Best cheap work laptop to buy?

Hey guys,

I'm a current sophomore with an upcoming virtual boutique IB internship this summer and have accepted an offer for a mid tier BB next summer. However, I currently use a Mac (2018 15in pro) and have found doing excel/ppt to be difficult. I would like to transition to using windows microsoft office this summer so that I can learn all the hotkeys and be efficient with excel/ppt on windows (which i'll be using for my SA next year).

Because of this, I am looking for a used laptop to buy to start doing my work there. I have heard great things about lenovo thinkpads as a workstation computer. But are there any specific models or years that you guys would recommend? Or even any other kinds of computers that would be beneficial. Using the same type of laptop now would probably be the most helpful so I have an easy transition next year.

I am looking to buy the laptop used. My budget is preferably around $200-$300 but I can go up to around $500 (would prefer not to). All I'll be using this cpu for is excel/ppt so it doesn't need to be super high-tech. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!!

edit: i know some people may say to download bootcamp or other windows programs, but i'd prefer to get another laptop in general (two screen advantage, keyboard difference, etc)

 

You can bootcamp your Macbook with Windows as well. My school actually had free copies of Windows available so all I had to do was figure out how it worked

I'm assuming that they would also provide free Microsoft Office, so this could be a free alternative if you have the storage space

If you don't like the Mac keyboard, you can then just spend the money on a real keyboard and plug it in to get used to what it will be like next summer

 

I reckon if second-hand is the way to go here, check Facebook.

Managed to get a 1-2 year old laptop that retailed at $1000 for $350 on a University facebook group. Facebook marketplace can be decent too if you're willing to be patient and know how to look out for scams.

 

Since my setup at home doesn't work too well with my work computer, I just bootcamped my Macbook and bought a Windows license on ebay for about $5. Also got Office for Windows the same way for less than $10.

If you get a bluetooth keyboard and mouse, can be just like using a PC. You should also budget in for a monitor which will make life much easier.

Good luck!

 

I got a cheaper laptop model that was customized with really good specs and it’s lighting fast for $550. the og model MSRP at like $450

 

I've heard some places are sending kids laptops. I may be wrong but it doesn't hurt to hit HR up about that

 

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