Microsoft Windows

Looking to get a Windows laptop? These tend to be less expensive than an Apple computer, and there are some great deals on refurbished Windows computers, far bigger discounts than refurbished Apple computers.

Some specifications to look out for are:

  • At least Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor
  • At least 8GB RAM [16GB recommended]
  • At least 256GB Solid State Drive (SSD) [512GB SSD recommended]
    • OneDrive gives you 100GB of online storage so capacity on your laptop doesn’t need to be huge
  • Extended warranty and Accidental insurance – protecting your investment for the length of your course; remember that your computer will three or four years old when you are about to finish your degree – so having some warranty and insurance gives you piece of mind when you are in the middle of revision.

Dell Advantage scheme

The University has updated our Dell Advantage registration to ensure that all students and staff with University email addresses can access exclusive online discounts.

Get your Dell Voucher

Apple macOS

If you are looking at buying a new Apple computer then you can get discounts from Apple’s online Store for Universities – https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/campaigns/education-pricing
(As an example, you get about £100 off a new MacBook Air).

Apple also sell refurbished and clearance models – https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/refurbished/mac

The discounts on refurbished Apple devices are not much better than buying a new with the Higher Educational discounts, but there are some good deals on the clearance models; just bear in mind that clearance models are in clearance for a reason.

Or you could try Western Computer in Gloucester Green, Oxford – https://www.western.co.uk/find-a-store/oxford/

Western Computers may have machines in stock which means you could walk out the store with it (after paying for it obviously!) – and you should still be able to get Apple Education discounts from them if you show your University Card. https://www.western.co.uk/student-discount-online/

Limited Funds?

If funds are limited, then you may be able to apply to the College Hardship Fund for contributions towards a replacement computer if your computer breaks down during your course. https://www.queens.ox.ac.uk/financial-support

Save the planet – buy a Pre-loved Refurbished Computer

Don’t be too snobby about pre-loved computers – you can get some great deals on models which would normally be out of your price range. Many refurbishment companies offer 3 years Return To Base (RTB) warranty should anything go wrong with a refurbished computer. Drop us an email if you are interested in purchasing a pre-loved computer and we can put you in touch with a supplier.

Last but most importantly…

No matter whether you buy old or new, Apple or Windows make sure you make regular backups and use something like OneDrive to automatically copy your documents away from physical computer and into cloud storage. We have seen many incidents of liquid spills of all flavours – and a surprising number of dictionaries falling from shelves!   REMEMBER you need to back it up to get it back. Learn more about backup – https://it.queens.ox.ac.uk/backup/