[Terpfen]

Do you know for a certainty that this machine will even be used for graphics greater than downloading videos from YouTube for the first year?

My understanding is that ozaukeemom would prefer to get the expense out of the way now rather than later, as it makes no sense to buy even a basic computer if it means spending even more money on a second computer later. She would prefer to save that money by purchasing one computer now that fits the requirements of the courses being attended.

So, we go back to the rule of thumb of about computer graphics: they require every bit of horsepower you can throw at them.

[Anitius Severinus Boethius]

Four years is asking a lot for a laptop, particularly when the student will be needing a top line laptop more at the end of that timeline than he will at the beginning.

The idea of buying an $800 laptop now and a $1500 laptop in 2 years is not bad considering the $1500 laptop in two years will likely be more capable than any $2300 laptop you can get today.