Reddit mentions of Microsoft Surface Pro (5th Gen) (Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB)

$999 new on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Surface-Intel-Core-256GB/dp/B071SF41Y9

It depends on what he wants it for. If he wants power+portability, I believe the the XPS 15 is a safer buy. It will run any software he could ever need in college (even games), while maintaining some portability (it's not bulky nor too big or heavy).

If his college has a lot of computer labs (to run heavier programs), and he wants to prioritize portability/features/design, the Matebook X is gonna be great, but it only ships later this summer (reviews are already praising the pre-release units).

From what I read, there are people who love 2 in 1's for college use, specially something like the Surface Pro, because of the absolute portability and the pen, so it replaces all your notebooks and printed material (don't forget to factor ir the price of the keyboard and the pen).

The newest Surface Pro's are finally pretty good for creative artists and drawing. I think it would be your best option. It will be pricey though.

To get a pretty decent spec model will run you $1300, and that's before buying the Pen and Keyboard, which are separate purchases ($100 and $160 respectively).

The screen will have great color accuracy, it has a pretty long battery life, and will almost certainly last you 4 years. The keyboard is also excellent.

Other options you can look into are a Wacom Tablet. But again, high end ones will run you $1500+.

For a cheaper alternative, maybe look into the new 2017 iPad Pro lineup. They are better than the Surface Pro in terms of artistic pen support, and rival the high end Wacom tablets. The new iOS that is coming out in September will make them much more similar to traditional laptops. The 10.5'' model starts at $650 and the 12.5'' starts at $800 (both are more powerful than the $1300 Surface Pro though). Again, you'll have to buy a pen and keyboard separately for $100 and $150 respectively. The keyboard also is not as good on the ipad as it is on the Surface Pro.

Nice, great deal. This is the Surface I was referring to:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071SF41Y9/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_mtibAb44Y23BC

This one commented to have great keyboard and trackpad.

http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/laptops-portable-pcs/asus-zenbook-ux305-1264384/review

The weak graphics were referring to a not great video card, but very similar to what the 13 inch macbook pro has. On top of that you can use your wireless mouse or USB stick without an adapter you always have to carry with you.

The HP Spectre x360 is also a strong contender and has a touch screen and can be converted to a tablet, that's something very useful in school.

Lastly, and the most popular solution, the Surface Pro and maybe even the Surface Book if you can spend a little more.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071SF41Y9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_dp_T2_4hRuzb4F0VTZ1

Here you can get a really good surface pro with a really nice touch screen. You can get a decent removable keyboard for 70 or so. I would say the keyboard on the surface book is much nicer.

we've been getting these surface pros from amazon for under $1000, brand new, 5th generation windows 10 pro for about $866. with that price you could afford the optional 1-3 yr accidental warranty

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https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Surface-Intel-Core-256GB/dp/B071SF41Y9/ref=dp_ob_title_ce?th=1

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Unfortunately, you can only get it if the product is sold by Amazon.

At this link;
https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Surface-Intel-Core-256GB/dp/B071SF41Y9/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1511245577&sr=1-1&keywords=surface+pro&dpID=418g6Q3eTHL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

Amazon used to be the seller. But they were all sold out. Now you can only buy it from third party sellers.