Laptop for IB

I have used Macs my entire life (currently have a 2018 macbook air) , but recently wanted to purchase a PC to practice excel and ppt, incoming BB summer analyst, and for potentially on the job as well. I have heard Lenovos are pretty reliable

https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/thinkpad/thinkpad-l/ThinkPad-L13/p/20R3000UUS


I saw this 13.3 inch one with 16 gb Ram, is that more than enough specs or would it be ok if I took the 13.3 inch one with 8 gb ram that is $200 cheaper. I would like to not spend more than the $900. Also do most of the BBs provide a work laptop to a summer intern, if not do they provide them to analysts when they start.

Appreciate the help in advance!

 

Anything PC, Mac is just not compatible with MS Office. Excel isn't the same either. Anything +8GB Ram and you be able to run just about any platform efficiently. I crunch HP EliteBook keys.  

 

Dell XPS 13 i7 16GB RAM (get last year's model, the "new XPS 13" adds nothing meaningful). Not sure about US prices but I picked one up in Switzerland for just over 1100CHF after student discounts and some deals, so a bit more than the number you give, but definitely worth it in my opinion. Such a great computer. 

 

Would get a lenovo since this is usually bank-standard (X280/Carbon). If you're just using it for practice, no need to get the one with more RAM and waste money there. Most banks do provide laptops (though some only give desktops but that was pre-covid)

 
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I looked it up and the L13 model has RAM soldered to the motherboard, so I would highly recommend getting 16 GB out the gate. Chrome, Excel, Word, Outlook, PDF already take a lot of resources. I have 11 GB RAM being used as we speak just idling and I don't even have that much stuff open compared to a heavy load. 

Otherwise, see if you can find a model where you can upgrade the RAM yourself, and then you can get it a little cheaper aftermarket.

Check out Dave Lee's youtube channel for the best laptop reviews.

Be excellent to each other, and party on, dudes.
 

If you are looking for a long term windows option, highly recommend getting a dell xps. I also had a 2018 macbook pro prior to buying it for this virtual summer and this laptop amazes me with how strong and powerful it is even on only 8GB Ram. If you are not considering a long term windows option than this will be a costly laptop - 1300+. But it is well worth it. 

 

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