Lenovo Core i3 8th generation laptop with 128GB SSD @449 euro

StereoSound

This is a bargain for a 2018 Lenovo laptop, 14" Full HD screen, 128GB SSD, Core i3 8th Generation CPU, ram is upgradable to 20GB. 449 euro....

https://www.currys.ie/ieen/computing/laptops/laptops/lenovo-ideapad-330s-14-intel-core-i3-laptop-128-gb-ssd-blue-10180760-pdt.html

tart29016

Does anyone else know if this is a good deal? I am looking for a laptop in this price range for general use.

Thanks

cmssjone

tart29016 wrote: »

Does anyone else know if this is a good deal? I am looking for a laptop in this price range for general use.

Thanks

I'd probably spend the extra 100 euro and go for this one

https://www.laptopsdirect.ie/hp-250-g6-i5-7200u-2.5ghz-8gb-256gb-ssd-15.6-inch-full-hd-windows-10-laptop-2sy46es/version.asp?tref=hptile

Improved processor, double the RAM and double the SSD size

Kenny Logins

cmssjone wrote: »

I'd probably spend the extra 100 euro and go for this one

https://www.laptopsdirect.ie/hp-250-g6-i5-7200u-2.5ghz-8gb-256gb-ssd-15.6-inch-full-hd-windows-10-laptop-2sy46es/version.asp

Improved processor, double the RAM and double the SSD size

I got rid of a HP ProBook 450 to buy a Lenovo 510. The HP had decent specs, but the screen was awful (not IPS) and the 250s feel very low quality. The Lenovo was far better in daily use.

I wouldn't buy a HP without trying it first.

Gumbo

Need a new laptop.
General surfing but the main use will be Autocad. This anyuse?
Currently using a 2010 inspiron 15!

cmssjone

sugarman wrote: »

The 8th gen i3 in the Lenovo actually performs better than that 7th gen i5. Its also bigger and heavier being a 15.6" v 14".

Its a decent price for an entry level from a bricks & mortar. Cant see it cheaper elsewhere.

Fair enough, I stand corrected

phill106

kceire wrote: »

Need a new laptop.
General surfing but the main use will be Autocad. This anyuse?
Currently using a 2010 inspiron 15!

Would really want a laptop with a decent graphics card for that, would imagine you would need to spend about x2 what this one costs.

kaizersoze

kceire wrote: »

Need a new laptop.
General surfing but the main use will be Autocad. This anyuse?
Currently using a 2010 inspiron 15!

Storage very small, screen a bit small and graphics card a bit weak for AutoCad.

Gumbo

phill106 wrote: »

Would really want a laptop with a decent graphics card for that, would imagine you would need to spend about x2 what this one costs.

kaizersoze wrote: »

Storage very small, screen a bit small and graphics card a bit weak for AutoCad.

Any recommendations?

Current set up is starting to lag quite a bit.
Its Intel Pentium. t4400 and running windows 10 upgrade.

Thanks.

tedpan

kceire wrote:

Current set up is starting to lag quite a bit. Its Intel Pentium. t4400 and running windows 10 upgrade.

Both the OP's link and the i5 link above would be vastly superior to your current setup. They'd be fine for editing, would struggle with 4k video editing though. The SSD drives are night and day to old school disk drives

Laura_A

Just curious - are affiliate links allowed on boards?

tedpan

Laura_A wrote:

Just curious - are affiliate links allowed on boards?

Nope, the rules are listed in the stickies

Laura_A

tedpan wrote: »

Nope, the rules are listed in the stickies

Thought so thanks! Not a bad deal OP but might be better to follow the rules!

tedpan

Laura_A wrote:

Thought so thanks! Not a bad deal OP but might be better to follow the rules!

Didn't see, is that an affiliate link?

Laura_A

https://www.currys.ie/ieen/computing/laptops/laptops/lenovo-ideapad-330s-14-intel-core-i3-laptop-128-gb-ssd-blue-10180760-pdt.html?awc=5297_1534493802_c9d97779c893f5bede04f76c1570b81a&utm_source=Skimlinks&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=Affiliate

This is the full link so looks that way to me (but im a bit of a technophobe so I could be wrong - and happy to be corrected if i am )

StereoSound

Laura_A wrote: »

https://www.currys.ie/ieen/computing/laptops/laptops/lenovo-ideapad-330s-14-intel-core-i3-laptop-128-gb-ssd-blue-10180760-pdt.html?awc=5297_1534493802_c9d97779c893f5bede04f76c1570b81a&utm_source=Skimlinks&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=Affiliate

This is the full link so looks that way to me (but im a bit of a technophobe so I could be wrong - and happy to be corrected if i am )

Its not an affiliate link. I copied and pasted the link from my browser when I seen it while looking for a laptop myself. If its showing up as an affiliate it could be because I clicked on a google add link and copied that link to here unknowingly. I'm 100% not involved in any affiliate program...

Soarer

There seems to be a few tech nerds on this thread, so I hope if the OP doesn't mind, I'll follow kcire's lead and as about my yoke.

I've an ASUS N56VM that's served me well over the years.
Review here.

Basic Specs
15.6 in 1,920x1,080 display,
2.3GHz Intel Core i7-3610QM,
6.00GB RAM,
750GB disk
Running Windows 10 Upgrade.

Anyways, she's starting to slow a bit, and I'm thinking about changing. Would anything in this thread be a decent upgrade?

Or would it be possible to buy an SSD to run the OS, and leave the current one in place for storage? Big job, etc.?

tedpan

Soarer wrote:

Anyways, she's starting to slow a bit, and I'm thinking about changing. Would anything in this thread be a decent upgrade?

Soarer wrote:

Or would it be possible to buy an SSD to run the OS, and leave the current one in place for storage? Big job, etc.?

It's definitely an old i7 but upgrading to an SSD will make a huge difference. It wouldn't take too long to change the HDD over. The biggest issue is getting a copy of Windows to install onto the new SSD, do you have windows 7/8/10 on disk for reinstallation?

Soarer

Cheers Ted/sugarman.

Definitely don't have a disc for 10. Seem to remember that being an OTA upgrade? Might have the original 7 disc somewhere, but God only knows.

I know it's impossible for you to know, but would it be possible to fit two HDDs into the chassis? A high capacity SSD is gonna cost a fair few quid, so I'm thinking maybe a ~120gb SSD for the OS in conjunction with the current 750gb HDD for storage?

I used to be well up to date with all this stuff, installing HDDs, setting the jumpers for master/slave, fiddling around with the BIOS, etc. But tis probably 10 years since, and I'm a novice all over again.

@sugarman: I'd still be confident of upgrading the RAM. How would I know what type I have, and/or if the motherboard could take a newer/better type?

Enrico Palazzo

Replace the HDD with an SSD, it's the only upgrade you need. A 1TB SSD will set you back under 160 euro if you come across one of the frequently popping up offers for those. About half the price for a 500GB one. Get one bundled with SATA to USB cable or buy it separately to clone your drive, there are at least least several free programs that will make that a breeze. Once cloned and installed, make sure to reset the OS for a fresh start. Don't bother expanding RAM to 8GB, not worth your time and money, while RAM prices are still extortionate.

Enrico Palazzo

sugarman wrote: »

Why bother cloning and then doing a clean install? Just do a clean install outright. Cloning can sometimes be more hassle than it's worth some. 1TB SSD is overkill for an old machine. 250GB for 40quid will do the job then buy a caddy for the disc drive or external caddy for the current 750GB.

Upgrading the RAM to 8GB is definitely worth it, DDR3 is dirt cheap, DDR4 is expensive. You can buy a used 4GB stick in cex for a tenner.

He has a 750GB now and maybe it's full? External drive is not a solution for all occasions. Cloning sorts out copying data files too (And he will need the cable anyway, unless he buys an enclosure) and in no time you get to test the system, drivers etc. Once you get it all tested, you just refresh (though best to have the drive partitioned first to keep files) No need to look for tools to extract the serial in case the sticker is gone. Some might prefer a different migration path, sure.

Upgrading from 6GB to 8GB brings very little benefit. The former is fine for daily use, the latter won't help with file and video editing or any other RAM hungry activity. Plus he will have to get the right part, memtest for stability etc. And DDR3 on the crucial website is not cheap - it was actually the price of their DDR3 RAM that made me build a new PC recently instead of upgrading an old one that required their memory for compatibility. That particular part used to cost under 30eur some 2-3 years ago, now it's under 90eur for 2x4GB. I wouldn't bother for only two gigs extra.

phill106

Im probably spoiled in work,
this is what we give our cad guys

https://www.lenovo.com/ie/en/laptops/thinkpad/p-series/ThinkPad-P51/p/22TP2WPWP51

tedpan

phill106 wrote:

Im probably spoiled in work, this is what we give our cad guys

They give them to sales reps in my job! Was using Lenovo workstations for years, moved to a MacBook Pro last year, really wish I didn't.

phill106

tedpan wrote: »

They give them to sales reps in my job! Was using Lenovo workstations for years, moved to a MacBook Pro last year, really wish I didn't.

on an old W530 now, use a W541 as daily

Gumbo

sugarman wrote: »

Autocad doesnt require much graphical power at all, onboard graphics are more than enough! Its CPU & Memory power thats most important. More cores/threads the better and more RAM the better. An SSD is also a must.

Id look to an 8th gen i5, 8250U or better. At least 8GB RAM and a 250GB SSD.

How would this one fair out?

https://www.laptopsdirect.ie/lenovo-v330-intel-core-i5-8250u-8gb-256gb-ssd-15.6-inch-windows-10-laptop-81ax00cbuk/version.asp

Thanks.

tedpan

kceire wrote:

How would this one fair out?

Nice machine, relatively new i5 processor. Decent all rounder.

Gumbo

tedpan wrote: »

Nice machine, relatively new i5 processor. Decent all rounder.

Thanks.

Worthwhile paying a bit extra for this one?

https://www.adverts.ie/16047843

This is the top of my
Budget but if I can spend less that’s better

Can be got for about €650ish

Enrico Palazzo

kceire wrote: »

Thanks.

Worthwhile paying a bit extra for this one?

https://www.adverts.ie/16047843

This is the top of my
Budget but if I can spend less that’s better

Can be got for about €650ish

No doubt it's worth the extra over that Lenovo, alone for the very good screen panel (vs a very poor one) and the NVM SSD, which is several times faster than a SATA SSD, but I'd be careful there as the HP is offered at what seems to be way below the market price, even considered it's an older model.

Gumbo

Enrico Palazzo wrote: »

No doubt it's worth the extra over that Lenovo, alone for the very good screen panel (vs a very poor one) and the NVM SSD, which is several times faster than a SATA SSD, but I'd be careful there as the HP is offered at what seems to be way below the market price, even considered it's an older model.

If it seems too good to be true and all that!

tedpan

kceire wrote:

If it seems too good to be true and all that!

The processor is not much better than the i5 though. Also I wouldn't spend money like that on a 2nd hand machine, replacing a failed dedicated graphics card is expensive and sometimes not worth it. Much better buying new, with a warranty.

Soarer

Enrico Palazzo wrote: »

He has a 750GB now and maybe it's full? External drive is not a solution for all occasions. Cloning sorts out copying data files too (And he will need the cable anyway, unless he buys an enclosure) and in no time you get to test the system, drivers etc. Once you get it all tested, you just refresh (though best to have the drive partitioned first to keep files) No need to look for tools to extract the serial in case the sticker is gone. Some might prefer a different migration path, sure.

Upgrading from 6GB to 8GB brings very little benefit. The former is fine for daily use, the latter won't help with file and video editing or any other RAM hungry activity. Plus he will have to get the right part, memtest for stability etc. And DDR3 on the crucial website is not cheap - it was actually the price of their DDR3 RAM that made me build a new PC recently instead of upgrading an old one that required their memory for compatibility. That particular part used to cost under 30eur some 2-3 years ago, now it's under 90eur for 2x4GB. I wouldn't bother for only two gigs extra.

Decided to go for the Crucial MX500 500gb version from Amazon for £80.

Should be plenty on the for an OS partition, with the remainder for any HDR rips, etc.

Cheers for all the help lads.

Gumbo

OK, sorry to keep checking in here, but helpful posts so far!

https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/lenovo-v330-intel-core-i5-8250u-8gb-256gb-ssd-15.6-inch-windows-10-laptop-81ax00cbuk/version.asp

I can get this for €589.
Or €770 with a ram upgrade to 16gb.

Is the ram upgrade worth it?

Edit - plus €12 postage to Parcel Motel in NI, then €5 PM fee.

so €605 V 785 ish.

tedpan

kceire wrote:

I can get this for €589. Or €770 with a ram upgrade to 16gb.

8GB should cover all your needs. 16GB would be helpful for 4k video editing although the i5 processor probably would lag with 4k.

Upgraded my wife's machine to 16GB and did not notice any difference at all. I'd recommend staying with the 8GB, upgrading RAM is easy if required down the line.

Gumbo

OK, last post on this thread, promise, just that the lads have been so helpful.
I'm buying something over the weekend.

I've narrowed it down to the following :

HP Pavilion 15 - 128GB SSD & 1TB HDD
I'm unsure about the Ryzen 5 Processor. Is it on par with the i5 8th Generation?


Brand New Dell XPS 15

Donedeal ad and the buyer wants payment into his AIB account, all in €830 delivered to Dublin. Cracking machine but the whole donedeal thing. If he was local i'd go and buy without hesitation.


Dell Inspiron 15 5000

Could possibly get this for €619 with the trade in but my current laptop is 2010, and they say 2011 is the cut off point, but how would they know? Don't need the 2TB if im honest, so could get one direct from Dell for €599 with just the 1TB HDD.

Thanks guys

Gumbo

sugarman wrote: »

I still think the Lenovo you linked to is the best machine of the lot and great value.

That HP is available for €578 delivered from HP online store. Its not a bad machine at all, processor is very similar to the 8th gen i5. Ever so slightly slower but nothing anyone would physically notice.

The Dell on Donedeal is just screaming scam. No name/number, stock image from google. vague details. Looking for bank transfer. Id avoid at all costs. With your budget theres no need to look at used. Get something with some warranty / cover from a recognized retailer.

The Dell from Currys is out of stock and IMO, over priced to begin with.

Dell have a good UK outlet that sell refurbed/returned machines with warranty, they usually only have mild cosmetic blemishes like a scratch or dint, or just a straight up unwanted return with no issue. Sometimes theres a bargain to be had.

...but as I said, I think that Lenovo from laptops direct is the best of the lot and very reasonably priced.

Cheers,

I've decided to ignore the XPS for now on donedeal. Similar photos from a user on Adverts, but a higher price and he has bad feedback, so following some investigation, I tend to agree with you there.

The Dell in curry's is actually in stock in Airside
I've been checking dell outlet store over the last week but nothing popping up that suits me.

Enrico Palazzo

Personally, I would not buy a laptop with a HDD as the main storage anymore, unless it was to have it immediately replaced with an SSD. Such a bottleneck.

Miike

That done deal ad calling XPS a top spec gaming laptop. Jesus wept.

messinkiapina

420e in Curry's UK. It would drive you mad. Is there any way of buying from their UK site?

autumnalcore

messinkiapina wrote: »

420e in Curry's UK. It would drive you mad. Is there any way of buying from their UK site?

Parcel motel, parcel wizard, addresspal

Davy

autumnalcore wrote: »

Parcel motel, parcel wizard, addresspal

That's not the issue, Currys UK require a UK bank card with matching billing address at checkout and often look for verification before processing the order.

messinkiapina

autumnalcore wrote: »

Parcel motel, parcel wizard, addresspal

Will they take an Irish debit card? Though I read somewhere before that they wouldn't, but I could be all wrong.

Is the warranty directly with Curry's UK, or with lenovo or how does that work? That would be the only possible issue.

Gumbo

messinkiapina wrote: »

420e in Curry's UK. It would drive you mad. Is there any way of buying from their UK site?

499-420 = 79
Then you have to pay parcel motel fee plus increase the risk as it’s over 100e. Is it worth the saving of €70ish if you have problems within warranty?

TerrorFirmer

Miike wrote: »

That done deal ad calling XPS a top spec gaming laptop. Jesus wept.

It has a GTX1050Ti which can run most new games at high settings pretty well....so I'd say it's a very decent gaming laptop.

Having said that, that particular add has 'SCAM' rubber stamped all over it.

Saveonlaptops.co.uk has some great deals as well.

NATLOR

Davy wrote: »

That's not the issue, Currys UK require a UK bank card with matching billing address at checkout and often look for verification before processing the order.

They accept Paypal so shouldn't be an issue?

Gerrymandering reborn

This is a solid machine(apart from small ssd) , 8th gen 6 core i7, 17.3" screen
https://www.dell.com/en-ie/shop/laptops/new-dell-g3-17/spd/g-series-17-3779-laptop/cn37708

€990 after 10% discount

evosteo

Hi folks

Looking to upgrade my laptop as mines gone so painfully slow lately. Taking 10mins to start up sometimes. Also getting very laggy browsing/ using programs etc..

Have it a few years now.

Its a lenovo ideapad z500

Basic Specs
15.6 in, 16:9, 1366 x 768 display,
2.2GHz Intel Core i7-3632QM,
6.00GB RAM,
1 TB HDD
Nvidia GeForce GT 645M
2.4kg
64-bit op system
Running Windows 10 Upgrade.

Not looking to spend as much on a new laptop so this maybe ideal?

Thanks in advance

TerrorFirmer

That's still a pretty powerful laptop so just get a new SSD for it.

It's not your spec that is causing the slowness, it's a dying hard drive most likely. Throw in an SSD and it'll be as fast as any new laptop really.

Unless you were looking to play games I wouldn't see any other reason to upgrade.

tedpan

evosteo wrote:

Basic Specs 15.6 in, 16:9, 1366 x 768 display, 2.2GHz Intel Core i7-3632QM, 6.00GB RAM, 1 TB HDD Nvidia GeForce GT 645M 2.4kg 64-bit op system Running Windows 10 Upgrade.

The screen is pretty poor and it's old. Upgrading to an SSD maybe a temporary solution as things like the graphics card and motherboard start to fail at this age, I'm guessing you have very little battery power too.

Up to you I suppose, no harm in buying the SSD and moving it to a new machine when you need to.

Soarer

evosteo wrote: »

Hi folks

Looking to upgrade my laptop as mines gone so painfully slow lately. Taking 10mins to start up sometimes. Also getting very laggy browsing/ using programs etc..

Have it a few years now.

Its a lenovo ideapad z500

Basic Specs
15.6 in, 16:9, 1366 x 768 display,
2.2GHz Intel Core i7-3632QM,
6.00GB RAM,
1 TB HDD
Nvidia GeForce GT 645M
2.4kg
64-bit op system
Running Windows 10 Upgrade.

Not looking to spend as much on a new laptop so this maybe ideal?

Thanks in advance

TerrorFirmer wrote: »

That's still a pretty powerful laptop so just get a new SSD for it.

It's not your spec that is causing the slowness, it's a dying hard drive most likely. Throw in an SSD and it'll be as fast as any new laptop really.

Unless you were looking to play games I wouldn't see any other reason to upgrade.

tedpan wrote: »

The screen is pretty poor and it's old. Upgrading to an SSD maybe a temporary solution as things like the graphics card and motherboard start to fail at this age, I'm guessing you have very little battery power too.

Up to you I suppose, no harm in buying the SSD and moving it to a new machine when you need to.

As the lads said evosteo, throw in an SSD.

I did the same only yesterday, and my machine is now far quicker getting to the login page from off than what it used to be from sleep.

I haven't been at the inside of a computer in 10+ years, but it was a piece of urine.

evosteo

Cheers for the feedback folks. Any particular brand to look out for when purchasing a ssd? Iv come across a crucial 500gb ssd for around €100 for just doing a quick search.