Laptop for general use and programming

DredFX

Hi folks,

Looking for a laptop for both general use (browsing, movies, music) and programming. About to start a new software-testing job, so in the event of doing work after business hours, I'll need a laptop that can reasonably handle running a build automation tool, an automation server, as well as an IDE such as Eclipse without the whole computer chugging to a slideshow. Been eyeing up some 2-in-1 laptops, if anyone knows whether they're worth buying?

I'd like to avoid spending over 800 quid, if it can be helped. I've been burned in the past by bad computer shops, so if you can recommend any laptops by reliable vendors, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks a mil.

this lenovo 530s seems decent for 600 euro

https://www.lenovo.com/ie/en/laptops/ideapad/500-series/Ideapad-530S-14-AMD/p/88IP50S1048

amd 2500u - equivalent to intel i5 but with better integrated graphics
8gb ram, 256gb ssd (ram is upgradable with a 16gb sodimm, likewise the ssd)
14 inch ips full hd
decent portable weight at 1.5kg
8hr battery life and quick charge 2 hrs in 15 mins
part metal build

can't see you getting better. even if you go to your budget. 4-core i5 or 2500u will do you fine with an ssd and 8gb ram. the gains to the i7 u chips level is less than 10% so not worth the extra cost.

another option from Huawei - same specs but tiny bit lighter and full metal build. better battery life. might be a better option even if you have to pay a bit more. good value imo

https://www.amazon.de/Huawei-Matebook-Full-HD-Notebook-Graphics/dp/B07N7YYHKL/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=matebook+d&qid=1555508585&s=gateway&sr=8-2

the 2-in-1s are a bit too heavy to use as tablets imo unless you're talking about the ones well above your budget.

the lower end 2-in-1s are not that great really.

that matebook is a nice machine.

or for a bit heavier non-metal build but not super heavy and bigger screen 15.6 inch this is bargain (not sure when price goes back up) about 630 delivered

intel i5 8265u (latest intel i5)
nvidia mx150 discrete graphics
8gb ram
256 gb ssd

https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07HK5HQQ1/ref=psdc_427957031_t2_B07N7YYHKL

richy

glasso wrote: »

this lenovo 530s seems decent for 600 euro

https://www.lenovo.com/ie/en/laptops/ideapad/500-series/Ideapad-530S-14-AMD/p/88IP50S1048

amd 2500u - equivalent to intel i5 but with better integrated graphics
8gb ram, 256gb ssd (ram is upgradable with a 16gb sodimm, likewise the ssd)
14 inch ips full hd
decent portable weight at 1.5kg
8hr battery life and quick charge 2 hrs in 15 mins
part metal build

can't see you getting better. even if you go to your budget. 4-core i5 or 2500u will do you fine with an ssd and 8gb ram. the gains to the i7 u chips level is less than 10% so not worth the extra cost.

another option from Huawei - same specs but tiny bit lighter and full metal build. better battery life. might be a better option even if you have to pay a bit more. good value imo

https://www.amazon.de/Huawei-Matebook-Full-HD-Notebook-Graphics/dp/B07N7YYHKL/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=matebook+d&qid=1555508585&s=gateway&sr=8-2

Hey Glasso.

These are the exact two laptops I am trying to decide between.

Currently, I have a 4-5 year old Lenovo z50-70 laptop that is dying and i need a new laptop badly. Besides the fact its falling apart, it doesnt run very smoothly. For example, I use Facebook ads and it can be slow and clunky to open up new sections or tabs. Same if I have lots of tabs open on my browser which i often do. 20-30 per window and may have 2-3 other windows with 4/5 tabs in each.

My current laptop has Intel Core i7 - 4510 CPU @ 2GHz 1.60 GHz running windows 8. 1TB HDD with SDD boot up.

Both of these laptops you have recommended have 8gb ram. The Lenovo is upgradeable but the Huawei is not.

I prefer the Huawei aesthetically but I wonder am I not shooting myself in the foot only getting an 8GB ram laptop that cant be upgraded seeing as my current laptop is also 8gb and almost 5 years old. Im not sure if there are different types of 8gb ram that would make this Huawei much better than my old one or is it the case of 8gb is 8gb.

I like the portability and the long battery life of the Huawei but dont want it being useless in a year or two.

Any advice is appreciated!

richy

Something to add aswell. The Matebook has a German keyboard afaik. Z instead of Y and vice versa. Do you know if its easy to switch out the keyboards? Did so with my lenovo when i spilled water on it and it was easy enough.

EDIT: So its not possible to do this AFAIK. May be possible to change individual keys but it would likely be prohibitively expensive and may not be possible.

As I can claim VAT back, I can get it from the UK (600 pounds) and pay 590 Euro after VAT refund or get the Lenovo for roughly 500 after VAT refund.

Really like the MateBooks looks and the long battery life but the Lenovo is great also.

Any advice?

richy

richy wrote: »

Hey Glasso.

These are the exact two laptops I am trying to decide between.

Currently, I have a 4-5 year old Lenovo z50-70 laptop that is dying and i need a new laptop badly. Besides the fact its falling apart, it doesnt run very smoothly. For example, I use Facebook ads and it can be slow and clunky to open up new sections or tabs. Same if I have lots of tabs open on my browser which i often do. 20-30 per window and may have 2-3 other windows with 4/5 tabs in each.

My current laptop has Intel Core i7 - 4510 CPU @ 2GHz 1.60 GHz running windows 8. 1TB HDD with SDD boot up.

Both of these laptops you have recommended have 8gb ram. The Lenovo is upgradeable but the Huawei is not.

I prefer the Huawei aesthetically but I wonder am I not shooting myself in the foot only getting an 8GB ram laptop that cant be upgraded seeing as my current laptop is also 8gb and almost 5 years old. Im not sure if there are different types of 8gb ram that would make this Huawei much better than my old one or is it the case of 8gb is 8gb.

I like the portability and the long battery life of the Huawei but dont want it being useless in a year or two.

Any advice is appreciated!

I'd go with the Lenovo I suppose to avoid the hassle of the foreign keyboard.
and the ram upgradability also if you see yourself needed 16gb. 8gb should be good for a few years yet.
I think that the lenovo 530s is full aluminium actually so that's decent.

richy

richy wrote: »

Something to add aswell. The Matebook has a German keyboard afaik. Z instead of Y and vice versa. Do you know if its easy to switch out the keyboards? Did so with my lenovo when i spilled water on it and it was easy enough.

EDIT: So its not possible to do this AFAIK. May be possible to change individual keys but it would likely be prohibitively expensive and may not be possible.

As I can claim VAT back, I can get it from the UK (600 pounds) and pay 590 Euro after VAT refund or get the Lenovo for roughly 500 after VAT refund.

Really like the MateBooks looks and the long battery life but the Lenovo is great also.

Any advice?

the matebook d is on amazon.co.uk for a little more money

use redirect service to save on higher Irish VAT