Tips for back-to-school: Which computer should you buy for your child?

This September 1st won't be typical for many students in Israel, especially those who will need to study far from home. Many families will need to buy a computer before the school year begins, but the decision is complicated, and many parents are trying to figure out which computer is best suited for their child.

On the surface, this may seem like an easy task, but it is actually a significant financial expense that requires careful consideration, as it represents a large portion of the back-to-school shopping budget.

There are several aspects to consider, such as the grade level of the child, their curriculum, your budget, whether the computer will travel to class in a backpack or stay stationary at home, and more.

Avichai Neeman, Manager of Business and Personal Computing Categories at Dell Technologies Israel, explains:

• Child's Age: The child's age and grade level are crucial factors in choosing a computer. Younger children in lower grades can manage with a simpler computer, while older children in higher grades may need a more powerful computer for heavier tasks like video editing, gaming, or programming, as required by their curriculum.
• Child's Needs: If the curriculum requires only basic tasks such as document work and internet browsing, a simple computer will suffice. If more demanding tasks, such as creating presentations or video editing, are required, a slightly more powerful computer should be chosen.
• Technical Specifications: Every computer has its own "personality," so it is essential to check the technical specifications and seek advice before purchasing. Specifications include information about the processor, RAM, hard drive, and more.
• Reading Reviews: Before buying a computer, it is recommended to read reviews across different media. Reviews can provide valuable information about other users' experiences and help identify potential future issues.
• Consulting with an Expert: Everyone knows a "computer expert," even if they are not a professional. If you are unsure which computer to choose, consult with an expert. They can help you select the best computer for your child's needs.

Choosing a Processor: More Than Just a Word Document

There are many types of processors, but we will focus on Intel models, including the newly released Ultra processor.

i5: The most popular processor, known for its strength and speed, allows for multitasking.

i7: Suitable for gaming, design, editing, and generally handling graphics.

i9: A powerful processor designed for running large software and highly complex tasks.

The new processors significantly save battery life with low power consumption, improved performance, higher-resolution visual output, and AI acceleration for AI tasks.

Laptops with Intel Core Ultra processors come equipped with Copilot in Windows, providing quicker access to Microsoft's full suite of AI tools, making them suitable for students already using and creating with AI.

Before purchasing, consider your needs and usage. Remember that a child's computer is often used for more than just Word documents and a little internet browsing. More often, it is used for watching movies, running graphic software, gaming, and more. Therefore, a faster computer can provide peace of mind that it will perform as expected.

Choosing a Screen: The Most Popular Size is 15.6 Inches

Laptop screen sizes on the market range from 10.1 inches to 17.3 inches. The most popular size is currently 15.6 inches, but there is a growing trend for those who want to take their computers from home to class, which is increasing the demand for 14-inch and 13.3-inch screens.

Before purchasing, keep two important things in mind: screen size affects the weight of the computer, especially nowadays when students carry their computers to class alongside heavy books and notebooks. Therefore, the computer should be lightweight.

Another important factor is the display quality, which depends on the graphics card. The stronger the graphics card, the smoother, clearer, and more realistic the picture will be. There are two options for choosing a graphics card: those used for basic use, which typically have an integrated graphics card, and those needed for design, editing, or gaming, which should have a "dedicated" graphics card (installed inside the computer but defined as such).

External Monitors: Larger and Easier to Connect

Whether you use a laptop or desktop, you can easily connect an external monitor to enhance your experience. There are many differences here as well, and it is important to understand your needs before buying. Pay attention to features like built-in microphones, speakers, or webcams (with or without a privacy shutter).

The market offers a wide range of monitors, both flat and curved. Pay attention to screen size, display quality (such as 4K UHD/FHD), refresh rate, color depth, wide color gamut, blue light reduction technology, unique features, and connections for devices that can be added to the screen. For all-in-one (AIO) computers, the popular size is 27 inches, while desktop computers can connect to external monitors in any available size, such as 24, 27, or 34 inches. Popular sizes are 23.6 inches and 27 inches.

Memory and Storage: Don't Skimp on Space

RAM affects the computer's speed; the more RAM, the more windows and tasks the user can open and run simultaneously, quickly and smoothly. Computers can have anywhere from 2GB to 128GB of RAM, with 8GB being the most popular. Before purchasing, it is important to ask if it can be upgraded later if needed.

Storage capacity is essentially the "closet" of your computer – the amount of information, documents, photos, videos, etc., that the computer can hold. The larger the "closet," the more you can store, such as photos, files, videos, etc. Storage options range from 128GB SSD to 4000GB SSD, with 512GB SSD being the most popular.

A useful tip: Storage capacity should not be a barrier to purchasing a computer, as you can always buy an external hard drive to store data.

Warranty: Why It Matters?

Today, a computer is a crucial work tool, and all data is stored on it. This is true for students, teachers, and anyone, regardless of school. The more extended the warranty, the better. The minimum today is a one-year warranty, with three years being the most popular.

There are three warranty options:

Lab Warranty: The customer must physically bring the computer to the service point and collect it, usually within 14 business days.

Pickup and Return Warranty: A courier picks up the computer and delivers it to the lab, and within 14 business days, the courier returns the computer.

On-Site Technician Warranty: A VIP warranty that provides the customer with a mobile lab and a certified technician at the customer's location, avoiding unnecessary wait times with quick and professional service.

Accessories - Webcam, Headphones, and More

Many accessories on the market suit every user's needs, enhancing their experience. For example, a webcam is almost mandatory for students to conduct Zoom meetings. Pay attention to image quality and sharpness, with a preference for 4K, to accommodate different lighting conditions. Also, look for features like AI capabilities and compatibility with Microsoft Teams and Zoom. Some webcams offer smart features like automatic light correction, changing the shooting angle, and centering the user in the frame. Another example of a useful accessory is headphones with a microphone – check the connection type, sound quality, and built-in noise-canceling ability. Also, consider the design, comfort for work/study over several hours, and whether you can answer calls or adjust the volume through them.

What Else Should You Check?

• Review the Curriculum: The school's curriculum is crucial when choosing a computer for a student. If the school uses specific software, make sure the computer you choose supports it.
• Buy the Computer on Time: Purchasing the computer on time can help you find better deals.
• Upgrade the Computer in the Future: If you buy a simpler computer, you can upgrade it later if your child's needs change.

What is the Recommended Laptop for Back-to-School?

Ahead of the new school year, Dell recommends the Vostro 3520 series laptops, available at attractive suggested prices ranging from NIS 1,995 to NIS 3,795, including VAT. These laptops are a great solution for any student looking for a device that can handle word processing, gaming, music listening, and movie watching. Weighing approximately 1.9 kg, they are portable and easy to carry in a school bag. More details are available on the website.