What are some cheap computers I can get for Fundamentals of Programming course w/o suffering much for getting what I pay for?

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Allie15

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May 6, 2015
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I never paid much attention to how expensive good laptops and desktops are! I've bought laptops at pawn shops and then a chromebook at Walmart. After it broke, another at Best Buy with Geek Squad insurance. I have been researching it. 500 this, i5 or i7 that, 4th generation, 8GB or expandable. It would be easier if money was no object I would simply buy the very best.

I'm looking for recommendations of laptops or desktops, not so much advice (maybe a little advice) on what to look for in a computer because I'm getting overwhelmed.

Sorry if I didn't select the right category. I don't know much about computers.
 
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Someone Somewhere
If you've got a Chromebook, try putting it in Dev Mode and installing Crouton. This will give you a Linux install that doesn't take up too much space.

Depending on what you mean by 'fundamentals', you should be fine with a chromebook.
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kanewolf

kanewolf

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May 29, 2013
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A desktop can be built cheaper than a laptop. A factory refurb HP, or Dell desktop is an inexpensive way. NewEgg, Woot and other websites have factory refurbs from the large manufacturers. You will want 8GB RAM (or more). Disk space won't matter much (don't pay extra). A larger display is worth paying extra for. A 24 inch or even dual monitors is helpful when working on code.
 
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Allie15

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May 6, 2015
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I was thinking I should buy a new one from Best Buy because of the insurance. I could set aside money to replace it, but then there's the time factor of waiting for it to be shipped. I suppose I could set aside money for overnight shipping, but what if it gets delayed? Maybe I could be ok with my chromebook while I wait?

I could add a 24 inch used/refurbished monitor.
 
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Allie15

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May 6, 2015
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The first thing I did when I got my first Chromebook was figure out how to get ubuntu, so I could download a game. I had to type the game into the teminal. I haven't updated anything with ubuntu though. Something I read (and didn't understand) made me not sure if the game would work with the updates.

I read that you can use Codeanywhere, ShiftEdit, and sourceLair on a chromebook. I downloaded those apps, but I don't know anything about programming to play with them.

I don't know what I mean by fundamentals it's just the name of the course. I guess its an intro to programming because it's before Programming Fundamentals 1,2 and 3. I don't even have to take it, but I don't want to be so behind the other students, who grew up on computers and took classes in high school
I'm going to take the class at the school instead of online and use the computer lab two days a week after class.

I have an Acer Chromebook CB3-111. Should I install something different than ubuntu? Is there anything else I need to know to use my Chromebook?
 
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