2 x Laptops with MS Office question

RunningFlyer

Hi,

I've been tasked by two family members (living separately) to source a laptop each for basic functions eg. Browsing, Streaming, Word processing etc. I've an old MacBook myself and use OpenOffice for the odd documents I may need to do so not up-to-date on buying other laptops/desktops. I've looked around at a few laptops and seen a few within price range (€500 ea). However, I've a few questions I'd be grateful for any help:

- Memory: Is 4GB RAM adequate for basic use as above (Windows 10?), or should I be looking at 8GB?

- MS Office: It appears Office doesn't come as standard on any laptops, so what is the best way of purchasing and what is the difference between Office and Office 365? Is Office 365 an online only cloud type of thing, or are the programs actually installed on the computer? One of the laptops is for an older family member so if it's an online thing it might not be suitable. That said, if there's a way of saving on the licences by using a family membership it might be better?

- Hoping to buy this week before the Black Friday madness, unless there are significant savings to be had? Is this wise with stock levels etc or I am better waiting?

Thanks in advance

a little bit extra for these @ £490

but really worth it.
much more durable metal build as opposed to plastic
good screen,
good cpu quad-core
8gb ram (8gb required these days really)
great amazon service

https://www.amazon.co.uk/HUAWEI-MateBook-2020-Multi-Screen-Collaboration/dp/B085YM9K63/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=matebook+14&qid=1605734142&quartzVehicle=93-1815&replacementKeywords=matebook&sr=8-4

for ms office there are really good free alternatives like libreoffice that allow you to edit all ms office files
else buy a licence key or dvd and just use the key on ebay for cheap for office download
https://www.ebay.ie/itm/Microsoft-Office-MS-Office-2016-Professional-Plus-DVD-License-Brand-New-1-PC/264902938831?hash=item3dad7210cf:g:ClYAAOSwmZpfiwLb
office 365 you have to pay each year

RunningFlyer

Thanks for that. The only thing is they are looking for slightly bigger screen (15”). Any feedback on this Dell one?

https://www.dell.com/en-ie/shop/laptops/new-inspiron-15-3000/spd/inspiron-15-3501-laptop/cn30114

I wouldn't be mad on that

screen is not ips quality
weaker dual-core cpu instaead of quad-core
plastic fantastic build vs metal
4gb ram

the dell 3000 range is very much a budget-quality build and it shows tbh

there is a matebook d 15 / magicbook 15 that is usually cheaper than the 14 but not at the moment

try hihonor.com, box.co.uk, amazon for prices

14 inch is a decent working size screen even for older people imo but your decision

glasso

glasso wrote: »

I wouldn't be mad on that

screen is not ips quality
weaker dual-core cpu instaead of quad-core
plastic fantastic build vs metal
4gb ram

the dell 3000 range is very much a budget-quality build and it shows tbh

there is a matebook d 15 / magicbook 15 that is usually cheaper than the 14 but not at the moment

try hihonor.com, box.co.uk, amazon for prices

14 inch is a decent working size screen even for older people imo but your decision

Why is the d15 cheaper even though it has the bigger screen?

normally is cheaper

14 version has 25% bigger battery and backlighting on the keyboard
no backlighting on the 15

also can be more work to design and build a slightly more compact and lighter laptop than a heavier one with more space to fit all the bits in and manage the heat from the cpu etc

smallgarden

What are your thoughts on this one https://www.lenovo.com/ie/en/laptops/ideapad/s-series/IdeaPad-5i-15IIL05/p/88IPS501391

smallgarden

smallgarden wrote: »

What are your thoughts on this one https://www.lenovo.com/ie/en/laptops/ideapad/s-series/IdeaPad-5i-15IIL05/p/88IPS501391

sorry just couldn't recommend it over the famous magicbook / matebook d either!

screen is a bit dim at 250 nits (cheapest could be worse as doesn't say brightness), poorer quality TN vs IPS (worse viewing angles and contrast)

Plastic flexy build vs sturdier metal (only the 800 euro + lenovo model is metal I think)

i3 cpu is only dual-core vs quad-core

small ssd on cheaper models

bulkier and heavier