Recommend me a Windows based laptop

ZV Yoda

I'm switching from a 2011 13" Macbook Pro (i5, 8Gb RAM, with upgraded hybrid 32Gb SDD/1tb HDD). It's a great machine & is going strong with no probs.

The only reason I'm switching is because the kids are using Windows based stuff in school & doing ECDL, so a Windows based machine at home just makes makes more sense these days. I use both Macs & PCs on a daily basis, so I'm well versed in the pros & cons of each.

It's a long time since I've bought a Windows based machine, so I'm getting up to speed on specs. I need at least 1tb of storage (lots of DSLR photos & other media). I'd also prefer a hybrid drive for faster boot times & operation. I'm assuming min 8Gb RAM (I can upgrade later myself). Needs to be Intel (i5 or i7)

The only spanner in the works for me is if Optane + HDD would be better than hybrid drive option. The jury's still out for me on that.

I like the look of this one - any thoughts?
https://www.harveynorman.ie/computing/laptops/lenovo-ideapad-330-15.6-core-i5-8gb-1tb128gb-platinum-grey.html

ZV Yoda

Brand-wise, my preference is Lenovo (I've found them to be very solid over the years), but happy to consider other brands too.

one linked is not a bad option.

not that many laptops come with both spinning hd + ssd tbh so choices are relatively limited. I've not seen how much optane adds tbh. it only comes with non-ssd drives and I still think that ssd will far outperform it

e.g. look here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zulzlWgOg5k ssd still far faster

that model also has nvidia mx150 which means it will be much more performant than intel integrated graphics for picture and video editting or games

one point to note that the installed ram is soldered so unless there is a second ram slot it won't be up-gradable but 8gb is fine imo

ED E

Researchers: There's spyware in your machine
Lenovo: Sorry
Researchers: There's also spyware in your BIOS
Lenovo: Really Sorry, won't happen again
Researchers: We're still finding more spyware in your new BIOSs....
Lenovo: *shrug*

Different OEMs have been caught being naughty at different times but only Lenovo has done the triple. That drastically sours me to them. They're owned by the Chinese Govt and take an orwellian view to privacy.

ZV Yoda

ED E wrote: »

Researchers: There's spyware in your machine
Lenovo: Sorry
Researchers: There's also spyware in your BIOS
Lenovo: Really Sorry, won't happen again
Researchers: We're still finding more spyware in your new BIOSs....
Lenovo: *shrug*

Different OEMs have been caught being naughty at different times but only Lenovo has done the triple. That drastically sours me to them. They're owned by the Chinese Govt and take an orwellian view to privacy.

Interesting perspective... but Apple, Microsoft, Foxconn et al are not exactly paragons of virtue. If I chose my devices based on manufacturers' track records of ethics, I'd be using an abacus grown from reclaimed wood.

ED E

Microsoft telemetrics and a hardware backdoor in your BIOS aren't on the same level. Common cold meet Ebola.

VonZan

ED E wrote: »

Researchers: There's spyware in your machine
Lenovo: Sorry
Researchers: There's also spyware in your BIOS
Lenovo: Really Sorry, won't happen again
Researchers: We're still finding more spyware in your new BIOSs....
Lenovo: *shrug*

Different OEMs have been caught being naughty at different times but only Lenovo has done the triple. That drastically sours me to them. They're owned by the Chinese Govt and take an orwellian view to privacy.

Sorry do you have a link to any of this? Was considering purchasing a Lenovo but would like to know more.

VonZan

VonZan wrote: »

Sorry do you have a link to any of this? Was considering purchasing a Lenovo but would like to know more.

I wouldn't be too concerned about it. akaik it was adware, not spyware. other companies also did this.

https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/6/16261988/lenovo-adware-superfish-settlement-fine-state-ag