Any Recommendations On A Reasonably Affordable Laptop, And Where I Can Get One?

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by Skullduggery's Dupe, May 6, 2022.

  1. Skullduggery's Dupe

    Skullduggery's Dupe Master Sergeant

    I'm asking you guys, because I haven't bought a computer in so long that I'm not really up to speed on these things. And I've NEVER bought a laptop before, for that matter. So thanks for bearing with me, if you would. I'm not looking for an actual analysis or anything, like even if you said something like "I got a so-and-so, and it seems to work pretty well for me", that'd be some help.

    That being said, here's a "wish list" of sorts:

    • I want a fairly up-to-date CPU, and maybe a bit better-than-decent amount of RAM (expandable, though), but nothing fancy. I'm not a gamer or anything. And I don't think I even need SSD. If it takes a couple minutes to boot up, fine. And I don't see any need for 5G or Wi-Fi 6. The net seems to run fast enough for me as it is.

    • I assume everything still comes with USB 3.0 and HDMI, but should I get something with a USB-C port too? I've read they're great for recharging.

    • Do I need Bluetooth 5? Here's why I ask: I'm sick of wires, so I want a wireless headset. Are they as good as wired ones? Because when learning a new language, Rocket Languages drills you pretty hard on pronunciation, so it has to hear you pretty damn well.

    • I want a large screen. Preferably 17.3", but maybe 15.6. I don't need a touch screen though, so long as there's no problem using a regular, wireless mouse. And 1920 × 1080p IPS is fine, I don't need 4K. And it doesn't have to be anti-glare, it's not like I'm gonna be using it outdoors, anyway.

    • I want something that comes with Windows 10, but is upgradable to 11. (I assume everything still runs 10, and 11 is similar enough to 10 that everything can be upgraded to it.) I don't want 11 until the kinks have been worked out, though. (I've read it's not completely stable yet, and why chance it anyway?)

    • I want a reputable, major brand, like HP, Lenova, Dell, Acer, Asus, etc.

    • I'd PREFER to hold costs down by getting all this on a refurbished machine with a (one year?) warranty. But I know that's probably too much to ask, given my wish list. So how much do I want to spend? I dunno, I haven't bought a computer in years, so you tell me. But I've got the money to buy what I'm talking about here, at any rate.

    Thanks again for any help.
     
  2. Digerati

    Digerati Major Geek Extraordinaire

    You say reasonably priced but didn't state your budget. Reasonably priced could me $2000 to Jill but $500 to Jack.

    Then skip Lenovo. They make reliable products, but the China based company has a long history of repeatedly preloading malware/spyware on their products. The company just cannot be trusted.

    You say "etc." too. That sure leaves the door open. FWIW, I bought a new MSI last year and so far, I have been very happy with it.
    You should reconsider nearly all this.

    I recommend you look at a laptop that comes with 16GB already installed - rather than 8GB that you can upgrade later. The reason why is (1) it will be less expensive in the long run and (2) you won't have to worry about availability of compatible RAM later on down the road. 16GB these days is generally considered to be the sweetspot. That is, less than 16GB and performance is noticeably degraded. But more than 16GB and performance gains are marginal, if noticeable at all.

    You do want the latest wifi protocols. This ensures the best future proofing. As far as 5G - notebooks don't come with cell feature, so that is not an issue.

    You do want a SSD. For sure, seconds vs minutes for boot times is a major factor for many. But for others, like you, it is not. That's fine because there are so many other advantages to a SSD. First, over all performance of the computer is improved. Plus, and these are particularly important for mobile devices, SSDs are lighter, smaller, consume less energy and generate less heat. Lighter and smaller make the laptop easier to lug around. Less energy means longer battery run times, and less heat is critically important in laptops. Other advantages are no vibrations or noise from motors since SSDs have no moving parts.

    If the budget allows for new, I would get new. Otherwise, if you shop around at Walmart or Bestbuy, you can find refurbished for $300 or less.

    Other than that, all I can say is, unless you must have a portable device, look at PCs instead.
     
  3. Skullduggery's Dupe

    Skullduggery's Dupe Master Sergeant

    So, any thoughts on this, my latest take on what might work for me, Digerati?

    LAPTOP
    price: $500? $250 refurbished?
    • make: HP, Dell, Acer, Asus strongly preferred, maybe Samsung or Toshiba
    • CPU: 1.3–2 GHz is OK, must be upgradeable to Windows 11 (Windows 10 support ends 2025)
    • OS:
    Windows 10 (Home edition is OK)
    • RAM: 16GB installed, preferably 4 DIMMS
    • CMOS battery: lithium preferable
    • motherboard: cell (4G LTE is OK), Wi-Fi 6 & Bluetooth 5 (how to configure Bluetooth for wireless
    headset? doesn’t appear under Settings > Bluetooth & other devices > Other devices in Windows 10
    Home 21H2)
    • monitor: 17.3" (maybe 15.6"), 1920×1080p resolution is OK, TN panels are OK, I don’t need touch
    screen, pen, anti-glare
    • storage: 1TB SATA or mSATA SSD (NOT M.2 SATA)
    • case: with fan that blows air out the back strongly preferred if it will save additional cost of a heatsink
    • ports: 4 USB 3.0, 2 HDMI, preferably also 1 USB-C
    • warranty: 3-year preferable

    WINDOWS 10 SUPPORT ENDS 2025
    Windows 11 system requirements:
    • RAM:
    4 GB NO PROBLEM
    • storage:
    64+ GB NO PROBLEM
    • monitor:
    8-bit color NO PROBLEM
    • processor:
    1+ GHz, 2+ cores, 64-bit NO PROBLEM
    BUT: AMD Ryzen 2000 OR 8th Gen Intel Core i3 or i5 only CPUs ‘officially’ supported?
    motherboard must be compatible with & fast enough to keep up with CPU. some motherboards not
    recommended for locked CPUs; I don’t know if above CPUs come from factory locked, but I think
    CPUs can be unlocked using software, BUT how hard is that to do?
    • graphics card: compatible with DirectX 12+, WDDM 2.0 driver

    Any constructive observations, suggestions or advice appreciated.
     
  4. Anon-e88bcb5f0b

    Anon-e88bcb5f0b Anonymized

    Not answering your question, but you mostly mentioned specs - and that's not even half the picture. What do you use your computer for? Browsing, social media, Office, music, photos, games? And how do you mostly use your computer? At desk? Bigger screen? Or you want flexibility of reading stuff while sitting in your easy chair or even lying down? I think I would focus more on usage -- and only then look at types/specs to match.

    For illustration, if I prefer mobility - even mobility inside my house - then a big ol' "all in one" desktop would be a poor fit. Instead, I love using my touch screen 2-in-1 laptop. And for bedtime reading, I use a 7-in tablet instead. But how would people know what to recommend if I don't mention what I use my computer for and how I like to use it? Hope this helps.
     
  5. Skullduggery's Dupe

    Skullduggery's Dupe Master Sergeant

    Good points all. OK, I use computers for everything you mentioned (and more), except for games. And I don’t create animated movies. So that’s why I don’t think I need a high-end CPU, GPU or display.

    I use laptops mostly sitting at a desk or table, but I could use one anywhere, really, including (occasionally) out in the wilderness. But I would bring one along outdoors only if I had to work on an important task or I was waiting for an important email, and it would be rare for me to have to do something like that outdoors, so I wouldn’t be lugging it all over the place. So I really wouldn’t mind carrying one along in a shoulder bag.

    Speaking of being out in the wilderness, that’s why I need cell tech (4G LTE, 5G, etc.), since Wi-Fi (and Bluetooth) work only at short range.

    And yeah, I want a large display. It’s easier to see what’s there, and I could have more windows open at a readable size that way. And the only use I’d have for a laptop while lying down would be to stream something to the TV, which of course is much larger than the largest laptop display.

    Anyway, now I’m thinking of just buying something already running under Windows 11, rather than worrying about whether something running under Windows 10 would be upgradeable.

    So if all that suggests anything relevant to you, I’d like to hear it. Thanks.
     
  6. Anon-e88bcb5f0b

    Anon-e88bcb5f0b Anonymized

    After 35 years of desktop, I converted to 13-in laptop (XPS13 2-in-1 convertible touchscreen) about 4 years ago and have never looked back. I love being able to use my computer both at my desk and sitting in my reading chair. Subjective, but 13-in works well for me. I think 15-in. is probably the biggest I would go for a laptop that I might also wish to carry outdoors into the wilds. YMMV.

    Given your computing needs, I think I would look for Asus or Acer or HP or Lenovo - with CPU in the i5 range (or its AMD equivalent). If you buy new, you can pretty much expect Win 11 preinstalled, with bluetooth and Wifi. One way of saving money is to google "best" laptop dated 2-3 years back and shop for them at Amazon or Bestbuy.com - refurbished. Just make sure they are Win 11 compliant.

    One other thing that's 'nice to have' but not essential at all: buy something that takes advantage of Win 10 / 11's "Windows Hello" biometrics - which allow you to sign in with face recognition or fingerprint.
     
  7. plodr

    plodr Major Geek Super Extraordinaire

    Refurbed 15" Acer running Windows 10 $250
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/255025195933

    Note is has a small hd and only 4GB of RAM but the price is good so you'd have extra $$$ to spend on RAM.
     
  8. Skullduggery's Dupe

    Skullduggery's Dupe Master Sergeant

    Thanks for the tip, but when I try to ask the seller a question, it turns out they have their account set up to automatically, immediately respond something to the effect of "We're too busy to talk to you."
     

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