Hey everyone! I'm about to start a fully funded NASA STEM research internship this summer. It's an in-person program, but I'll also need to do data analysis, Python scripting, and work remotely once I'm home. I'll be handling:
- Running Python/GIS scripts on satellite imagery
- Participating in Zoom/WebEx meetings with scientists
- Light video editing for project presentations
- Standard schoolwork like docs, slides, and web research.
I'm looking for a laptop that costs $500 or less, and I'm okay with refurbished or used models as long as they come with a reliable warranty. Here's what I really need:
- A decent CPU (at least a dual-core i5 or Ryzen 5)
- Minimum of 8 GB RAM (upgradeable would be awesome)
- An SSD with at least 256 GB for speed
- Good battery life (4+ hours under load)
- Lightweight so I can carry it to the lab or café.
If you have any recommendations for specific models or tips on where to find the best deals, I'd really appreciate it! Thanks in advance!
2 Answers
You might want to check if NASA will loan you a laptop—it's common for internships to provide resources like that!
For video editing, you should definitely aim for at least 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. Those specs will really make a difference. Have you looked at this MacBook Air? It's a solid deal!
What about this one? It’s a MacBook Air Retina from 2020 with an i7, 8GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Definitely fits the bill for your needs!
I found an Apple 2020 MacBook Air M1 with 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD, but it’s just above your budget at $550. Still worth considering if you can stretch a bit!
Yeah, but I’d rather just get my own, you know?