Recommendations on laptop to buy

Jim Gazebo

I am looking for a new laptop... I'm not too up on all the technology so hope you guys who know more can help. My basic needs and situation are below!

Budget: Up to 800 euro, give or take a hundred.

Intended use: Work (mainly word and excel), football manager, watching movies and dvds. The watching movies is not that important, nor concerned on screen quality, but I would use it for it.

Mobility: not too concerned but can't be massive as I travel a lot with it in hand luggage.

Warranty: Not important

What Operating System do you use? Windows 10

Appreciate any help, I feel the last laptop I had degraded in performance as it struggled with running football manager, overheating etc so that would be an important one for me.

Thanks!

good deal going currently for 580

http://www.currys.ie/Product/lenovo-ideapad-320s14ikb-14-laptop-grey/346520/401.10

no dvd drive but buy a usb one for 15 euro on ebay

strong 4-core i5
full hd 1080p display
ssd
8gb ram

Jim Gazebo

glasso wrote: »

good deal going currently for 580

http://www.currys.ie/Product/lenovo-ideapad-320s14ikb-14-laptop-grey/346520/401.10

no dvd drive but buy a usb one for 15 euro on ebay

strong 4-core i5
full hd 1080p display
ssd
8gb ram

Cheers for that sir. I believe i5 would comfortably run football manager?

I could get over the dvd drive. The 7 hours battery concerns me a little but it is an excellent saving in price.

Jim Gazebo

Jim Gazebo wrote: »

Cheers for that sir. I believe i5 would comfortably run football manager?

I could get over the dvd drive. The 7 hours battery concerns me a little but it is an excellent saving in price.

no problem with football mgr i would safely say. the new i5 is 4-core, previous mobile ones were only 2. big step up.

battery life not amazing but how many times do you really need over 5 hrs without power.

use battery saving mode (runs processor at a lower speed) in win 10 when you need that.

nice balance of screen size and portability imo also.

Jim Gazebo

glasso wrote: »

no problem with football mgr i would safely say. the new i5 is 4-core, previous mobile ones were only 2. big step up.

battery life not amazing but how many times do you really need over 5 hrs without power.

use battery saving mode (runs processor at a lower speed) in win 10 when you need that.

nice balance of screen size and portability imo also.

Yes it looks very decent at the price. Yes have never needed a laptop longer off the wire than that. Last laptop I had was acer aspire v5, about 6-7 years old when it died so just wanted to shop around for the next purchase. But this certainly looks the real deal and I'm going to head down there tomorrow for a look at it. Cheers for the heads up, much appreciated

Jim Gazebo

Appreciate the help. Went out and bought a HP Pavilion x360 for 849 euros in the end. Seems a really good piece of kit so far. Cheers for all the help, and hopefully a happy few years ahead with this beautiful machine

Jim Gazebo

Jim Gazebo wrote: »

Appreciate the help. Went out and bought a HP Pavilion x360 for 849 euros in the end. Seems a really good piece of kit so far. Cheers for all the help, and hopefully a happy few years ahead with this beautiful machine

out of interest - why did you go for that over the lenovo?
big price difference!

currys have this x360 with the quad core chip for 600.
http://www.currys.ie/Product/hp-pavilion-x360-14ba150sa-14-2-in-1-gold/346738/409.21

what one did you buy?

Jim Gazebo

glasso wrote: »

out of interest - why did you go for that over the lenovo?
big price difference!

currys have this x360 with the quad core chip for 600.
http://www.currys.ie/Product/hp-pavilion-x360-14ba150sa-14-2-in-1-gold/346738/409.21

what one did you buy?

There is only 4gb ram in that one. I wanted something decent and that would last. The Lenovo has a poor reputation even in the store..... I'm happy with it

Jim Gazebo

Jim Gazebo wrote: »

There is only 4gb ram in that one. I wanted something decent and that would last. The Lenovo has a poor reputation even in the store..... I'm happy with it

fair enough. but the hp pavilliion 360 has 2 ram slots. so would have been easy to add 4gb to the 600 one for 40 euro.

surprised about the lenovo - the online reviews are fine for that exact model. I would trust online over currys staff tbh who base their advice on what commission they get / sales revenue targets over everything else.

Jim Gazebo

glasso wrote: »

fair enough. but the hp pavilliion 360 has 2 ram slots. so would have been easy to add 4gb to the 600 one for 40 euro.

surprised about the lenovo - the online reviews are fine for that exact model. I would trust online over currys staff tbh who base their advice on what commission they get / sales revenue targets over everything else.

I think it is Reevoo.com, look it up on that. There was no comparison really. I already told ya I'm not tech savvy, I didn't even know I could insert another ram slot like!!!!
:rolleyes:

deafroadrunner

that lenovo with the core i5. is the processor running at 1.6ghz or 3.4ghz.
in the spec sheet its down as 1.6ghz/3.4ghz

Jim Gazebo

deafroadrunner wrote: »

that lenovo with the core i5. is the processor running at 1.6ghz or 3.4ghz.
in the spec sheet its down as 1.6ghz/3.4ghz

Had noticed that also!!

TBi

deafroadrunner wrote: »

that lenovo with the core i5. is the processor running at 1.6ghz or 3.4ghz.
in the spec sheet its down as 1.6ghz/3.4ghz

Probably Min and max frequency. New cpu’s ramp up and down speed based on usage.

TerrorFirmer

Which model X360 did you get? Nice laptop but the one for €849 on the Currys website is significantly slower than the Lenovo for €580. But would be a better finish/better battery all the same.

TBi

TBi wrote: »

Probably Min and max frequency. New cpu’s ramp up and down speed based on usage.

yes that's it base and max frequency.
it's also 4 core where all previous mobile u i5's and i7's had only 2 cores.

there is a big step up in performance.

look at the benchmarks for 7th gen and 8th i5's.

https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Core+i5-8250U+%40+1.60GHz
https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Core+i5-7200U+%40+2.50GHz

the 8250u 1.6ghz to 3.4ghz is over 50% more powerful than the previous gen 7200u i5.
63.5% in fact

so like cameras and megapixels it's not all about ghz, especially base ghz.

deafroadrunner

glasso wrote: »

yes that's it base and max frequency.
it's also 4 core where all previous mobile u i5's and i7's had only 2 cores.

there is a big step up in performance.

look at the benchmarks for 7th gen and 8th i5's.

https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Core+i5-8250U+%40+1.60GHz
https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Core+i5-7200U+%40+2.50GHz

the 8250u 1.6ghz to 3.4ghz is over 50% more powerful than the previous gen 7200u i5.
63.5% in fact

so like cameras and megapixels it's not all about ghz, especially base ghz.

So how does this work. At normal it's running 1.6 but as you try to do more it pumps up to 3.4 ghz

TerrorFirmer

deafroadrunner wrote: »

So how does this work. At normal it's running 1.6 but as you try to do more it pumps up to 3.4 ghz

As more CPU power is needed it boosts. In some laptops it can remain boosted indefinitely, in others only for periods due to lesser cooling ability.

For casual desktop use you wouldn't see any difference between a two and four core chip really, though it bodes much better for longevity and obviously heavier use (if you're editing, or rendering, etc)

TerrorFirmer

TerrorFirmer wrote: »

As more CPU power is needed it boosts. In some laptops it can remain boosted indefinitely, in others only for pe riods due to lesser cooling ability.

For casual desktop use you wouldn't see any difference between a two and four core chip really, though it bodes much better for longevity and obviously heavier use (if you're editing, or rendering, etc)

true. frequency profiles will vary across laptops. you could tweak this with intel xtu to send more power to the chip to boost performance, especially in terms of being on wired power. lots of youtube videos on this which is safe to do.
the fact remains that when the power is needed the 8th gen quad core has much more performance potential and will extend the life as you say of the laptop in terms of keeping up with increasing software demands from even general stuff like webpages, windows updates etc and also cope with more demanding tasks in general (e.g. when an intensive virus or malware scan kicks off the pc will remain usable whereas on a lesser chip during this time your pc will be running like mud)

nailer54321

Im also in the market for a new lsptop , any advice on ehich one is bext to take advantagex of virhins 240/360 broadband speeds, was told i would need a gigabyte card , anyone with any input on this.

nailer54321

nailer54321 wrote: »

Im also in the market for a new lsptop , any advice on ehich one is bext to take advantagex of virhins 240/360 broadband speeds, was told i would need a gigabyte card , anyone with any input on this.

depends on whether you'll be using wifi or wired (ethernet).
with a direct ethernet port you will depend on the ethernet connection capability. with a modern laptop if it has an ehternet port it should be up to it.

a lot of laptops don't come with ethernet ports these days so if using usb to connect to ethernet might need something like this.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Anker-Gigabit-Ethernet-Adapter-Supporting-Black-USB-3-0/dp/B00NPJP33M/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1518265179&sr=8-3&keywords=usb+gigabit+ethernet+adapter&dpID=41zO4AUVPLL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

if using wifi you'lll be relying on the router's functionality to support the type of wifi that offers the highest speeds - look for ac wifi at least.
and likewise on the laptop - ac protocol support at least. both router and device need to be able to support this to get the highest speed.
could well be the router doesn't have ac if it's not relatively new.

currys have some good deals at the moment - here are 2 options for you to check out.

lenovo, full 1080p screen, ssd so fast hard drive (but small at 128gb so may need usb hd for backup/files/media) , 8gb ram. light and portable - 580 euro
http://www.currys.ie/Product/lenovo-ideapad-320s14ikb-14-laptop-grey/346520/401.10

hp 15.6 full 1080p screen, bigger but slower normal spinning 1tb hd non ssd, not so light if that matters, 4gb ram so budget 40 euro for a 1 x 4gb stick which will be easy to put in. 470 euro
http://www.currys.ie/Product/hp-15bs158sa-156-laptop-silver/346511/409.21

maybe go in and look at both in your nearest currys see what one you like and suits you best and see what the screen look like in real operation as sometimes even tho it may be full hd the quality will vary.

both have ac wifi and the new 4 core 8250u i5 chip which offers the best value/performance ratio on laptops at the moment.

banie01

glasso wrote: »

currys have this x360 with the quad core chip for 600.
http://www.currys.ie/Product/hp-pavilion-x360-14ba150sa-14-2-in-1-gold/346738/409.21

This one has piqued my interest for the Stylus/Windows Ink compatibility in particular.
But Currys being Currys....
Not available for home delivery and only available in the Swords store (Like the vast majority of the current Laptop offers in particular the Lenovo and HP deals of the week)
Not much use when I'm in Limerick and Currys don't do inter store stock transfers.

5rtytry56

banie01 wrote: »

Not much use when I'm in Limerick and Currys don't do inter store stock transfers.

hmmm. Unfortunate. I also bought a DVD recorder in the Limerick store a few years ago. ....

yes I'm a shameless Bricks & Mortar buyer.

nailer54321

@glasso thanks for that information, will look at both of them , i will be useing both wifi and plugged in so would like to get high speed when plugged in, i have 240broadband with the new white routher from virgin, so that should be capable of the high speed if my laptop can receive it, thats something they forget to mention when you sign up to there packages, thanks again for the information.

banie01

I picked up the x360 with the i5-8250 and 4GB from Currys UK for €550, ordered some extra ram and will add it when delivered.

@Glasso, thanks for the helpful inputs, much appreciated.

banie01

banie01 wrote: »

This one has piqued my interest for the Stylus/Windows Ink compatibility in particular.
But Currys being Currys....
Not available for home delivery and only available in the Swords store (Like the vast majority of the current Laptop offers in particular the Lenovo and HP deals of the week)
Not much use when I'm in Limerick and Currys don't do inter store stock transfers.

that pavilliion x360 only has a 720p screen tho if you check the specs
http://www.currys.ie/Product/hp-pavilion-x360-14ba150sa-14-2-in-1-gold/346738/409.21

touchscreen convertible is a bit of a gimmick imo. I have one (dell one bought for the 1080p ips screen more than the convertible aspect) and never use that aspect.

the spectre x360 is a nice laptop but much more expensive.

banie01

glasso wrote: »

that pavilliion x360 only has a 720p screen tho if you check the specs
http://www.currys.ie/Product/hp-pavilion-x360-14ba150sa-14-2-in-1-gold/346738/409.21

touchscreen convertible is a bit of a gimmick imo. I have one (dell one bought for the 1080p ips screen more than the convertible aspect) and never use that aspect.

the spectre x360 is a nice laptop but much more expensive.

14 inch is vmy preferred size and tbh at that size the 1080p vs 720p isnt really an issue for me.
Any bigger and I'd have to have 1080p.
Spectre is lovely but i'm happy with price vs performance achieved.
The convertible aspect is as I mentioned more for pen use than as a tablet.

banie01

banie01 wrote: »

14 inch is vmy preferred size and tbh at that size the 1080p vs 720p isnt really an issue for me.
Any bigger and I'd have to have 1080p.
Spectre is lovely but i'm happy with price vs performance achieved.
The convertible aspect is as I mentioned more for pen use than as a tablet.

on the pen side you'd need to look into what technology is used for the pen and digitizer.
unless it's an active stylus with a good palm-rejection digitizer tech it will be fairly useless. It may be decent on the spectre but I'm not sure if it would be the same on the pavillion.

deafroadrunner

Went into Currys to buy the Lenovo today. Sure enough they didn't have any in galway. The ssd drive in it. Is it a 2.5 drive or one of those pcie cards

Jim Gazebo

Laptop working very well so far, very pleased with it. Touchscreen is a gimmick, but it has been handy when travelling over the weekend for work as it makes the laptop more compact on your lap.

Forgot to mention Curry's in Cork didn't have that Lenovo either! :rolleyes:

deafroadrunner

so i spoke to curry's in store, your man was bothered about finding out for me if a 2.5 drive could go in it. emailed them. no answer. rang the dublin office. again the guy wasn't too keen to find out for me. his words were wed have to open one to find out and were not doing that. spoke to somebody from there team knowhow. she knew her stuff. said she thinks there is but to google service manual. answer should be there.

found the service manaul. looks like the ssd drive is on the m.2 slot so it a free slot for a hhd for storage. laptop ordered online now. will update with a proper answer once i get it.

christ there a difficult bunch to deal with :rolleyes:

Alanstrainor

deafroadrunner wrote: »

so i spoke to curry's in store, your man was bothered about finding out for me if a 2.5 drive could go in it. emailed them. no answer. rang the dublin office. again the guy wasn't too keen to find out for me. his words were wed have to open one to find out and were not doing that. spoke to somebody from there team knowhow. she knew her stuff. said she thinks there is but to google service manual. answer should be there.

found the service manaul. looks like the ssd drive is on the m.2 slot so it a free slot for a hhd for storage. laptop ordered online now. will update with a proper answer once i get it.

christ there a difficult bunch to deal with :rolleyes:

To be fair to them, you can't expect them to know this kind of very specific technical information on every laptop. And they won't have any service manuals themselves. This was a job for google if ever there was one.

deafroadrunner

Alanstrainor wrote: »

To be fair to them, you can't expect them to know this kind of very specific technical information on every laptop. And they won't have any service manuals themselves. This was a job for google if ever there was one.

i agree with you a degree. i just felt there attitude in helping me out was piss poor. especially the guy in currys. he just threw his arms up and shrugged.
i know myself i should of just googled it. got the answer straight away

Shoobs86

Hey everyone, I hope you don't mind me hacking the post! I'm looking at a new laptop. Needs are: fast processing, word/excel/internet browsing. It would be great if it was light too.

So far I am looking at the DELL Inspiron 13 5000 13.3" 2-in-1 - for 500 in currys... OR the Acer Aspire 3 14 Inch Pentium 4GB 128GB Laptop in argos.

I really don't understand the technical specs. I have bought a dell desktop at home and find it quite slow, but I don't know what kind of rep Acer have? I had a HP previously and it was a dinosaur. Had a lenovo too but it didn't last very long. Help please!

Alanstrainor

Shoobs86 wrote: »

Hey everyone, I hope you don't mind me hacking the post! I'm looking at a new laptop. Needs are: fast processing, word/excel/internet browsing. It would be great if it was light too.

So far I am looking at the DELL Inspiron 13 5000 13.3" 2-in-1 - for 500 in currys... OR the Acer Aspire 3 14 Inch Pentium 4GB 128GB Laptop in argos.

I really don't understand the technical specs. I have bought a dell desktop at home and find it quite slow, but I don't know what kind of rep Acer have? I had a HP previously and it was a dinosaur. Had a lenovo too but it didn't last very long. Help please!

Is this the dell:

http://www.currys.ie/Product/dell-inspiron-13-5000-133-2in1-grey/344404/401.0.6

Poor enough processor and only 4GB of RAM. 8GB should be minimum these days.

I guess you have to realise that 500 on a laptop really isn't a whole pile of cash. You'll get a low end machine. It also means that I wouldn't write off looking at other brands such as HP and Lenovo as they are all very similar in this price range. Acer are grand, but they are a cheap brand. I wouldn't avoid them for this however.

If you could stretch to this Dell:

http://www.dell.com/en-ie/shop/laptops/inspiron-13-5000-2-in-1/spd/inspiron-13-5379-2-in-1-laptop

I think it would be a good option, the one for 599:

http://www.dell.com/en-ie/shop/laptops/inspiron-13-5000-2-in-1/spd/inspiron-13-5379-2-in-1-laptop

Considerably better processor than the Dell in currys, it will be a lot quicker since it has a SSD (and it comes with a good amount of storage at 256GB).

hobie21

Hi Guys,

Any thoughts on this https://www.currys.ie/ieen/computing/laptops/laptops/dell-inspiron-15-5570-15-6-laptop-silver-10169863-pdt.html

Planning on getting something to work on. Web development.

Alanstrainor

hobie21 wrote: »

Hi Guys,

Any thoughts on this https://www.currys.ie/ieen/computing/laptops/laptops/dell-inspiron-15-5570-15-6-laptop-silver-10169863-pdt.html

Planning on getting something to work on. Web development.

Cheaper from Dell:

https://www.dell.com/en-ie/shop/laptops/inspiron-15-5000/spd/inspiron-15-5570-laptop

629 with free delivery. It would be a fine machine for web dev work imo. Good processor, 8GB RAM the only thing is that it has a HDD instead of an SSD which would make it considerably slower. If you could afford the one for 729 on that page with a 256GB SSD I'd go with that.