Why the other options are wrong:

• Its battery life is too short for a full day on campus.: The 13-inch actually has the longest battery life at 14 hours.
• It exceeds the woman's stated budget limit.: The 13-inch option is limited to integrated graphics, which can slow GIS rendering. Its price is not given as exceeding the budget.
• It does not support solid-state storage upgrades.: Storage upgrades are not mentioned as a limitation of the 13-inch.

Correct Answer: It is lighter and has longer battery life.

Why this is correct: The specialist says the 13-inch ultralight weighs just over 1.2 kilograms and has about 14 hours of battery life. It is lighter and has longer battery life compared to the 15-inch at 1.9 kilograms and 9 hours.

Why the other options are wrong:

• It has a larger screen for multitasking.: The 13-inch has a smaller screen, not larger.
• It comes standard with 16 gigabytes of RAM.: RAM specifications for the 13-inch are not confirmed as 16 gigabytes.
• It includes a dedicated graphics card.: The dedicated graphics card is in the 15-inch model, not the 13-inch.

Correct Answer: 512 gigabytes to handle large project files.

Why this is correct: The specialist recommends at least 512 gigabytes of solid-state storage because GIS files can get huge. The base 256 fills up quickly once software and project files are added.

Why the other options are wrong:

• External storage instead of internal upgrades.: External storage is not suggested as a replacement.
• 256 gigabytes to keep the laptop affordable.: The specialist warns against 256 gigabytes because it fills up too fast.
• One terabyte to avoid using cloud services.: One terabyte is not discussed as a recommendation.

Correct Answer: It offers better durability for frequent travel and winter conditions.

Why this is correct: The specialist says the aluminium chassis is sturdier and handles temperature changes better in Montreal winters. Since the woman works in cafes and commutes daily, durability is important.

Why the other options are wrong:

• It improves the laptop's graphics performance.: The stated aluminium-chassis benefits are sturdiness and handling temperature changes. A graphics-performance benefit is not mentioned.
• It reduces the overall weight of the device.: The source describes durability and a higher cost, without stating an effect on weight.
• It extends the battery life in cold weather.: Battery life extension in cold weather is not mentioned as a benefit.

Correct Answer: Her combination of demanding software needs and a fixed budget.

Why this is correct: The specialist says the woman's courses require demanding software like GIS and statistics, and her budget is limited to $2,000. The combination of software needs and budget is what drives the recommendation.

Why the other options are wrong:

• Her desire to buy the newest available model.: Getting the newest model is not the main concern.
• Her concern about laptop colour and design.: Colour and design are not discussed.
• Her preference for studying in cafés near campus.: Studying in cafes is mentioned, but it is not the strongest factor.

Correct Answer: Probably order the recommended configuration this week.

Why this is correct: The customer says the laptop will probably be ordered this week after further thought. Checking discounts is a separate optional offer.

Why the other options are wrong:

• Decide to keep using her old laptop for another term.: Keeping the old laptop for another term is not the stated plan.
• Wait until her courses begin to test the software.: The customer says probably this week, rather than waiting until courses begin.
• Purchase the fully upgraded 15-inch model.: The fully upgraded model exceeds the stated budget; the recommended configuration is the mid-range one.