Purchasing advice: Need "CHEAP" Windows Laptop

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Posted:
in General Discussion edited January 2014
So apparently for my exams I need a Windows laptop (Macbooks and Macbook Pros are expressly prohibited). I want something rock-bottom cheap and don't care about anything other than:
  • 1024x768 or higher screen resolution [12" or larger (preferably larger)]

  • Non-cramped keyboard

  • Can run XP without problems

  • Wifi and/or ethernet

I'm looking to spend $100-200 or less, since this is a laptop I'll only use exactly 5 times in about 2 weeks.



Advice?

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 11
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by ShawnJ View Post


    So apparently for my exams I need a Windows laptop (Macbooks and Macbook Pros are expressly prohibited). I want something rock-bottom cheap and don't care about anything other than:
    • Functioning screen 12" or larger (preferably larger)

    • Non-cramped keyboard

    • Can run XP without problems

    • Wifi and/or ethernet

    I'm looking to spend $100-200 or less, since this is a laptop I'll only use exactly 5 times in about 2 weeks.



    Advice?



    Borrow one from a friend. And why are MBs/MBPs prohibited? Seems pretty dumb to make people who have one to get a new laptop just for exams.
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  • Reply 2 of 11
    shawnjshawnj Posts: 6,656member
    I don't know.



    We use ExamSoft, which reboots your computer into a "secure" state so you don't have the ability to cheat by opening other applications and whatnot. I'll email the registrar and ask for the technical basis for their decision though. As for borrowing, I think I have to rule that out because I would need the laptop for over 2 weeks. I suppose I could "trade" mine for theirs since it can run Windows, but it's a bit of a hassle. I'll see.
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  • Reply 3 of 11
    Why not just buy some old laptop on eBay and then when your done sell it again?
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  • Reply 4 of 11
    Craigslist is your friend.



    Search for 'laptop xp' and choose $100 to $200.
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  • Reply 5 of 11
    shawnjshawnj Posts: 6,656member
    Thanks!



    Okay with Craigslist I was worried about fraud, so I did what you suggested and also selected an area near me so I can personally inspect the computer. I just made an offer for $150 for this. (The list price was $300). In fact, this might be cheaper that using my Macbook Pro to take the exam since I'd need to purchase a copy of XP or Vista.
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  • Reply 6 of 11
    Off topic question...



    Why are they expressly prohibited?
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  • Reply 7 of 11
    shawnjshawnj Posts: 6,656member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Guybrush Threepwood View Post


    Quick question...



    Why are they expressly prohibited?



    There's only two reasons why they would prohibit it:



    (1) The default version of the software actually allows Macbook Pros running Windows to operate the software. So my school either has a modified version of the software that blocks Macbook Pros running the software in Windows from operating in that environment (this scenario the exam company told me about) OR



    (2) My computer running windows CAN operate the software but they won't allow it anyway.



    ******P.S.********



    Does McGeorge allow the use Macbooks or Macbook Pros running Windows?
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  • Reply 8 of 11




    Yeah...Well...About that...Ummm...



    Actually, a few things happened this summer that ultimately didn't allow me to attend the day program this year. The day and night programs are completely different, and they wouldn't let me transfer programs so late. McGeorge is now making me re-apply for next year's night program. (Well, I wouldn't call it re-applying, but, I have to go through the whole process again)



    I was pretty upset about it at first. But, there's really nothing I could do. The only positive is that I'm making a little money here at the State in the meantime.



    The only negative is I now sit here and stare at a computer screen for 8 hours.
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  • Reply 9 of 11
    shawnjshawnj Posts: 6,656member
    Class of 2012. Ouch. I'll have 3 years partnership credit at that point.
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  • Reply 10 of 11
    Yeah, I don't really have a response to that. I can't even think of a rude comment or witty comeback...



    Fuck.
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  • Reply 11 of 11
    shawnjshawnj Posts: 6,656member
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Guybrush Threepwood View Post


    I can't even think of a rude comment or witty comeback...



    (Penn State)
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