As we once again enter the start of a new academic year. Our attention turns to buying new tech. However unlike previous years the inflated price of RAM and Solid State Storage, is really going to stretch students budgets. So this month we’re making a few recommendations, which we hope will help to make budgets go a little further.
Which computer should I get?
While a computer is just a tool. How much you spend on it, often correlates directly to what you are looking to do, and how quickly you want to do it. So for example if you’re studying humanities, and just need a computer to do a bit of research or write essays. You won’t need the most expensive computer on the market, but if you are a creative who needs to compile code or render graphics quickly, you might.
With this in mind, before buying a new computer, it’s a good idea to check with your new faculty as to what computer hardware spec they recommend. While this recommendation is often just a minimum spec designed to see you through a three year course, it can still be a good starting point.
Its also worth bearing in mind, that as a student you probably will be doing a lot of travelling. Be it walking to class, travelling home for the holidays, or moving to new digs. So as weight and portability will be two major factors, we recommend you consider buying a laptop over a desktop.
A Framework computer
If you need a high end machine for coding or creative work. Then we recommend that you look at a Framework 16 or a Framework 13 computer. Yes they are expensive, but will save you money in the long run. As out of the box they are powerful, but easy to upgrade should you find you need something faster at a later stage in your studies.
Also as Framework has a self build option. In theory you can stretch your budget by making compromises. For example by using Linux rather than buying a Windows license, or sourcing parts like RAM, compatible storage, or a WiFi module from another device.
We also like to recommend getting a self build Framework computer, for any students embarking on a career in IT. As not only will it help you learn more about a computers inner workings. It’s an excellent primer for developing troubleshooting skills, which is a core element for anyone looking to work in an IT department.
Apple Macbook Neo
For those that don’t need raw power, but do need a reliable computer that is durable enough to last three years without costing thousands. The Apple MacBook Neo is a great option.
While it’s price has gone up since its release, and it only has 8GB of RAM. The combination of Apple’s hardware engineering, and Apple’s ability to optimised the software that runs on it. Means that the limited RAM is not really an issue as long as you only need to do the basics, such as internet browsing, research, or writing papers.
For something that’s a lot more powerful that won’t break the bank. The Apple MacBook Air is a good alternative to the Neo. As it has the Apple M5 processor, a slightly larger screen, excellent battery life, and includes features like a backlit keyboard, Apple ID and larger storage options.
The reason we recommend the Macbook Air and the Neo. Is that both have battery life close to their advertised limits, and are well constructed so should easily last a three year course. You will also find that all models of Apple Macintosh computers, come with an excellent suite of free software that includes a word processor, spreadsheet and presentation tool. This is along with a suite of basic creative tools for video editing and music creation.
However where you can make a real saving, is if you use Apple’s Buy a Mac with Student discount program. So before buying any Apple products from a third party. Always compare the prices with the student discount you will get by buying directly from Apple.
Get your free copy of Microsoft Office
While Libra Office is an excellent free alternative to Microsoft Office 2024, or a Microsoft 365 subscription. Trying to work with something that you are unfamiliar with, while also studying at a higher level. May not be something that you fancy doing.
So sure you could buy a Microsoft 365 subscription, and get all the benefits from that service. But as the yearly costs amount to roughly, £254 ($345). Over a three year course, that’s not an option to take lightly. So as an alternative, and because your school or college will probably have already bought a Microsoft Office subscription for their students.
It’s worth checking with your school or university faculty, to see if they will allow you to piggy back off of their licensed copy of office. So that you can install their licensed copy of Office onto your own computer.
If for what ever reason they don’t. We recommend that you look into buying a full copy of MS Office, rather than buying a subscription. As unlike a Microsoft 365 subscription. A fully licensed copy of Office 2024, will allow you to continue to use Office well past the time you have finished your studies.
So if you do need to buy a copy of Office, and are based in Europe. As Europe allows the resale of unwanted software license’s. A quick internet search should reveal places were you can buy a substantially discounted lifetime license for MS Office Pro 2024. The only problem is that its very difficult to work out which sites are legitimate. So while this is not a recommendation, a good starting point is VIP-URcdkey.
An alternative to an Apple iPad ?
While the Apple iPad with a case and an Apple Pencil is a perfect tool for doing research, reading or note taking. If you don’t already own one, is probably something you will want for lectures. However, as this combination is nearly as expensive as a full price computer. You might be looking for a cheaper alternative.
So were going to recommend taking a look at either the Boox Note Air 4c or its newer sibling, the Boox Note Air 5c. Which we find to be slightly lighter than an iPad, because its made from plastic rather than aluminium. But has a battery life measured in days rather than hours, mostly due to its colour e-ink screen.
Sure the e-ink screen is limited to 4,096 colours and has a low refresh rate. Making YouTube videos almost un-watchable, and causing websites to look really washed out. However, where a Note Air will excel is for reading and note taking. As its e-ink screen will give you a more paper like experience, and its backlit screen will allow you to work just about anywhere.
The included Notes application is also very good, but does take a bit of getting use to. So if you prefer a different application. As the Boox Note Air runs on Android, you can download the Google Store and install whatever you need. So for example we added two reading apps, the obligatory Kindle app for cheaper book buying, and Readly for news references.
However, the reason we recommend taking a look at a Note Air, is that it comes with all the accessories an iPad does not. While we own the Boox Air 4c, both models come with a case that offers good basic protection. Along with a simple stylus that surprisingly, we find to be very responsive. So while its not as good as an iPad for drawing, we find it perfect for reading, creating mind maps, or making general notes.
Content releases for this month
For our first video release of the month. We’re going to take a look at two new functions which should make transposing tables of data in spreadsheets much easier. However it’s worth noting that as these functions are new to Office 2024, they won’t work with older versions of Excel.
While USB type C connections have become the standard, there are many devices that use older USB connections. So in this months “What’s in my toolkit” video we are going to take a look at A Syntech USB to USB C adapter.
Last month we started a short series, that looks at how you make USB recovery media for your computer. So while we have already posted videos for Windows, ChromeOS and Linux. This month we will continue our series by looking at how you make recovery media for macOS.
Finally at the end of the month, as a supplemental video to our Beginners Guide to setting up a Synology NAS. As we now have both Audio Station and Quick Connect working. We are going to take a look at how you reconfigure the Synology DS audio app, so that it can be used on a smartphone when you are away from your home network.
