Library Info & Updates: Technology for College

Discounts for New Laptops

• PCC Bookstores: Offer discounts on HP laptops at the beginning of each semester. Students can use excess financial aid funds to purchase a laptop.
• Acer: Acer offers several laptop styles, including Chromebooks, business-ready computers, gaming laptops and all-in-one devices. The company offers a 10% discount coupon to learners who verify their status with Student Beans.
• Apple: Apple offers reduced prices for college enrollees, their parents and educators. Qualified buyers can receive discounts on desktop computers, tablets, and Apple’s MacBook Air and MacBook Pro laptops.
• Dell: Dell segments its laptop discount offerings by major. Learners can choose their ideal device based on six categories: engineering and architecture, general studies, computer science, mathematics and business, nursing and healthcare, and information technology.
• HP: Students can receive discounts of up to 40% on HP‘s laptops and other devices. HP simplifies the process by not requiring a student ID for purchases. The company also offers free shipping.
• Microsoft: Students can take advantage of 10% off laptops, Surface devices and accessories with Microsoft. The company also features a 50% student discount on Microsoft 365 Personal, which includes a terabyte of cloud storage; apps like Excel, Word and Powerpoint; security apps and social media templates.

Low Cost Used Laptops (check out tips for purchasing used technology below)

• Notebooks for Students: https://notebooksforstudents.org/purchase/
• University of Arizona Surplus Storefront https://storefront.arizona.edu/ 
• Computers with Causes: https://www.computerswithcauses.org/application/
• Cox Connect2Compete: https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/connect2compete/low-cost-computer.html
  • Must meet eligibility requirements: https://www.pcsforpeople.org/eligibility/
• Xfinity Internet Essentials: https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/internet-essentials/low-cost-computer
  • Must qualify for the program: https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/internet-essentials/apply
• Adult Ed Students: ABECC will act as a referral with this organization, ask your advisor or coach: https://www.wecaretucson.org/low-cost-computer-application

Trusted Third Party Retailers If you’re considering purchasing a used device from a third-party seller, these are reputable options:

• HP Certified Outlet
• Dell Outlet Certified Refurbished
• Lenovo Clearance
• Back Market
• Newegg Refurbished (look for the “Direct from Manufacturer” tag)

Recommended Laptop Specs

• Processor (CPU): Look for at least a 10th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor (e.g., Intel Core i5-10210U) or an AMD Ryzen processor from the 4000, 5000, or 7000 series (e.g., AMD Ryzen 5 4500U). These will provide good performance for most tasks.
• Memory (RAM): Aim for at least 8 gigabytes (GB). If you use multiple programs at once or edit photos/videos, 16 GB is better.
• Storage: Get a solid-state drive (SSD) with at least 256GB. SSDs are much faster than hard disk drives (HDDs). If you need more space, consider an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Screen Resolution: A display with 1920×1080 pixels (also called Full HD or 1080p) provides good clarity and battery life. Avoid lower resolutions like 1366×768.
• Screen Type: Look for an IPS (In-Plane Switching) or OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display for better colors and viewing angles.
• Operating System: If buying a Windows laptop, ensure it can run Windows 11. Windows 10 will stop receiving security updates in October 2025. You can check compatibility by running the PC Health Check tool from Microsoft's website.
• Graphics: For most general use, integrated graphics from Intel (such as Intel Iris Xe) or AMD (such as AMD Radeon Vega) will suffice. Make sure to check the specific requirements of the software you intend to use, as some demanding applications, like video editing and 3D rendering, may require a dedicated graphics card. Look for at least an NVIDIA RTX 2050 or AMD Radeon RX 6550M for more performance

What to Avoid

• Old or slow processors: Avoid Intel Celeron, Pentium, and anything older than an 8th-generation Intel Core processor or AMD’s 3000 series.
• Low-resolution screens: 1366×768 displays often look blurry and washed out.
• HDD (Hard Disk Drive): HDDs are much slower than SSDs. If a laptop only has an HDD, consider upgrading it to an SSD.
• Less than 64 GB of storage: This won’t be enough for Windows updates and basic programs.
• Old Wi-Fi standards: Avoid Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n). Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or newer is better.

Checking the Laptop’s Condition

Screen

• Look for scratches, dark spots, or bright dots (dead pixels).
• Test colors by playing a video that cycles through red, green, and blue.

Physical Condition

• Inspect for dents, cracks, or scratches, especially on the corners (signs of being dropped).
• Check that the edges and seams are even.
• Plug in a USB cable and headphone jack to see if the ports work properly.

Keyboard and Touchpad

• Open a text document and press every key to ensure they work.
• Test the touchpad for responsiveness.

Battery and Power

• Check that the charger is included and works.
• If possible, use a program like HWInfo to check battery health. A battery below 60% health may need replacement.

Buying a Used MacBook

What to Look For

• Apple Silicon Processors: Choose a Mac with Apple’s M-series processors (M1 or newer, released in 2020 or later). These offer much better speed and battery life than older Intel-based models.
• Check Battery Condition: On macOS, go to System Information > Power and check the battery status. If it says "Service Recommended," you may need to replace the battery soon.
• Ensure iCloud is Signed Out: For Macs with T2 security chips (2018–2020), check that Activation Lock is disabled. If the previous owner’s iCloud account is still linked, you won’t be able to reset the device.

What to Avoid

• MacBooks Released Between 2016 and 2019: These models have a problematic “butterfly” keyboard known for frequent failures. Apple offers free repairs for these keyboards, but it’s best to avoid them altogether.
• Older MacBooks (Pre-2018 Models): These use outdated Thunderbolt ports, making it harder to find compatible adapters and docks.
• Macs with Limited RAM: Apple Silicon Macs do not allow RAM upgrades. Buy a model with enough RAM for your needs upfront.

Meeting a Seller (If Buying Locally)

• Ask if they were the original owner and if they bought it new.
• Confirm that the charger is included.
• Look up how to access the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) before meeting the seller.
• When testing the laptop, ensure there is no BIOS password and that Computrace (a security feature that tracks lost or stolen laptops) is disabled.
• Check the system settings to verify the advertised RAM, processor, and storage.
• Listen for crackling or distorted speakers.
• Test the keyboard by typing in a document to ensure all keys work, and check if the backlight functions.
• Check the screen for scratches or stuck pixels by switching to white, black, red, green, and blue backgrounds.
• Listen for loud or rattling fans.
• Play a video or MP3 to test sound output.
• Inspect for liquid damage, such as sticky keys or stains near ports and openings.
• If the laptop has a disc drive, bring a DVD to test it.
• Check all ports, ensuring nothing is bent or broken.
• Bring headphones to test the headphone jack.
• Check the battery health using HWInfo or similar tools. If capacity is below 60%, ask for a discount.
• Ensure Wi-Fi works by checking if the laptop can detect networks.
• Open the webcam (using the Camera app or Photobooth) to ensure it functions properly.
• Avoid sellers who cannot prove ownership, especially for Macs, which may be locked to an iCloud account.

From:

https://www.reddit.com/r/laptops/comments/mp6s37/buying_used_laptop_for_the_first_time_what_should/

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/how-to-buy-used-pc/

https://medium.com/@deepwriter96/9-quick-steps-to-follow-before-purchasing-a-used-laptop-e8428a677bf0