I’m a bit clueless about laptops and stuff, what would be a reasonable spec and price for my lad’s GCSE study?

Many thanks in advance.

What software must it be able to run, will he need to store much locally? Have the school made any recommendations?

If it’s just research and typing stuff up or using google classroom etc. then I’d say go for a Chromebook. Ive had both Acer and Asus Chromebooks and been happy with both.

(You can do much more on a Chromebook but you dont need anything fancier for the basics.)

TBH both my kids did their GCSEs on Chromebooks, which in computing power are nowhere. Something basic but robust would I think be fine.

Also though consider what comes next. My daughter went on to do Media studies, and then to a degree in Media and Creative and so for A level upgraded to a Macbook. IANAE but understand Mac’s are still better suited.

Not saying if they are heading that way go Macbook now….. rather if they might be heading that way assume for the GCSEs can use a ‘disposable’ device.

Many thanks both, I think Chromebook is a good suggestion as he’s not creatively inclined.

Is the school a Google school, or a Microsoft school?

If the former, maybe do a Chromebook.

If the latter, go to Dell, spend 300-500 quid, and you’ll get something that will be more than capable.

Had a look now and I think it’s got to be the Microsoft direction, primarily because it’s what I know myself. Thanks for the suggestions.

You can do MS on Chromebooks with a MS365 account, I’ve just been doing some work emails on this chromebook here.

(the irony that I usually have STW open in a browser at work most of the day and end up doing work emails at home later)

My daughter went on to do Media studies, and then to a degree in Media and Creative and so for A level upgraded to a Macbook. IANAE but understand Mac’s are still better suited.

Are they, or this just peer pressure/tradition/”I want to look trendy”?

I’d honestly love to know why.
(and for clarity one of my daughters has just bought a Macbook and I have no idea why – other than “it looks nice”!)

Thanks all again, I found a Lenovo thing on Amazon Like New for £190 which seemed like a reasonable deal. I don’t know why my whole family sees me as the expert on these things, I’ve got no idea and just end up asking on here (ahh, secret expert via the power of STW).

Are they, or this just peer pressure/tradition/”I want to look trendy”?

I’d honestly love to know why.
(and for clarity one of my daughters has just bought a Macbook and I have no idea why – other than “it looks nice”!)

IDK, IANAE but I just googled and seems like historically Macs had better software and graphics capabilities in general for doing meeja type stuff and so it was the ‘only’ choice (IDK if buying a £1200+ MS laptop back then got you close or not)

Windows based have now caught up and so there’s no longer the ‘must be a Mac’ for it, but old habits die hard.

Take it with a pinch of salt when your lad asks for an i7 with a 3080 RTX graphics card. Absolute minimum spec he needs.