cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/41746502

I recently bought a Dell Latitude 7430 with an i7-1265u, 10 cores, 1.8Ghz, 16gb of (I think) DDR4 RAM, and a 256GB SSD for 250$. I still have time to return the machine. I was wondering whether I got a good deal here or not.

My purpose is mostly for general school stuff. Spreadsheets, docs, Zoom meetings, and the like. I might be getting into the world of CS, but I’m not at a point yet where I would need much power.

Still, the 256GB of storage worry me. And unfortunately it can’t be upgraded. Still, if I’m not doing much besides all of the basic tasks expected of a work laptop, do I really need more?

Should I consider returning it and try to get another deal? Keep it? Or something else altogether?

  • Bahnd Rollard@lemmy.world
    3·
    4 hours ago

    Perfectly fine, if your worried about the storage get a bigger one and reinstall what ever OS you want on it before you get comfortable (queue linux enthusiests here).

    16gb of ram is the functional minimum for windows 11 and I would not push for an upgrade at the current time. Just be aware of your memory useage, Windows 11, Chrome and Office 365 services are memory hogs.

    For the CS stuff, dont worry, your machine needs to run a terminal. You WILL be connecting to more powerful machines to do the heavy lifting. Leasing AWS time or using machines on your schools network is likely how all that will go.

    Furthermore, its a Dell, so you can throw the service tag into their support site and get the exact parts list and specs (if the bottom is scratched off, its in the BIOS too).

    If you need tech support, just let us know (nerds are always here to help).

    • Kristell@herbicide.fallcounty.omg.lol
      1·
      1 hour ago

      Honestly, for what they’re using it for I’d say just get an external hard drive. Move completed assignments to the external as needed, that way they’re not risking grades if you can’t find it for a night or two. Unless they get some storage-heavy applications later, that should work fine.

    • paper_moon@lemmy.world
      4·
      4 hours ago

      Just a note on this the ram isn’t upgradeable (soldered on), just so OP is aware. Its ‘fine’ for most tasks, but not upgradable.