This browser is no longer supported.
Upgrade to Microsoft Edge to take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and technical support.
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(128, 8%, 22%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EA%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
So I been contemplating on buying a budget Laptop for college. I just need it for basic Microsoft 365 applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and web browsing possibly watch a little Netflix. I am not concerned about having a high quality HD screen since I have an iPad that I will be using that for entertainment. I have been looking at 4 Laptops: an HP (14DK0045NR) "14 with 2.3GHz AMD A4-9125 dual-core processor with 1MB cache 4 GB RAM with a 64 eMMC Flash storage 1080P screen, a Lenovo "11.6 Ideapad s130 with 1.1GHz Intel Pentium Silver N5000 processor with 4MB cache 4 GB RAM with 64gb flash storage 720P screen, An HP Stream 14" Touchscreen 1.5GHz AMD A4-9120e dual-core processor with 1MB cache, 4 GB RAM with 64GB eMMC Flash Storage and finally they also have am 14" HP (14CM0020NR) like the first one mentioned but this one has 2.3GHz AMD A4-9125 dual-core processor with 1MB cache and 500GB SATA hard drive 4 GB RAM and 1080p screen its about $50 more than all of the above. I am not worried about having a lot of space since ill be saving my school files to an SD card on an online drive. Is the 500 GB worth it and which one is better for my needs, Intel or AMD? They all include Windows 10S and 1 year of Microsoft Office Applications. Any advice??
Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.
Answer accepted by question author
All the antivirus you need is Windows Defender which comes with Windows 10. The only thing you need to add is Malwarebytes.
I use the free Malwarebytes and have found that there is no need to spend money with others.
I have been running Windows 10 and testing is since Nov 2014.
Answer accepted by question author
Windows 10 includes Windows Defender which is all you need. Do not fall for all the hype out there. WD has proven to be a true superstar in both protection and compatibility.
I run WD on all my personal systems and those I manage. Occasionally, I will run Malwarebytes in on-demand mode, not running resident, and it never finds anything.
As you said, the "S" version has added limitations and protections since it will only run Apps from the Windows Store.
Windows 10 in S mode FAQ
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/402008...
If you want to install Programs then you would need to upgrade it to Windows 10 Home.
What is Windows 10 in S Mode?
https://www.howtogeek.com/354057/what-is-window...
Buy the one that has the horsepower you need with the appropriate display and portable characteristics required with the ports to allow the add-ons you need. You are very correct in not looking at this device as a long term solution to your computer needs.
Hope this helps,
Rob
Standard Disclaimer: Those may be non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.
Please let us know the results and if you need further assistance. Feedback definitely helps us help all.
Hi Oscar, I am Rob, an independent and a 14 time and dual award MVP specializing in Windows troubleshooting and Bluescreen analysis. Please remember as independents we are not responsible for the development of Windows or the computer hardware and drivers. If you will work with me I will be here to help until the issue is resolved.
Since you will not be using it for entertainment, then ease of use and portability come into play as they all have similar costs and power.
To me the higher resolution still might be attractive when using PowerPoint and down the road needs (2 - 3 years from now).
Make sure the one you buy has the ports you needs. At least a USB 3.x and a C type is even better,
An external storage (portable USB drive) may be more secure in the long run that just internal storage. $50.00 will buy a lot of drive space these days.
Note : Do not consider just saving/backing up to Flash Drives and SD Cards as secure and safe storage. Both are too subject to external forces and as such lack real reliability. Use those for quick convenience, however, make regular backups to an external USB drive,
Read up on Windows 10 S so you know its limitations before purchase. And of course it can be upgraded so learn the ins and outs of that process for any computer you are buying.
There are web articles out there about buying a computer for school, so read those with a grain of salt. Meaning learn from them yet keep in mind those usually have their own motives for their persuasions.
Hope this helps,
Rob
Standard Disclaimer: Those may be non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.
Please let us know the results and if you need further assistance. Feedback definitely helps us help all.
Thank you for your advice. I hear Lenovo laptops are great! Which models do you recommend? Do you feel a huge difference from 4gb ram - 8gb ram?
Have you looked at eBay for used computers?
There are some that have Windows 10 Pro installed. I have gotten 3 Lenovo laptops that are working fine. I have upgraded to 8 GB RAM and SSD's.
