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Higher specs = longer life?

  • 02-06-2020 7:11pm
    #1
    New Home
    Moderators, Arts Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 76,325 Mod ✭✭✭✭


    I've been looking around for a new laptop for a while, now, as I knew the old one wouldn't last long.

    I've had two laptops so far - the first one, a Targa, I bought in Lidl in 2004 (I know, but it was surprisingly reliable!) and it lasted until 2011 when it became unusable, it was absolutely crawling (30 seconds to get it to react). I bought my second one, a Toshiba (never again!) in 2011, it died last week.

    I'm looking for something with a screen >15'' with a numerical keyboard. My budget would be around the €600 (flexible), it'd be mostly for home but I'd like to be able to use it to watch a film and do some work on it without it dying on me.

    I'd like to be able to bring it with me on holidays (whenever that will be) without having to bring an ice-pack for it because the fan goes into overdrive.

    So, after hmm-ing and awh-ing, I've tried to customise my ideal laptop on the PC specialist website mentioned here, just to get an idea of the cost. That brought on yet another question: would higher specs mean a longer life? For instance, my current Satellite C660 had a 640GB HDD. A SSD probably wouldn't have the same problems with overheating and I could get an even bigger memory than that, but again, if I went for the highest specs in everything and spent three times my budget would that mean that the laptop would last me three times as long? Or would it be like buying a tank to do the school run?

    On a separate note, do external drive adaptors (or whatever it's the most appropriate item) actually work properly? Would I be able to use my old hard drive as an external drive on the new laptop?

    Thanks.


«1

Comments

  • #2
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭[Deleted User]


    build quality is very important for long duration of use.

    plastic cases and hinges will give out before metal

    the 15 inch laptop is far less common that it used to be and numeric numpads even more so

    I'd recommend this well-built all-metal 14 inch. buy a usb numeric attachment if you really need it.

    https://www.box.co.uk/products/keywords/honor+magicbook+14/ex/true

    (use parcel motel etc.) made by Huawei

    external usb drive attachments work fine


  • #3
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭[Deleted User]


    usb keypad

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Numeric-Jelly-Comb-Keyboard-Computer/dp/B01FXLB9FA/ref=sr_1_3?crid=28XJ4FXR385TF&dchild=1&keywords=usb+numeric+keypad&qid=1591124106&sprefix=usb+numeric+%2Caps%2C210&sr=8-3


  • #4
    New Home
    Moderators, Arts Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 76,325 Mod ✭✭✭✭New Home


    glasso wrote: »
    build quality is very important for long duration of use.

    plastic cases and hinges will give out before metal

    the 15 inch laptop is far less common that it used to be and numeric numpads even more so

    I'd recommend this well-built all-metal 14 inch. buy a usb numeric attachment if you really need it.

    https://www.box.co.uk/products/keywords/honor+magicbook+14/ex/true

    (use parcel motel etc.) made by Huawei

    external usb drive attachments work fine

    I'll be looking for a metal casing all right, but I think you might have shares in that company. :pac: :D


  • #5
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭[Deleted User]


    it's just the best value laptop around!


  • #6
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭[Deleted User]


    basically it has

    decent quad-core power
    fast ssd
    portability at only 1.4kg
    good battery life
    great all-metal build quality
    good ips screen that is bright enough

    for 600 € that's a good deal

    the webcam angle is a bit of a downside for some but keep your nasal hair trimmed and you're good


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  • #7
    New Home
    Moderators, Arts Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 76,325 Mod ✭✭✭✭New Home


    Yes, but it's small, with a small screen, no number pad and no dvd drive. If I were on the market for a small laptop I'd definitely consider it.

    So, that aside, do higher specs mean a longer life?


  • #8
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭[Deleted User]


    smaller = can bring on holidays. not going to get a good portable metal-chassis 15.6 inch laptop for 600 euro

    generally higher specs means usable for longer but it's a middle ground equation. spending 2000 won't last 3 times as long.

    pc specialist not the best build quality in terms of chassis, hinges, finish


  • #9
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭[Deleted User]


    dvd drive - are you stuck in a 2008 timewarp?

    seriously, you should do some research on the typical modern laptop.


  • #10
    jimmycrackcorm
    Registered Users Posts: 14,326 ✭✭✭✭jimmycrackcorm


    But the fastest processor with the most RAM or extendible RAM you can afford in your budget. Right now a low budget spec should try stretch to an AMD Ryzen 4X and either 8GB expandable or at least 16GB built-in. Glassos example is great for the price, only beaten by the recent Lenovo bargain.


  • #11
    New Home
    Moderators, Arts Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 76,325 Mod ✭✭✭✭New Home


    glasso wrote: »
    dvd drive - are you stuck in a 2008 timewarp?

    seriously, you should do some research on the typical modern laptop.


    I might be stuck in a time warp all right, but if you like we can start a discussion on books vs readers. Anyway, that's what I'm looking for. I'm still not going for a small laptop, I've used one for work and I really don't like it. If I have to go up in budget, so be it.


    Is the casing the only issue?


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  • #12
    New Home
    Moderators, Arts Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 76,325 Mod ✭✭✭✭New Home


    jimmycrackcorm wrote: »
    But the fastest processor with the most RAM or extendible RAM you can afford in your budget. Right now a low budget spec should try stretch to an AMD Ryzen 4X and either 8GB expandable or at least 16GB built-in. Glassos example is great for the price, only beaten by the recent Lenovo bargain.


    Thanks for that. If I have to go up in price, I will. No Lenovo and no Toshiba, though.


  • #13
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭[Deleted User]


    14 inch screen is not considered small these days

    I've made a recommendation that is universally well reviewed and of decent cpu power (and runs to its max due to good thermal design).

    the matebook d 15 (amazon uk) is not a bad 15 inch option but less battery life.


  • #14
    New Home
    Moderators, Arts Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 76,325 Mod ✭✭✭✭New Home


    Look, I'm looking for a diesel and you're trying to sell me an electric car. I appreciate your point, but it's not what I need or want. Thanks anyway.


  • #15
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭[Deleted User]


    New Home wrote: »
    Look, I'm looking for a diesel and you're trying to sell me an electric car. I appreciate your point, but it's not for what I need or want. Thanks anyway.

    I just gave you a 15.6 inch option :confused:

    you obviously don't have a bog re the current mkt so stop looking for something that doesn't exist


  • #16
    New Home
    Moderators, Arts Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 76,325 Mod ✭✭✭✭New Home


    I meant the 14-inch one, but the 15.6'' mateboom doesn't have a numberpad either. I don't want an external one, I'd rather not work with a million appendages and a limited n. of USB ports, otherwise I might as well go for a normal desktop.

    It would be nice if you actually answered the questions, if you can. Aside from the issue of the hinges/casing, are there ant other issues I should be mindful of? Ok, a 2k laptop won't last me 3 times a €600 one - how much longer can I expect it to kast?


  • #17
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭[Deleted User]


    who knows.

    I'm out.

    might have helped if you actually address the ***READ THIS FIRST*** notice

    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055171416


  • #18
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭[Deleted User]


    Tbf to glasso, DVD drives just aren't a common thing on new laptops anymore. I found this out myself recently when I got a new laptop and did a lot of window shopping in the process.


  • #19
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭[Deleted User]


    either are dedicated numeric keypads on actual decent laptops as the vast majority of people value smaller size

    both those and dvd drives are pretty much obsolete and if you want one it's a usb plug-in

    if you haven't bought a laptop in the last 10 years at least do yourself the service of a little cursory research ffs (directed at OP not last poster)


  • #20
    New Home
    Moderators, Arts Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 76,325 Mod ✭✭✭✭New Home


    I'm within the timeframe, so, I bought it 9 years ago. I don't care if it's obsolete or if you think it's useless to you, it's not useless to me. I'm not the vast majority of people, I'm the one who has to use it.

    I have read that thread, BTW, but none of that covered my question.


  • #21
    cherryghost
    Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 17,130 Mod ✭✭✭✭cherryghost


    This isnt too bad for the price. Standard size screen and comes with numpad that you require. Has good storage, ram, screen, latest Intel processors. Only downsize is that it is not a metallic chassis. Its good quality plastic. If your previous laptops were plastic, consider it completely different, modern laptop plastic quality is generally good.

    If you want a showstopper of a laptop that'll turn heards when you're at home or out and about, this is a good deal right now. THe numpad is built into the touchscreen. I've used it, its quite good but I dont really use numpad at all, so it was a bit of a gimmick for me. Positives on this vs other laptop: metallic chassis, better quality screen. Downsize, smaller SSD, slower (but still decent) CPU, 14 inch screen (though difference between 14 and 15.6 inch laptops is pretty neglible when it comes down to it)


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  • #22
    the_syco
    Registered Users Posts: 37,295 ✭✭✭✭the_syco


    New Home wrote: »
    I'm looking for something with a screen >15'' with a numerical keyboard. My budget would be around the €600 (flexible), it'd be mostly for home but I'd like to be able to use it to watch a film and do some work on it without it dying on me.
    First off, why the numpad? Personally speaking, I don't like either of the numpads in the laptops Cherryghost suggested. They are great laptops, however I like a full numpad I can feel.

    The 1st lacks the +,-,*,/ around the side, and on the second they are in the wrong place. If you'll be doing accounting and you'll be using it excessively without having to look at what you're typing.
    New Home wrote: »
    I have read that thread, BTW, but none of that covered my question.
    Sorry to be sarky, but read it again, and this time answer the questions :P

    Specifically, the intended use. Why the numpad? I need it for entering bitlocker keys; heck, I even bought a few USB keypads over the years for use on laptops without proper numpad
    New Home wrote: »
    I don't care if it's obsolete or if you think it's useless to you, it's not useless to me. I'm not the vast majority of people, I'm the one who has to use it.
    It also unnecessarily shortens the list of laptops. An alternative would be this; https://www.mymemory.ie/lg-ultra-slim-portable-usb-2-0-dvd-rw-black.html
    It's an external USB powered DVD writer. Very slim. Put it into your laptop bag, and use whenever. I have an old MSI laptop, and have only used the DVD writer to burn Windows installer DVDs.

    =-=

    Personally, if I ever buy a laptop, I'll want to be able to take it apart, and to ensure it has a fan in it. I don't care if it's loud (the rear fan on the PC next to me is going just below 50% of it's speed; about 1500RPM); I want to be able to use it. Also want to be able to fix the parts if needs be. But that's just me :pac:


  • #23
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭[Deleted User]


    Another option would be a Dell Inspiron. €629 for i5 version
    Well built for the price.
    Proper numpad.
    No cd drive, you could buy cheap external.
    Fast but not huge hard-drive (once you go ssd you will never go back)
    If you wanted to futureproof, in a year or two, you could add another 8Gb stick of memory (bringing it to 16GB) and add another harddrive to give you plenty of storage (has an empty 2.5" bay).


  • #24
    cherryghost
    Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 17,130 Mod ✭✭✭✭cherryghost


    the_syco wrote: »
    First off, why the numpad? Personally speaking, I don't like either of the numpads in the laptops Cherryghost suggested. They are great laptops, however I like a full numpad I can feel.

    The 1st lacks the +,-,*,/ around the side, and on the second they are in the wrong place. If you'll be doing accounting and you'll be using it excessively without having to look at what you're typing.


    Sorry to be sarky, but read it again, and this time answer the questions :P

    Specifically, the intended use. Why the numpad? I need it for entering bitlocker keys; heck, I even bought a few USB keypads over the years for use on laptops without proper numpad


    It also unnecessarily shortens the list of laptops. An alternative would be this; https://www.mymemory.ie/lg-ultra-slim-portable-usb-2-0-dvd-rw-black.html
    It's an external USB powered DVD writer. Very slim. Put it into your laptop bag, and use whenever. I have an old MSI laptop, and have only used the DVD writer to burn Windows installer DVDs.

    =-=

    Personally, if I ever buy a laptop, I'll want to be able to take it apart, and to ensure it has a fan in it. I don't care if it's loud (the rear fan on the PC next to me is going just below 50% of it's speed; about 1500RPM); I want to be able to use it. Also want to be able to fix the parts if needs be. But that's just me :pac:

    Dont listen to this fella, he never owned a laptop and denounces them when he sees someone using it :pac:


  • #25
    EmptyTree
    Registered Users Posts: 748 ✭✭✭EmptyTree


    New Home wrote: »
    Thanks for that. If I have to go up in price, I will. No Lenovo and no Toshiba, though.
    My work uses Lenovo and I've had the laptop for 5 years, I could get an upgrade if I wanted but I'll hold onto to it for another while yet, it's been absolutely bulletproof. Previously I would have written them off too, but now for my next personal laptop I'll be taking a hard look at Lenovo.
    the_syco wrote: »
    First off, why the numpad? Personally speaking, I don't like either of the numpads in the laptops Cherryghost suggested. They are great laptops, however I like a full numpad I can feel.

    The 1st lacks the +,-,*,/ around the side, and on the second they are in the wrong place. If you'll be doing accounting and you'll be using it excessively without having to look at what you're typing.
    Can we not just assume the OP knows what they want, they've been quizzed enough on it and seem fairly adamant. Whether a high spec laptop exists with a number pad is a different matter.


  • #26
    New Home
    Moderators, Arts Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 76,325 Mod ✭✭✭✭New Home


    Thanks for the replies.

    I probably wasn't clear in my initial post, so let me try again. I'm not looking for advice on what laptop to buy, yet, but I might need help later on when I've done a shortlist (which I will do on the basis of the answers I get).

    Taking into account that:
    1. I want/need a laptop with a numeric pad built in.
    2. It must be a large laptop.
    3. It needs to have a disc drive (DVD or Blu-Ray)

    I need to know:
    1. Whether a SSD would have the same problems with overheating as a HDD would (I don't think so, but I'd like to be sure).
    2. If splashing out on a very expensive laptop is worth it in relation to its life expectancy (if not, what's the difference between a budget/mid-range one and an expensive one, duration-wise?). The closest I got to have this answered by the Q&A post mentioned here is that it says "More is not always better", nothing else, and it's not much to go by. I've re-read that thread again, and I'm still where I started.

    On a separate note:
    1. Do external drive adaptors (or whatever it's the most appropriate item) actually work properly? Would I be able to use my old hard drive as an external drive on the new laptop?

    Telling me that what I'm looking for is obsolete or that people don't use them any more is a moot point, because to me would be like a man telling a woman that sanitary pads are obsolete - if you're not the one who has to use them, you're not in a position to decide for me (pardon the bad analogy).

    Thanks again.


  • #27
    New Home
    Moderators, Arts Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 76,325 Mod ✭✭✭✭New Home


    EmptyTree wrote: »
    My work uses Lenovo and I've had the laptop for 5 years, I could get an upgrade if I wanted but I'll hold onto to it for another while yet, it's been absolutely bulletproof. Previously I would have written them off too, but now for my next personal laptop I'll be taking a hard look at Lenovo.

    Can we not just assume the OP knows what they want, they've been quizzed enough on it and seem fairly adamant. Whether a high spec laptop exists with a number pad is a different matter.

    Thanks Empty Tree, I might reconsider the Lenovo, but I've had recent reports of different people who had them die on them or go on a boot loop for no reason - not sure if it's an issue with the newer models. They would have been work computers, too.


  • #28
    GarIT
    Registered Users Posts: 8,671 ✭✭✭GarIT


    By longer life do you mean years or battery life? Higher specs mean you get a shorter battery life. But yes the more you spend the longer it will last. You'll probably get a year out of it for every €200 you spend, unless you use it well past when the manufacturers and Microsoft think it's obsolete.

    Neither a HDD or SSD produce heat.

    You could just accept that laptops produce heat to go fast. Or go for the laptop who's processor has the lowest TDP if you want to minimise heat.


  • #29
    New Home
    Moderators, Arts Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 76,325 Mod ✭✭✭✭New Home


    GarIT wrote: »
    By longer life do you mean years or battery life? Higher specs mean you get a shorter battery life. But yes the more you spend the longer it will last. You'll probably get a year out of it for every €200 you spend, unless you use it well past when the manufacturers and Microsoft think it's obsolete.

    Neither a HDD or SSD produce heat.

    Thank you, that's a good guide. I meant overall life, not just battery.

    The previous mid-range ones lasted me 7 and 9 years respectively - if I spend a grand and a half or more (as opposed to the €600ish I spent for the last one 9 years ago), how much longer do you think they'd last (keyboard, screen, touchpad, etc). Would I be wrong in thinking that a higher-specs laptop would have a "stronger" battery?

    Good to know about the heat, too, thanks for the explanation, I'll look more into it.


  • #30
    GarIT
    Registered Users Posts: 8,671 ✭✭✭GarIT


    New Home wrote: »
    Thank you, that's a good guide. I meant overall life, not just battery.

    The previous mid-range ones lasted me 7 and 9 years respectively - if I spend a grand and a half or more (as opposed to the €600ish I spent for the last one 9 years ago), how much longer do you think they'd last (keyboard, screen, touchpad, etc). Would I be wrong in thinking that a higher-specs laptop would have a "stronger" battery?

    Good to know about the heat, too, thanks for the explanation, I'll look more into it.

    Any laptop can fail at any time for a variety of reasons. What I said could be better phrased as "will still be considered modern" than will still turn on.

    Yes you would be wrong in thinking that. The best laptop battery available costs less than €10 to manufacture, so cost isn't an issue, weight is the only issue. Cheap laptops can have good batteries, expensive laptops can have poor batteries. What is universally true though is that a higher specced laptop will use more electricity, draining whatever battery it has faster.

    Looking at TDP of the processor will actually help heat as well as battery life.


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  • #31
    New Home
    Moderators, Arts Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 76,325 Mod ✭✭✭✭New Home


    Thanks, that's very useful again.


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