Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi all! We have been experiencing an issue on site where threads have been missing the latest postings. The platform host Vanilla are working on this issue. A workaround that has been used by some is to navigate back from 1 to 10+ pages to re-sync the thread and this will then show the latest posts. Thanks, Mike.
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Buying a Laptop: The current Generation

1293032343550

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,948 ✭✭✭✭Mars Bar


    I think a Dell XPS15 is worth a look:

    http://www.dell.com/en-ie/shop/laptops/xps-15/spd/xps-15-9560-laptop

    It is over budget, but not hugely so. It should fit the bill, slick slim design, 15" screen and powerful. The GPU is quite decent too, and I would expect it to handle CIV okay (although you might research this a bit yourself).
    Phantasos wrote: »

    I've been watching reviews and the XPS 15 looks like it might be worth holding out for another while and finding the funds!

    Also, there appears to be a 2018 refresh of the XPS 15 coming out this year so do you think we will see a price drop on the older XPS 15?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,157 ✭✭✭✭Alanstrainor


    Mars Bar wrote: »
    I've been watching reviews and the XPS 15 looks like it might be worth holding out for another while and finding the funds!

    Also, there appears to be a 2018 refresh of the XPS 15 coming out this year so do you think we will see a price drop on the older XPS 15?

    Not so sure. Generally you would just see the new processors coming in and the old no longer being sold. If you can wait the 8th gen Intel processors are worth it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,299 ✭✭✭Mike Litoris


    How about this

    6_big.png?1362

    Chassis & Display
    Recoil Series: 15.6" Matte Full HD 72 % NTSC LED Widescreen (1920x1080)
    Processor (CPU)
    Intel® Core™ i7 Six Core Processor 8750H (2.2GHz, 4.1GHz Turbo)
    Memory (RAM)
    8GB Corsair 2400MHz SODIMM DDR4 (1 x 8GB)
    Graphics Card
    NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1050 Ti - 4.0GB GDDR5 Video RAM - DirectX® 12.1
    1st Hard Disk
    1TB SEAGATE FIRECUDA 2.5" SSHD - UP TO 5X FASTER THAN HDD!
    1st M.2 SSD Drive
    128GB M.2 2280, SATA 6Gb/s (560MB/R, 467MB/W)
    Memory Card Reader
    Integrated 2 in 1 Memory Card Reader (SD, MMC)
    AC Adaptor
    1 x 150W AC Adaptor
    Battery
    Recoil II Series 46WH Lithium Ion Battery
    Power Cable
    1 x 1 Metre Cloverleaf UK Power Cable
    Thermal Paste
    STANDARD THERMAL PASTE FOR SUFFICIENT COOLING
    Sound Card
    2 Channel High Def. Audio + SoundBlaster™ Cinema 3
    Bluetooth & Wireless
    GIGABIT LAN & WIRELESS INTEL® AC-9560 M.2 (1.73Gbps, 802.11AC) +BT 5.0
    USB Options
    1 x USB 3.1 PORT (Type C) + 2 x USB 3.1 PORTS + 1 x USB 2.0 PORT
    Keyboard Language
    PER-KEY RGB BACKLIT UK MECHANICAL KEYBOARD
    Operating System
    Genuine Windows 10 Home 64 Bit - inc. Single Licence [KUK-00001]


    Price €1,234.00 including VAT and delivery

    Unique URL to re-configure : https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/saved-configurations/recoil-ii-15/buK6cRk5Ms/


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,157 ✭✭✭✭Alanstrainor


    That's some beast for the cash.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,299 ✭✭✭Mike Litoris


    That's some beast for the cash.


    Thinking of getting a variation of it myself with a 1060gtx. Bought a beast from them 4 years. Never had an issue except its a big 17" monster at well over 4kg and the fans are a bit noisy during gaming. The above Recoil looks a waif compared to it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,948 ✭✭✭✭Mars Bar


    How about this

    Jesus! I'll definitely have a look at that!


  • Registered Users Posts: 152 ✭✭thegeezer


    Worked in IT all my life. Two tears ago stuck with decision what to buy after realized my baby could no longer cut the mustard (still have her btw). Massive angst and research - bought medion P7643 erazer 16GB RAM, i7, SSD + 1TB SATA, seprate graphics card etc.
    Short story short, you call support, they actually understand what you are talking about, and WANT to help.
    I wont go outside this company now unless they get sold on. THE best compu I have ever invested in.

    Just saying


  • Moderators, Education Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 35,100 Mod ✭✭✭✭AlmightyCushion


    Seen this on HUKD and it looks like a good deal.

    https://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/asus-156-inch-gaming-intel-i5-7300hq-processor-nvidia-gtx-1060-8gb-ram-1tb-hdd-128gb-ssd-windows-10-78999-amazon-2934448

    Intel i5-7300HQ
    Dedicated NVidia GTX 1060 Graphics card
    8GB Memory
    1TB Hard drive and 128GB SSD Storage
    Single Backlit Keyboard

    £790 from Amazon.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,157 ✭✭✭✭Alanstrainor


    Seen this on HUKD and it looks like a good deal.

    https://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/asus-156-inch-gaming-intel-i5-7300hq-processor-nvidia-gtx-1060-8gb-ram-1tb-hdd-128gb-ssd-windows-10-78999-amazon-2934448

    Intel i5-7300HQ
    Dedicated NVidia GTX 1060 Graphics card
    8GB Memory
    1TB Hard drive and 128GB SSD Storage
    Single Backlit Keyboard

    £790 from Amazon.

    That wins. Incredible value.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,948 ✭✭✭✭Mars Bar


    That wins. Incredible value.

    This is where my shallowness kicks in and I say that's an ugly as fudge laptop! It's also heavier than my current Mac.


  • Moderators, Education Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 35,100 Mod ✭✭✭✭AlmightyCushion


    Mars Bar wrote: »
    This is where my shallowness kicks in and I say that's an ugly as fudge laptop! It's also heavier than my current Mac.

    For some reason, gaming means a laptop has to be gaudy as fúck so looks wise for a gaming laptop, it's surprisingly low key. But each to their own. As for weight, if you're looking for something to play games then weigh, heat, size etc are gonna take a bit of a hit. The graphics card and cooling have to go somewhere. You have a 13" laptop with a dual core processor and integerated graphics. Any thing with a decent graphics card is gonna be heavier than that.

    It's the reason my last laptop wasn't a gaming one. I'd rather a smaller, lighter, cooler laptop overall and just save the games for my desktop.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,948 ✭✭✭✭Mars Bar


    For some reason, gaming means a laptop has to be gaudy as fúck so looks wise for a gaming laptop, it's surprisingly low key. But each to their own. As for weight, if you're looking for something to play games then weigh, heat, size etc are gonna take a bit of a hit. The graphics card and cooling have to go somewhere. You have a 13" laptop with a dual core processor and integerated graphics. Any thing with a decent graphics card is gonna be heavier than that.

    It's the reason my last laptop wasn't a gaming one. I'd rather a smaller, lighter, cooler laptop overall and just save the games for my desktop.

    My sister has an MSI and it's a brick of a thing!

    I guess I really need to sort out my priorities. It's the graphics that's letting Civ Vi down for me.

    My laptop is my only computing item. I'd love to commit to having a light cheap laptop and a separate desktop someday!


  • Moderators, Education Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 35,100 Mod ✭✭✭✭AlmightyCushion


    Mars Bar wrote: »
    My sister has an MSI and it's a brick of a thing!

    I guess I really need to sort out my priorities. It's the graphics that's letting Civ Vi down for me.

    My laptop is my only computing item. I'd love to commit to having a light cheap laptop and a separate desktop someday!

    Another thing to note is that a high performance laptop (quad core CPU and good GPU) will produce more heat, which can be annoying and the power adapter can be a brick of a thing. Gaming laptops have gotten a lot better than they were a few years ago but there are a few compromises you'd have to make coming from your macbook.

    Could you spend the €1200 on a desktop for gaming and keep your macbook for portability?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,948 ✭✭✭✭Mars Bar


    Another thing to note is that a high performance laptop (quad core CPU and good GPU) will produce more heat, which can be annoying and the power adapter can be a brick of a thing. Gaming laptops have gotten a lot better than they were a few years ago but there are a few compromises you'd have to make coming from your macbook.

    My MacBook gets fierce hot and is so noisy that I'm kind of used to it now.
    Could you spend the €1200 on a desktop for gaming and keep your macbook for portability?


    Not really as I plan on moving abroad again when the opportunity comes up.

    To be honest I'm really fancying that Recoil II from pcstation!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,299 ✭✭✭Mike Litoris


    That Asus is seriously good value. It has a 1060 too!! 2.5kg is light enough for a gaming laptop. That's one of the better looking gaming laptops too. Some can be quite industrial looking.


    The worst thing about them is the noise and the need for a laptop cushion or something if you're gaming with it on your lap. The vents need plenty of clearance.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,948 ✭✭✭✭Mars Bar


    That Asus is seriously good value. It has a 1060 too!! 2.5kg is light enough for a gaming laptop. That's one of the better looking gaming laptops too. Some can be quite industrial looking.


    The worst thing about them is the noise and the need for a laptop cushion or something if you're gaming with it on your lap. The vents need plenty of clearance.

    I have a cooling stand for my lap so that's sorted :)


  • Moderators, Education Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 35,100 Mod ✭✭✭✭AlmightyCushion


    Mars Bar wrote: »
    My MacBook gets fierce hot and is so noisy that I'm kind of used to it now.




    Not really as I plan on moving abroad again when the opportunity comes up.

    To be honest I'm really fancying that Recoil II from pcstation!

    You can upgrade from a 1050 to a 6GB 1060 on that laptop for €125. I know that's over your budget but it's a pretty good upgrade.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,948 ✭✭✭✭Mars Bar


    I can be quite impulsive so I'm trying to keep doing research to stop me pressing the buy button.

    Spotted this

    https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/hp-pavilion-power-15-6-intel-core-i7-gtx-1050-gaming-laptop-1-tb-hdd-10164665-pdt.html

    What do you guys think?

    The same laptop in Currys in Ireland is €1,350.

    My parents are going to Liverpool tomorrow so I could have them pick one up in Sterling for me over there.


  • Moderators, Education Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 35,100 Mod ✭✭✭✭AlmightyCushion


    Mars Bar wrote: »
    I can be quite impulsive so I'm trying to keep doing research to stop me pressing the buy button.

    Spotted this

    https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/hp-pavilion-power-15-6-intel-core-i7-gtx-1050-gaming-laptop-1-tb-hdd-10164665-pdt.html

    What do you guys think?

    The same laptop in Currys in Ireland is €1,350.

    My parents are going to Liverpool tomorrow so I could have them pick one up in Sterling for me over there.

    Looks good to me. Only big downside is the lack of an SSD drive but apparently that model has an m2 slot so you could buy one and add it in. It wouldn't cost much. A good 250GB model would be less than €100.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,948 ✭✭✭✭Mars Bar


    Looks good to me. Only big downside is the lack of an SSD drive but apparently that model has an m2 slot so you could buy one and add it in. It wouldn't cost much. A good 250GB model would be less than €100.

    Amazon are doing the same laptop at the same price but with an added 128gb SSD!


  • Advertisement
  • Moderators, Education Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 35,100 Mod ✭✭✭✭AlmightyCushion


    Mars Bar wrote: »
    Amazon are doing the same laptop at the same price but with an added 128gb SSD!

    Do you have a link?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,948 ✭✭✭✭Mars Bar


    https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/B0733B54SZ/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new

    Although I went for the £928 option that was direct from Amazon. The £899 was from a store and Amazon are only fulfilling the delivery. My sister said it would be easier if I had any issues to deal with Amazon directly. She's getting it delivered via Prime and my parents are bringing it home with them on Tuesday!


  • Registered Users Posts: 321 ✭✭h0neybadger


    Hi guys,

    The Mrs wants a laptop.

    She’s got her heart set on a 17”, but I have suggested she looks at 15.6” ones.

    No gaming requirements.

    Just a solid fast, snappy machine with a backlit keyboard and a good trackpad. I’d also like a great display on it, as she does like movies etc.


    I’ve also got a spare stick of this

    Crucial CT16G4SFD824A 16 GB (DDR4, 2400 MT/s, PC4-19200, DRx8, SODIMM, 260-Pin) Memory

    If that’s any help in finding something solid!

    Any help would be great!

    Budget is max €800.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 31,948 ✭✭✭✭Mars Bar


    Mars Bar wrote: »
    https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/B0733B54SZ/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new

    Although I went for the £928 option that was direct from Amazon. The £899 was from a store and Amazon are only fulfilling the delivery. My sister said it would be easier if I had any issues to deal with Amazon directly. She's getting it delivered via Prime and my parents are bringing it home with them on Tuesday!

    My sister pulled a big one out of the bag and found the black version of the one quoted above with 4GB VRAM as opposed to 2GB VRAM in John Lewis for £880. That leaves me a tiny bit of change from €1,000 which is amazing! My sister turned it on and checked that everything is ok on it, although, I'm a little bit sad that I don't get to do the unboxing. :o

    Thanks a million to everyone who gave an opinion and guided me to different laptops! Can't wait to get it now.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 634 ✭✭✭IrishPhoenix


    Anyone seen any deals on laptops with a 512GB SSD or a smaller SSD + HDD combo please? Looking for an i5, preferably 8th gen, processor with it. I mostly have seen ones with 256GB SSD and that's just not sufficient storage for me.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 29,930 ✭✭✭✭TerrorFirmer


    Be cheaper to buy a laptop with 8th gen i5-8250 or whatever with a 128GB SSD for €450-500 and just upgrade it yourself. A prebuilt laptop with 512GB SSD would be likely obscenely expensive relative to the actual price difference between a 256 and 512GB SSD.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 164 ✭✭sean61


    Hi all,
    I'm looking for a new laptop with a budget of about 700. It will be used for spreadsheets, streaming video, some 3d modelling and occasional video and photo editing. I may also do some gaming but probably not a lot.

    Due to the 3d modelling and video editing I lean towards laptops with dedicated graphics and I've just seen the following laptop online: https://mekonmobile.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=726

    Does this seem like a good deal?


  • Moderators, Education Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 35,100 Mod ✭✭✭✭AlmightyCushion


    sean61 wrote: »
    Hi all,
    I'm looking for a new laptop with a budget of about 700. It will be used for spreadsheets, streaming video, some 3d modelling and occasional video and photo editing. I may also do some gaming but probably not a lot.

    Due to the 3d modelling and video editing I lean towards laptops with dedicated graphics and I've just seen the following laptop online: https://mekonmobile.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=726

    Does this seem like a good deal?

    Spec wise it's pretty good. Although I've never heard of them so might want to do your research on them and also, that price is excluding VAT. Assuming your budget includes VAT then adding VAT and converting to euro probably brings it closer to €900.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 164 ✭✭sean61


    Spec wise it's pretty good. Although I've never heard of them so might want to do your research on them and also, that price is excluding VAT. Assuming your budget includes VAT then adding VAT and converting to euro probably brings it closer to €900.

    I've never heard of them either so I might want to look into that.
    For the VAT, I went as far as the shipping with the purchase and no VAT was added on so I'm not quiet sure what's happening there. For outside EU maybe?


  • Registered Users Posts: 144 ✭✭Mrdata.


    Sorry don't know how to post links on mobile.

    https://www.dell.com/en-ie/shop/laptops/inspiron-13-5000-2-in-1/spd/inspiron-13-5379-2-in-1-laptop?view=configurations

    Can get this for 527 with the 12% discount Dell are currently running.
    Looking around but can't see any alternative?
    Anyone got this model or opinions on build quality etc?
    Would upgrade the ram in the near future.

    Same model with 8250u and 8gb ram is around 700 but don't know if could stretch to that.
    The laptop would just be for general use but would like it to last a few years so don't know if should just stump up the cash now and go for the 8250u.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,068 ✭✭✭MarkY91


    Hi guys.

    Currently in the market for a new laptop. My currently one is a Lenovo z580. Good 5 years old no and the HDD is ****ed. Takes 30 mins of powering on and off before it comes on properly.

    I'm only getting one for upcoming assignments on s course I enrolled in. It would be handy too for travelling around Asia watching movies and transfer stuff over from a go pro.

    I'm really liking these flip/touch screen laptops I seen in shops as I'm really used to touchscreen devices these days (it would be really handy for movie apps) and being able to bend it into a laptop shape would be good for airplanes I guess.

    The one below looks handy but I'm hoping you experts can find something better for less. Really don't want to be spending over €450..ish.

    So what I'm aiming for is small enough screen below 15", lightweight, assignments, typical web browsing like YouTube and watching movie on when traveling to replace using my phone.


    ASUS ZenBook Flip UX360CA-C4030T 13.3-Inch 360-Degree Touchscreen Notebook (Intel Core-M 6Y30 Processor, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, Bluetooth 4.0, Windows 10, Cortana Ready)-Grey https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01HIWOTJ0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_OcvqBbGMR1Z81


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,258 ✭✭✭✭y0ssar1an22


    hey guys,

    i'm currently in the market for a new laptop so am looking for a few recommendations or recommendations of where to get a good a laptop.

    have 2 criteria only...SSD and 15.6" screen. budget of €350 or less. it will only be used for internet, Netflix, nothing too onerous.

    i did recently buy an internal SSD so that is an option to put into new laptop, however I banjaxed my current laptop installing it so a bit apprehensive about this.

    Thanks very much.


  • Posts: 18,962 [Deleted User]


    hey guys,

    i'm currently in the market for a new laptop so am looking for a few recommendations or recommendations of where to get a good a laptop.

    have 2 criteria only...SSD and 15.6" screen. budget of €350 or less. it will only be used for internet, Netflix, nothing too onerous.

    i did recently buy an internal SSD so that is an option to put into new laptop, however I banjaxed my current laptop installing it so a bit apprehensive about this.

    Thanks very much.

    15.6 inch screens are being phased out a lot due to the preference for lighter laptops, especially at the budget end.

    here is a decent option only 10 euro above your budget

    it's 14 inch but that size screen does not seem small

    ssd and cpu that is perfectly fine for your uses.

    it says 4 hours battery life but I think that that information is not correct as that cpu is very power efficient.

    https://www.currys.ie/ieen/computing/laptops/laptops/asus-vivobook-f407ma-14-intel-pentium-laptop-256-gb-ssd-grey-10181701-pdt.html


    user reviews here

    https://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/asus-vivobook-f407ma-14-intel-pentium-laptop-256-gb-ssd-grey-10181701-pdt.html

    one user said that it used 20% battery life in 90 minutes so that would back up the incorrect battery life suspicion.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,258 ✭✭✭✭y0ssar1an22


    thanks glasso. was very close to purchasing that today!

    dont wanna jump the gun too quick so was doing some more research. what do you guys make of the following?

    https://www.laptopsdirect.ie/refurbished-hp-pavilion-15-cw505sa-amd-ryzen-3-2300u-4gb-128gb-15.6-inch-ra-a2-4aw19ea/version.asp

    or indeed that website in general and refurbished laptops?

    thanks


  • Posts: 18,962 [Deleted User]


    thanks glasso. was very close to purchasing that today!

    dont wanna jump the gun too quick so was doing some more research. what do you guys make of the following?

    https://www.laptopsdirect.ie/refurbished-hp-pavilion-15-cw505sa-amd-ryzen-3-2300u-4gb-128gb-15.6-inch-ra-a2-4aw19ea/version.asp

    or indeed that website in general and refurbished laptops?

    thanks

    have never bought from them. most have ok experiences I believe. some bad. refurbished usually ok.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,080 ✭✭✭✭Maximus Alexander


    thanks glasso. was very close to purchasing that today!

    dont wanna jump the gun too quick so was doing some more research. what do you guys make of the following?

    https://www.laptopsdirect.ie/refurbished-hp-pavilion-15-cw505sa-amd-ryzen-3-2300u-4gb-128gb-15.6-inch-ra-a2-4aw19ea/version.asp

    or indeed that website in general and refurbished laptops?

    thanks

    I bought a new laptop from them a 2 years ago and they were a little slow to ship if I remember right, but other than that everything was in order and the price is hard to beat.

    I also ordered a refurbished Samsung Galaxy S7 from them last year (Grade A1) and it was brand new in the box. Shipped in a timely fashion. As far as I could tell the box seal had been broken, but the phone had never been switched on and still had all the little bits of protective plastic on it etc.

    I'd use them again.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,258 ✭✭✭✭y0ssar1an22


    thanks for the comments and suggestions. in the end this is what i went for

    https://www.currys.ie/ieen/computing/laptops/laptops/acer-aspire-3-a315-51-15-6-intel-core-i3-laptop-128-gb-ssd-black-10180988-pdt.html


    glasso, you may have been right about the 15.6" screen. its a tad bulky but it'll be grand.

    thanks


  • Posts: 18,962 [Deleted User]


    thanks for the comments and suggestions. in the end this is what i went for

    https://www.currys.ie/ieen/computing/laptops/laptops/acer-aspire-3-a315-51-15-6-intel-core-i3-laptop-128-gb-ssd-black-10180988-pdt.html


    glasso, you may have been right about the 15.6" screen. its a tad bulky but it'll be grand.

    thanks

    not pretty at all but decent specs for the money. maybe upgrade to 8gb ram down the line.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,809 ✭✭✭edanto



    I recently bought a refurbished laptop from them and am now about to return it hoping for a full refund.

    The laptop arrived with a non-English keyboard (it's a QWERTY keyboard, but has many non-english letters and all the symbols are in unusual places) and the battery is in terrible condition.

    It's frustrating since I've gone to the hassle of migrating to this new laptop and will now be repeating that after I return this one and purchase a new laptop elsewhere. That new purchase is why I'm in this thread.

    Their customer service were friendly but unyielding. I wanted them to send a UK Keyboard and a new battery or else pay for same but all they would offer is half what those parts would cost.

    I won't be using them again.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,721 ✭✭✭Balmed Out


    edanto wrote: »
    I recently bought a refurbished laptop from them and am now about to return it hoping for a full refund.

    The laptop arrived with a non-English keyboard (it's a QWERTY keyboard, but has many non-english letters and all the symbols are in unusual places) and the battery is in terrible condition.

    It's frustrating since I've gone to the hassle of migrating to this new laptop and will now be repeating that after I return this one and purchase a new laptop elsewhere. That new purchase is why I'm in this thread.

    Their customer service were friendly but unyielding. I wanted them to send a UK Keyboard and a new battery or else pay for same but all they would offer is half what those parts would cost.

    I won't be using them again.

    What class was the refurb?


  • Posts: 18,962 [Deleted User]


    I think with refurbs it's best to only consider something with a recent chipset.

    that means it's less likely to be something with a knackered battery.

    pretty crap sending you a laptop with a foreign keyboard tho if it wasn't marked as such.

    wonder what country it was if it's qwerty tho


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,809 ✭✭✭edanto


    Balmed Out wrote: »
    What class was the refurb?

    T1 Graded ; this laptop.

    As to what country the keyboard belonged to; I don't know. Some of the keys on that I hadn't seen before included Å and Æ

    Either way, it's been exasperating dealing with them and they've only agreed today to give me a full refund. No compensation for the hassle; and it will be two to three weeks after they collect it before I get the funds back.

    I've decided to spend a good deal more (yay birthday!) on the next laptop and would be interested in recommendations.

    Essentials:
    Win 10 Pro
    i5 chip or equivalent
    8GB RAM
    250 GB SSD
    Screen of ~15”
    Long battery life
    M2 slot or similar to add HDD (but I've only learned of their existence with AlmightyCushion's post above)

    Nice to have:
    Ability to expand RAM to 16GB
    Better chipset

    Planned usage; general office work; running a few light VMs. Never gaming.

    I'm considering something like https://www.laptopsdirect.ie/lenovo-thinkpad-e580-20ks-core-i5-8250u-8gb-256gb-ssd-15.6-inch-windows-10-20ks001juk/version.asp but not sure about dealing with laptops direct again. Not sure yet if it has M2, don't think so.


  • Registered Users Posts: 27 Benji20122012


    Hello,

    I need advise on a windows 10 laptop for light internet browsing. My maximum is 350E.


  • Posts: 18,962 [Deleted User]


    Hello,

    I need advise on a windows 10 laptop for light internet browsing. My maximum is 350E.

    here you go for 340 euro

    decent cpu (plenty fast for your uses - as good as last years i3 chips)

    faster type ssd drive

    15.6 inch screen

    http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/8577810/Trail/searchtext%3ELENOVO+330S.htm

    won't get better for the money new.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 303 ✭✭kevin7


    Any recommendations please?

    Budget around 500-600. SSD. 14inch screen max, would prefer 13" but 11 inch too small.

    I'd like the machine to be a dual purpose college-work and entertainment device.

    So, light and portable and a bit of robustness is good. Nothing too intensive needed...running Word and producing presentations for college. Internet and streaming otherwise. No gaming. I loved the transformation in speed that I found when my last hard drive went belly-up and I replaced it with a SSD. From a 3 minute boot up to a few seconds ... I want that from now on!

    I noticed this new (well new to me anyway) thing of a 2-in-1 which seems to mean a fully hinged screen so it can flip underneath and let the machine act like a tablet. Seems ideal for netflix when lounging. Is there a downside, or are these just quite expensive machines? Are they a great innovation or a complete pain and full of problems?! I get the feeling from a look around that these start at around €800, which is a bit too much for me.


    Would very much appreciate any advice - there seems to be a few knowledgeable people in here! Thanks.


  • Registered Users Posts: 86 ✭✭irishrepeat2


    Budget is ideally £400
    Non-Gamer
    Ideally i3 processor plus and SSD
    Okay battery and durability

    Option 1. LENOVO IdeaPad 330S-14IKB 14" Intel® Core™ i5 Laptop - 256 GB SSD, Blue - £399
    https://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/lenovo-ideapad-330s-14ikb-14-intelr-coretm-i5-laptop-256-gb-ssd-blue-399-currys-3191306

    However this will be for a business so I can avail of vat free prices on certain websites and therefore I use laptopsdirect.co.uk (any other websites please advice)

    2. Lenovo V130 Core i5-7200U 8GB 256GB DVD-RW 15.6 Inch £373
    https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/lenovo-v130-core-i5-7200u-4gb-256gb-ssd-dvd-rw-15.6-inch-windows-10-laptop-81hn00fauk/version.asp

    3. HP 240 G6 Core i5-7200U 8GB 256GB 14 Inch £333
    https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/hp-240-g6-core-i5-7200u-8gb-256gb-14-inch-windows-10-laptop-5jk05es/version.asp?switchc=p

    4. Lenovo V330-14ARR AMD Ryzen 5 2500U 8GB 256GB Radeon Vega 8 14 Inch FHD £324
    https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/lenovo-v330-14arr-ryzen-5-2500u-8gb-256gb-14-inch-windows-10-laptop-81b1001euk/version.asp?switchc=p

    5. HP 240 G6 Core i3-7020U 8GB 1TB 14 Inch £274
    https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/hp-240-g6-core-i3-7020u-8gb-1tb-14-inch-windows-10-laptop-5jk06es/version.asp

    Which of the above are best value for money do you feel?


  • Posts: 18,962 [Deleted User]


    the laptops direct lenovo has 8gb and better battery life claimed

    ryzen 2500u similar to i5 intel.

    is it new or refurbished?

    the screen may be better on the 330s tho


  • Registered Users Posts: 86 ✭✭irishrepeat2


    glasso wrote: »
    the laptops direct lenovo has 8gb and better battery life claimed

    ryzen 2500u similar to i5 intel.

    is it new or refurbished?

    the screen may be better on the 330s tho
    New. However the reviews are poor....apparently, the battery and screen are poor...


  • Posts: 18,962 [Deleted User]


    New. However the reviews are poor....apparently, the battery and screen are poor...

    battery life worse on other lenovo I think


  • Advertisement
Advertisement