Buying a Laptop: The current Generation

weemcd

Just FYI for anyone looking a solid laptop I have a fairly new HP Pavillion laptop in work and it's a brilliant machine. Way better than the Acer i7 laptop I bought a couple of years ago.

Spec is i5, 8GB RAM, not sure on the hard drive, and while it's never had to do anything too strenuous, but always been solid. Nice build quality on it, looks nice, good finish on all the materials. I'll likely not buy another computer for years but I'd be looking at these if I was.

weemcd

weemcd wrote: »

Just FYI for anyone looking a solid laptop I have a fairly new HP Pavillion laptop in work and it's a brilliant machine. Way better than the Acer i7 laptop I bought a couple of years ago.

Spec is i5, 8GB RAM, not sure on the hard drive, and while it's never had to do anything too strenuous, but always been solid. Nice build quality on it, looks nice, good finish on all the materials. I'll likely not buy another computer for years but I'd be looking at these if I was.

you'd have to really provide a link to the exact model and price for people so they can compare.

there are a lot of laptops in the pavilion range.

weemcd

Don't have exact model. Similar to this

one of those is a gaming laptop

the other one you can't see the name identifier.

weemcd

glasso wrote: »

one of those is a gaming laptop

the other one you can't see the name identifier.

Don't buy them then

my point is that you really have to identify the exact model and be able to show what price it is.

despite what you may think, it's not really being helpful otherwise.

what you effectively said is analogous to "I recommend Ford cars with 2 litre engines"

SilverangelA5

I am looking for a recommendation for a laptop for home and work.

I am a teacher and do alot of notes on word and powerpoint presentations. I teach a design based subject so use alot of photographs of art and design work and edit very basic demo videos for publication on you tube, teams office 365 etc.

I am willing to spend what is necessary bit dont want to spend money that is not neccessary.

Would I need a stand alone graphics card?

Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

SilverangelA5

SilverangelA5 wrote: »

I am looking for a recommendation for a laptop for home and work.

I am a teacher and do alot of notes on word and powerpoint presentations. I teach a design based subject so use alot of photographs of art and design work and edit very basic demo videos for publication on you tube, teams office 365 etc.

I am willing to spend what is necessary bit dont want to spend money that is not neccessary.

Would I need a stand alone graphics card?

Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

I recommend this as it has decent specs in terms of cpu power, ram, fast hard-drive, decent IPS screen, good build quality (metal case) and is fairly light.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Huawei-MateBook-2020-Multi-screen-Collaboration/dp/B083WXVJ13/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=matebook+d15+2020&qid=1586121438&sr=8-

works out just over 600 euros - you didn't mention your budget

it will handle your described video editing (which is more about cpu power actually than gpu/graphics card)

be aware that this model has sold out in the past on amazon but seems to be currently available.

SilverangelA5

glasso wrote: »

I recommend this as it has decent specs in terms of cpu power, ram, fast hard-drive, decent IPS screen, good build quality (metal case) and is fairly light.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Huawei-MateBook-2020-Multi-screen-Collaboration/dp/B083WXVJ13/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=matebook+d15+2020&qid=1586121438&sr=8-

works out just over 600 euros - you didn't mention your budget

it will handle your described video editing (which is more about cpu power actually than gpu/graphics card)

be aware that this model has sold out in the past on amazon but seems to be currently available.

Thanks a million. Much appreciated.

I dont have a budget so I would be willing to spend whatever would get me good suitable computer .

My reason for coming on here looking for some advice is that I dont want to spend money on a laptop with specs way beyond what I would ever use.

Thanks again

NewbridgeIR

Hi. Currently running a Dell Inspiron 7520. Purchased 2013. Heavily used on a daily basis. Ran a system information report in case it ever failed
Processor: Intel Core i7
Installed physical memory 8GB
Running Windows 10 and files fully backed up to external drive

It’s currently not booting up so unless I can fix, will need to replace. Looking for recommendations for an equivalent or slightly better machine. No budget. Thanks.

NewbridgeIR

NewbridgeIR wrote: »

Hi. Currently running a Dell Inspiron 7520. Purchased 2013. Heavily used on a daily basis. Ran a system information report in case it ever failed
Processor: Intel Core i7
Installed physical memory 8GB
Running Windows 10 and files fully backed up to external drive

It’s currently not booting up so unless I can fix, will need to replace. Looking for recommendations for an equivalent or slightly better machine. No budget. Thanks.

please indicate usage scenarios and requirements

e.g. web browsing (20 tabs in chrome), video editing (1080p not 4k) and need a light machine as will bring it about or whatever, prefer at least 14 inch screen size

also please indicate max budget or preferred budget range (e.g. 600 to 900 euro) as it helps narrow down options

NewbridgeIR

glasso wrote: »

please indicate usage scenarios and requirements

e.g. web browsing (20 tabs in chrome), video editing (1080p not 4k) and need a light machine as will bring it about or whatever, prefer at least 14 inch screen size

also please indicate max budget or preferred budget range (e.g. 600 to 900 euro) as it helps narrow down options

Primary usage
Web browsing
Maintaining Wordpress blog
Playing music via iTunes
Remote working
14” screen or more preferred
Don’t need to carry it around

Budget say 800 - 1200

I'd jump on this (will be limited) for £550 sterling. It's a great value deal. there is no need to spend more for you.

https://www.box.co.uk/53010WHT-001-Honor-MagicBook-14_2916295.html

quality build
good 4-core cpu- more than enough for your uses
8gb ram - plenty for your uses
good display 14 inch - plenty big enough to work on
good ssd

use addresspal, parcel wizard or parcel motel if won't deliver directly to ireland

good reliable website.

as a bonus you actually get a decent smartwatch free

review

https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/honor-magicbook-2020

this laptop is only budget in price.

it's mid-range in specs easily

with a quality all-metal build it should be durable.

I don't see any benefit really in pushing into the upper end of your budget for your use cases.

NewbridgeIR

glasso wrote: »

I'd jump on this (will be limited) for £550 sterling. It's a great value deal. there is no need to spend more for you.

https://www.box.co.uk/53010WHT-001-Honor-MagicBook-14_2916295.html

quality build
good 4-core cpu- more than enough for your uses
8gb ram - plenty for your uses
good display 14 inch - plenty big enough to work on
good ssd

use addresspal, parcel wizard or parcel motel if won't deliver directly to ireland

good reliable website.

as a bonus you actually get a decent smartwatch free

review

https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/honor-magicbook-2020

Great; thanks very much, appreciate your help

tom23

glasso wrote: »

I recommend this as it has decent specs in terms of cpu power, ram, fast hard-drive, decent IPS screen, good build quality (metal case) and is fairly light.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Huawei-MateBook-2020-Multi-screen-Collaboration/dp/B083WXVJ13/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=matebook+d15+2020&qid=1586121438&sr=8-

works out just over 600 euros - you didn't mention your budget

it will handle your described video editing (which is more about cpu power actually than gpu/graphics card)

be aware that this model has sold out in the past on amazon but seems to be currently available.

Lovely looking machine.

tom23

tom23 wrote: »

Lovely looking machine.

in relative terms a total bargain or the honor magicbook deal even more so. (same company)

Watergirl4

I am looking for recommendations for a laptop for home use - 3 children aged 6-11..while working from home/home schooling they need access to internet, will need microsoft office and ability to run zoom for online activities.

Budget 400-600 euros

AndyOR

Hi, my girlfriend is a teacher looking to update her laptop.
The main usage would be Web browsing, wordpress editing and video uploading, streaming video and use of Microsoft office/similar.
14” screen size preferred.
Budget: €300

We had looked at https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07V24YZD5/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_apa_i_0f0LEb030FEZ1 but the reviews have kind of put us off.

AndyOR

AndyOR wrote: »

Hi, my girlfriend is a teacher looking to update her laptop.
The main usage would be Web browsing, wordpress editing and video uploading, streaming video and use of Microsoft office/similar.
14” screen size preferred.
Budget: €300

We had looked at https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07V24YZD5/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_apa_i_0f0LEb030FEZ1 but the reviews have kind of put us off.

that budget is too low by about €150 to get something ok new.

go 2nd hand on adverts.

tom23

glasso wrote: »

that budget is too low by about €150 to get something ok new.

go 2nd hand on adverts.

For a around 250 mark one could get a decent enough Thinkpad with an i5, 8 gig of Ram and SSD. Might even get lucky and get a FHD.

Watergirl4

Watergirl4 wrote: »

I am looking for recommendations for a laptop for home use - 3 children aged 6-11..while working from home/home schooling they need access to internet, will need microsoft office and ability to run zoom for online activities.

Budget 400-600 euros

use addresspal or parcel wizard etc if required

https://www.ebuyer.com/947187-asus-m509da-full-hd-ips-ryzen-3-8gb-256gb-ssd-15-6-win10-m509da-bq349t

£400

ryzen 3,

8gb ram,

ips screen,

256gb ssd

you'll need to buy office separately.

look for a ms product key on ebay and download software from microsoft or use one of the free alternatives e.g. libreoffice

e.g. ms office

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Microsoft-office-2019-professional-Plus-Product-key-and-Software/202909829830?hash=item2f3e5e4ac6:g:9p8AAOSwRqxeVSyz

Naos

Where (generally speaking) is the best place to buy a laptop at the moment?

uk sites ->

box

scan

ebuyer

patsyrockem

5 years later I'm back looking for a replacement laptop. Doing a few days work from home and my old laptop is ridiculously slow. It owes me nothing in fairness. Just need it for a small bit of work from home, excel, browsing, Netflix in the near future, saving pictures. Have 2 kids under 3 so maybe home schooling in a few years, who knows?? Have only a basic knowledge so looking for some advice. Budget is 500-600 euro. Had a quick look in Curry's but willing to shop anywhere.
https://www.currys.ie/ieen/computing/laptops/laptops/hp-15-da0600sa-15-6-laptop-intel-core-i3-1-tb-hdd-silver-10203356-pdt.html

run_Forrest_run

patsyrockem wrote: »

5 years later I'm back looking for a replacement laptop. Doing a few days work from home and my old laptop is ridiculously slow. It owes me nothing in fairness. Just need it for a small bit of work from home, excel, browsing, Netflix in the near future, saving pictures. Have 2 kids under 3 so maybe home schooling in a few years, who knows?? Have only a basic knowledge so looking for some advice. Budget is 500-600 euro. Had a quick look in Curry's but willing to shop anywhere.
https://www.currys.ie/ieen/computing/laptops/laptops/hp-15-da0600sa-15-6-laptop-intel-core-i3-1-tb-hdd-silver-10203356-pdt.html

one of the reasons your old laptop is slow might be down to using a conventional hard drive (spinning type). The laptop you linked here also uses one of those slower types. Personally I think it's a essential you get a laptop with a solid state drive (SSD) for faster input/output times. Also that machine has 4Gb of RAM, it will break your heart. I know you could upgrade but wouldn't it be better to not have to upgrade a newly purchased machine? I think 8Gb is the minimum RAM required these days (in my opinion).

How about this Lenovo from Curry's. It has 8Gb RAM and 128Gb SSD. Still using an i3 processor (hard to get an i5 for that money) and granted it's not a massive hard drive but you could purchase a cheap external SSD drive on Amazon should you need more storage.

If you'd be willing to look at second hand/refurbished you could get a better quality machine for the same money..just a suggestion, I've done that myself twice.

Glasso will be better positioned to recommend a better machine but that's just my tuppence worth.

patsyrockem

patsyrockem wrote: »

5 years later I'm back looking for a replacement laptop. Doing a few days work from home and my old laptop is ridiculously slow. It owes me nothing in fairness. Just need it for a small bit of work from home, excel, browsing, Netflix in the near future, saving pictures. Have 2 kids under 3 so maybe home schooling in a few years, who knows?? Have only a basic knowledge so looking for some advice. Budget is 500-600 euro. Had a quick look in Curry's but willing to shop anywhere.
https://www.currys.ie/ieen/computing/laptops/laptops/hp-15-da0600sa-15-6-laptop-intel-core-i3-1-tb-hdd-silver-10203356-pdt.html

this has excellent build quality (all-metal chassis), capable quad-core cpu, good ips screen, 8gb ram, 256gb ssd

nothing competes until over €850

pick your colour, us parcel motel, addresspal etc £549

https://www.box.co.uk/products/keywords/honor+magicbook+14/ex/true

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p20y0MIQeco

but you could before that buy a cheap sata 2.5 inch ssd from amazon and stick in it your current laptop as I'm guessing there is a slow HDD in there -> they get dramatically slower as the years go on. reinstall windows anew. will be like you got a new laptop. just clicks into the old slot. install windows from a usb stick.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/YUCUN-Internal-Solid-State-240GB/dp/B073WH5Z46/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=240gb+ssd&qid=1590615328&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyUlBIN1E0VkcxR0w1JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEyQlBKMVJVQ1g0WEFIJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAyMTY5MDgyQ09NWVBTU0RXVlpNJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

the ssd is probably 5 to 8 times faster than what you have in there (that's when the HDD is new - now 10 times). ssd perf does not deteriorate over time.

tom23

glasso wrote: »

this has excellent build quality (all-metal chassis), capable quad-core cpu, good ips screen, 8gb ram, 256gb ssd

nothing competes until over €850

pick your colour, us parcel motel, addresspal etc £549

https://www.box.co.uk/products/keywords/honor+magicbook+14/ex/true

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p20y0MIQeco

but you could before that buy a cheap sata 2.5 inch ssd from amazon and stick in it your current laptop as I'm guessing there is a slow HDD in there -> they get dramatically slower as the years go on. reinstall windows anew. will be like you got a new laptop. just clicks into the old slot. install windows from a usb stick.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/YUCUN-Internal-Solid-State-240GB/dp/B073WH5Z46/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=240gb+ssd&qid=1590615328&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyUlBIN1E0VkcxR0w1JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEyQlBKMVJVQ1g0WEFIJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAyMTY5MDgyQ09NWVBTU0RXVlpNJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

the ssd is probably 5 to 8 times faster than what you have in there (that's when the HDD is new - now 10 times). ssd perf does not deteriorate over time.

I personally recommend this machine. Fantastic value for the price point. Get the 14" as it has bigger and better battery. It looks and feels like a laptop that costs much much more.

tom23

Folks,

Thinking of getting this for kids for doing homework etc. Nice price but is it worth it.

https://www.geekbuying.com/item/Chuwi-HeroBook-Laptop-4GB-64GB-Grey-415698.html

any thoughts?