PC/Chromebook/Mac purchasing guide and recommendations
Chromebooks:
Pros:
Cons:
Use case: General Computing (eg. word processing, web browsing, media viewing)
Recommended Models
14 inch
https://www.newegg.com/lenovo-14e-81mh000fcf/p/1TS-000E-0E8A8?Item=9SIAD6H9V57704&Description=lenovo%20chromebook%2014&cm_re=lenovo_chromebook_14-_-9SIAD6H9V57704-_-Product
11 inch
https://www.newegg.com/lenovo-100e-chromebook-2nd-gen-81qb000aus/p/N82E16834845666?Item=9SIAEYJAP88210&quicklink=true
Specs
| Minimum | Recommended | |
| RAM | 4gb | 4gb |
| Screen Resolution | 1366x768 | 1920x1080 |
| Storage | 16gb | 32gb |
| End of Support | 2025 | 2026+ |
Windows laptops
Pros: Can do almost any computing task, huge software catalog, large variety of form factors and models to choose from.
Cons: More expensive than Chromebooks, cheapest options can be a poor experience, Windows is less intuitive than ChromeOS.
Use case: General Computing, Engineering, programming, content creation.
Specs
| Minimum | Recommended | |
| RAM | 8gb | 16gb |
| Storage | 256gb SSD | 256+ SSD |
| CPU | Intel i3, or AMD Ryzen 3 | Intel i5, Intel i7, AMD Ryzen 5, or 7 |
| Graphics | Intel integrated | Ryzen Vega, Nvidia GTX/RTX graphics |
| Operating System | Windows 10, or Linux | |
Recommended Models: sorted from lowest to highest starting price
Lenovo Ideapad Series *preferably with Ryzen CPU (low cost for good performance)
Acer Nitro 5 Series (affordable entry level to mid range gaming/CAD/Graphic design capable laptops)
Lenovo Thinkpad L,T,X,P series laptops (available in ranges from thin and light to portable workstations for CAD/Gaming/Video Editing
Dell XPS 13 and 15 series (Focus on portability and battery life over raw performance)
Asus TUF series (mid to high end gaming/CAD/Graphic design laptops)
Razer Blade series (high end gaming/CAD/Graphic design capable)
Apple computers |
Pros: Good build quality (dependent on model), High end specs compared to low cost PC/Chromebook options,
Cons: High price for lower performance than PC alternatives, compatible with less existing software than windows, limited choice of devices.
Use case: Using apple exclusive software (eg. garageband, Finalcut,iMovie), general purpose web browsing, content creation.
Recommended Models:
Minimum recommended Specs:
8GB RAM recommended
128gb SSD minimum | 256gb recommended