays to prevent reflections of overhead lights behind you from interfering with your view of the display screen (like glossy screens have.)
+'''DISPLAY:'''    Video display size and resolution is personal preference.  Consider ''anti-glare (matte)'' displays to prevent reflections of overhead lights behind you from interfering with your view of the display screen (like glossy/reflective screens have.)  However, sometimes, higher definition screens end up being glossy/reflective.)
 '''TOUCHSCREEN:'''  You will have to decide if a touchscreen is important for a prospective student or not.  Note that most touchscreens are more glossy (more reflective.)

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 * or having a tech come on-site to make repairs (more costly, but quicker.)
-: Consider laptop warranties that include accidental damage coverage.  These are more expensive than standard warranties, but in many cases, will cover accidental damage, including water/liquid damage.  Please read the terms of your accidental coverage carefully.
+: Consider laptop warranties that include '''''accidental damage coverage'''''.  These are more expensive than standard warranties, but in many cases, will cover accidental damage, including water/liquid damage.  Please read the terms of your accidental coverage carefully.
-: When purchasing your extended warranty, consider a ''Keep-Your-Disk'' add-on option, if it's available.  If, for example, your hard drive goes bad, you might not want to provide the repair company your hard drive (broken or not) that might contain your personal information.  Instead, a Keep-Your-Disk add-on to your warranty will allow you to keep your old hard drive, should you need a replacement.
+: When purchasing your extended warranty, consider a '''''Keep-Your-Disk''''' add-on option, if it's available.  If, for example, your hard drive goes bad, you might not want to provide the repair company your hard drive (broken or not) that might contain your personal information.  Instead, a Keep-Your-Disk add-on to your warranty will allow you to keep your old hard drive, should you need a replacement.

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 '''HARD DRIVE:'''
-* We suggest a '''''SSD''''' (Solid State Drive) over a traditional hard drive.  Typically ''laptop'' hard drives spin at 5400 RPM, which is somewhat slow.  7200 RPM is better.  But an SSD is much faster (since it's actually a type of memory, and doesn't physically spin.)  The disadvantage of SSD is price per gigabyte.  A terabyte (1000 GB) is cheap for a hard drive, but pricey for an SSD.
+* We suggest a '''''SSD''''' (Solid State Drive) over a traditional (spinning) ''hard drive''.  Typically ''laptop'' hard drives spin at 5400 RPM, which is somewhat slow.  7200 RPM is better.  But an SSD is much faster (since it's actually a type of memory, and doesn't physically spin.)  The disadvantage of SSD is price per gigabyte.  A terabyte (1000 GB) is cheap for a hard drive, but pricey for an SSD.
 * How much Hard Drive/Disk size (''disk space'') you need depends on how much disk space course work would require.  For cost-saving reasons, we recommend at least 512GB SSD at a minimum, but a 1TB SSD would be better if you're going to be saving all your data on that drive.  If going with a traditional hard drive (i.e., not SSD), start with 1TB.

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 * We suggest a '''''SSD''''' (Solid State Drive) over a traditional hard drive.  Typically ''laptop'' hard drives spin at 5400 RPM, which is somewhat slow.  7200 RPM is better.  But an SSD is much faster (since it's actually a type of memory, and doesn't physically spin.)  The disadvantage of SSD is price per gigabyte.  A terabyte (1000 GB) is cheap for a hard drive, but pricey for an SSD.
-* How much Hard Drive/Disk size (disk space) you need depends on how much disk space course/office work would require.  For cost-saving reasons, we recommend at least 512GB SSD at a minimum, but a 1TB SSD would be better if you're going to be saving all your data on that drive.  If going with a traditional hard drive (i.e., not SSD), start with 1TB.
+* How much Hard Drive/Disk size (''disk space'') you need depends on how much disk space course/office work would require.  For cost-saving reasons, we recommend at least 512GB SSD at a minimum, but a 1TB SSD would be better if you're going to be saving all your data on that drive.  If going with a traditional hard drive (i.e., not SSD), start with 1TB.
 '''DISPLAY:'''    Video display size and resolution is personal preference.  Consider anti-glare (matte) displays to prevent reflections of overhead lights behind you from interfering with your view of the display screen (like glossy screens have.)

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:21, 21 July 2025
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	: Consider laptop warranties that include accidental damage coverage. These are more expensive than standard warranties, but in many cases, will cover accidental damage, including water/liquid damage. Please read the terms of your accidental coverage carefully.		: Consider laptop warranties that include accidental damage coverage. These are more expensive than standard warranties, but in many cases, will cover accidental damage, including water/liquid damage. Please read the terms of your accidental coverage carefully.

−	:When purchasing your extended warranty, consider a ''Keep-Your-Disk'' add-on option, if it's available. If, for example, your hard drive goes bad, you might not want to provide the repair company your hard drive (broken or not) that might contain your personal information. Instead, a Keep-Your-Disk add-on to your warranty will allow you to keep your old hard drive, should you need a replacement.	+	: When purchasing your extended warranty, consider a ''Keep-Your-Disk'' add-on option, if it's available. If, for example, your hard drive goes bad, you might not want to provide the repair company your hard drive (broken or not) that might contain your personal information. Instead, a Keep-Your-Disk add-on to your warranty will allow you to keep your old hard drive, should you need a replacement.