Laptop Discounts & Low-Cost Options

• PCC Bookstores – Discounted HP laptops available at the start of each semester. Students may use excess financial aid funds to purchase.

• Acer: 10% off laptops (Chromebooks, business, gaming, and all-in-one devices) with Student Beans verification.

• Apple: Reduced pricing for college students, parents, and educators on desktops, iPads, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro.

• Dell:  Discounts tailored by major: engineering, general studies, computer science, math/business, nursing/healthcare, and IT.

• HP: Up to 40% off laptops and devices. No student ID required; free shipping included.

• Microsoft:  10% off laptops, Surface devices, and accessories. Plus, 50% off Microsoft 365 Personal (includes 1 TB cloud storage, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more).

Additional Student Laptop Programs:

• Connect Arizona: provides resources and free, one-on-one help to Arizonans to get online, access affordable internet, and obtain personal devices like laptops.

• Laptops 4 Learning: a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, created to make technology affordable and available.

• Everyone On: a nonprofit organization working to bridge the digital divide by connecting low-income families to affordable internet and devices, such as laptops, and providing digital skills training to help them participate in the digital economy.

Low-Cost Used Laptops

• Notebooks for Students

• University of Arizona Surplus Storefront

• Computers with Causes

• Cox Connect2Compete

• PCs for People (eligibility required)

• Xfinity Internet Essential

🖥️ Buying a Used Laptop: Quick Guide

✅ Trusted Retailers

If buying used, stick with reputable sellers:

• HP Certified Outlet

• Dell Outlet Certified Refurbished

• Lenovo Clearance

• Back Market

• Newegg Refurbished (look for Direct from Manufacturer)

💡 Recommended Specs

• Processor (CPU): Intel i5/i7 (10th gen or newer) OR AMD Ryzen 4000/5000/7000 series

• Memory (RAM): 8 GB minimum; 16 GB if multitasking or editing

• Storage: SSD with at least 256 GB (faster than HDDs)

• Display: Full HD (1920×1080) with IPS or OLED for better color/angles

• Operating System: Compatible with Windows 11 (Windows 10 support ends Oct. 2025)

• Graphics: Integrated graphics fine for most use. For heavy editing/gaming, look for NVIDIA RTX 2050+ or AMD RX 6550M+

🚫 What to Avoid

• Slow/old CPUs (Intel Celeron, Pentium, pre–8th gen Core; AMD 3000 series or older)

• Low-res screens (1366×768)

• HDD-only storage

• Less than 64 GB storage

• Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)

🔍 How to Check a Laptop

• Screen: Watch for scratches, dead pixels, or color issues
• Physical condition: Check corners, seams, and ports
• Keyboard/Touchpad: Test all keys and gestures
• Battery: Ensure charger is included; use tools (like HWInfo) to check health (below 60% may need replacement)

🍎 Buying a Used MacBook

Best Choices

• Macs with Apple M1 or newer (faster, longer battery)

• Confirm battery health (System Info > Power)

• Ensure iCloud/Activation Lock is signed out

Avoid

• 2016–2019 “butterfly keyboard” models

• Pre-2018 Macs (older ports, less support)

• Macs with too little RAM (not upgradeable on Apple Silicon)

🤝 Meeting a Local Seller

• Confirm original ownership and charger included

• Check BIOS (no passwords, Computrace disabled)

• Verify RAM, CPU, and storage in system settings

• Test speakers, webcam, fans, ports, Wi-Fi, and battery health

• Inspect for damage (liquid, cracks, bent ports)

• Avoid sellers who can’t prove ownership (esp. Macs)