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Buying a Laptop: The current Generation

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Comments

  • Posts: 18,962 [Deleted User]


    lawred2 wrote: »
    What's with the self important put down? Can I not be content with my purchase? :(

    Either way, it's relevant to budget with great value for money components wise. XPS machines are generally high end in both spec and cost.

    I'd add that it's also not that heavy. However the power supply is bloody heavy relatively speaking.

    13 inch screens wouldn't work for me anyway. Barely above tablet size. But that's not relevant here either.

    hi,

    I meant in the context of a laptop for the current discussion/ OP looking for a portable laptop. Not sure what else you were getting at in the current discussion unless you were just on to say that you bought a laptop?

    the G3 is 2.5kg so it definitely not for him.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,468 ✭✭✭✭lawred2


    glasso wrote: »
    hi,

    I meant in the context of a laptop for the current discussion/ OP looking for a portable laptop. Not sure what else you were getting at in the current discussion unless you were just on to say that you bought a laptop?

    the G3 is 2.5kg so it definitely not for him.

    Probably a touch of that alright ;)

    Mea culpa.

    I'd have loved to stretch for an XPS. I have an XPS desktop and all in one.


  • Posts: 18,962 [Deleted User]


    lawred2 wrote: »
    Probably a touch of that alright ;)

    Mea culpa.

    I'd have loved to stretch for an XPS. I have an XPS desktop and all in one.

    fair enough. the g3 is certainly a decent machine for some development work and some gaming, once you're not going to be carrying it around a lot.

    the xps 13 is expensive but does fall within his budget of €1400


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,413 ✭✭✭✭Trojan


    Thanks glasso, lawred2 & ednwireland for your suggestions, much appreciated.

    The XPS looks fabulous, and is probably the right choice if I want to spend the full budget. At the same time, the Latitude & G3 are pretty decent too, and certainly more budget friendly. I'm going to do some further research into all 3, thank you.

    A left field option, a friend of mine suggested I look at the Huawei laptops, especially the D14. Are any of theirs suitable for the requirements I listed above?


  • Posts: 18,962 [Deleted User]


    Trojan wrote: »
    Thanks glasso, lawred2 & ednwireland for your suggestions, much appreciated.

    The Inspiron looks fabulous, and is probably the right choice if I want to spend the full budget. At the same time, the Latitude & G3 are pretty decent too, and certainly more budget friendly. I'm going to do some further research into all 3, thank you.

    A left field option, a friend of mine suggested I look at the Huawei laptops, especially the D14. Are any of theirs suitable for the requirements I listed above?

    I see that the new 2020 model has just come out.

    yes it's a nice metal laptop at 650 £ less 30 £ rebate at checkout for the 1.38 kg 14.

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/HUAWEI-MateBook-2020-Multi-screen-Collaboration/dp/B083T5HFPX/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=matebook+d&qid=1583511690&sr=8-4

    downsides are doesn't seem to be available in 16gb ram and the ram is soldered so can't do it yourself

    also the screen has poor colour accuracy apparently but if you're not photo editing at a high level probably won't matter much.

    but it is decent for the money and a lot less the the xps.

    (it's xps, not inspiron)


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,384 ✭✭✭tom23


    Is a secondhand Lenovo X1 Carbon 3rd Generation i5 still worth buying in 2020? Better than a new sub 400 laptop?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,447 ✭✭✭run_Forrest_run


    tom23 wrote: »
    Is a secondhand Lenovo X1 Carbon 3rd Generation i5 still worth buying in 2020? Better than a new sub 400 laptop?

    I'm a big fan of buying well built second hand business level laptops over new ordinary consumer-level laptops you'd find in the likes of PC World and Harvey Norman.

    I recently bought a second hand high-spec Latitiude, it's practically brand new (albeit previous gen i5) with 16Gb RAM and an NVMe SSD running Windows 10 Pro for a lot less than anything half decent in the shops.

    Prior to that I bought a second hand Lenovo ThinkPad years ago and it's still performing very well. There is plenty of value to be had in well maintained second hand business level machines.

    So I would say yes :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,384 ✭✭✭tom23


    I'm a big fan of buying well built second hand business level laptops over new ordinary consumer-level laptops you'd find in the likes of PC World and Harvey Norman.

    I recently bought a second hand high-spec Latitiude, it's practically brand new (albeit previous gen i5) with 16Gb RAM and an NVMe SSD running Windows 10 Pro for a lot less than anything half decent in the shops.

    Prior to that I bought a second hand Lenovo ThinkPad years ago and it's still performing very well. There is plenty of value to be had in well maintained second hand business level machines.

    So I would say yes :)

    Cheers Forest... I didn't go for it in the end as it only 4gb of Ram (Glasso kindly advised the limitations of that) and it's soldered onto the board. I would of bit the hand of the seller if it had 8GB. Looking at 2016 Dell Inspiron 7000 2in1. In two minds. Paralysis by analysis. I do have to be conscious that I have a limited budget.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,468 ✭✭✭✭lawred2


    I'm a big fan of buying well built second hand business level laptops over new ordinary consumer-level laptops you'd find in the likes of PC World and Harvey Norman.

    I recently bought a second hand high-spec Latitiude, it's practically brand new (albeit previous gen i5) with 16Gb RAM and an NVMe SSD running Windows 10 Pro for a lot less than anything half decent in the shops.

    Prior to that I bought a second hand Lenovo ThinkPad years ago and it's still performing very well. There is plenty of value to be had in well maintained second hand business level machines.

    So I would say yes :)

    where do you source them?


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,384 ✭✭✭tom23


    lawred2 wrote: »
    where do you source them?

    I have that question to...


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,447 ✭✭✭run_Forrest_run


    lawred2 wrote: »
    where do you source them?

    I bought the Lenovo from some chap on adverts.ie, can't remember who it was (long time ago) but I bought the Latitude from this DoneDeal seller. He's based in Cork so it suited me and I met him recently, seems like a nice lad and knows his stuff about laptops*.

    *Disclaimer: I'm only speaking from my own experience and have no affiliation with the above seller.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,992 ✭✭✭DavyD_83


    Sorry to double post, but this thread gets much more traffic than the rest of the forum.
    I kinda need to pick up a laptop ASAP (like half the country) to let me work from home a little better.

    Work from home laptop; no video editing or anything heavy, mostly MS Office and a bunch of web-based tools.
    All things being equal, would you choose/advise Ryzen 5 or intel i5?

    Ryzen 5
    https://www.currys.ie/ieen/computing...90038-pdt.html

    Intel i5
    https://www.dell.com/en-ie/shop/lapt...laptop/cn33502

    Not really sure I can see any other difference in the specs, and price is essentially the same.
    Covid work from home has forced me to upgrade (current laptop just isn't workable);

    I had set my budget as <500, but at a stretch will go to €550.

    Which of the above would you go for, or any other options I'm missing in our around same specs and price?
    Ideally B&M, but was willing to cope with Dell delivery, and if it's somewhere that takes All4One vouchers better again.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,447 ✭✭✭run_Forrest_run


    @DavyD_83 none of those links work


  • Registered Users Posts: 159 ✭✭captainshamroc


    Sorry if I'm clogging the thread up with another laptop advice request but I would love any advice going.
    I've had work laptop's for 25 years so have never bought one before and the range out there is huge. Work got taken over and new company isn't as hands off as my last. I'm not allowed install certain programs. Had to delete utorrent etc. so getting my own laptop.

    I'm looking for something to last a good few years
    Doesn't have to be very portable. Main use is web browsing - On my lap while watching tv for a few hours every night so good heat dissipation and not too heavy. Watching movies in bed- downloaded or Nexflix/Amazon. Some go pro video editing, a little photo editing. Play the odd game. Mostly RTS but don't want a gaming laptop as they are too big and heavy.
    Storage doesn't have to be huge as I have a good sized NAS at home.
    My current work laptop is a Dell Lattitude 5480 and its pretty decent even though I find Dell quality poor(had more problems with this is 10 months than previous Thinkpad in 6 years).
    Budget is hard to justify more that 1000. I get 15% off Dell website laptops so that is an option if people think my experience is just unlucky and I should go with them.
    Thanks in advance for any responses.


  • Posts: 18,962 [Deleted User]


    Sorry if I'm clogging the thread up with another laptop advice request but I would love any advice going.
    I've had work laptop's for 25 years so have never bought one before and the range out there is huge. Work got taken over and new company isn't as hands off as my last. I'm not allowed install certain programs. Had to delete utorrent etc. so getting my own laptop.

    I'm looking for something to last a good few years
    Doesn't have to be very portable. Main use is web browsing - On my lap while watching tv for a few hours every night so good heat dissipation and not too heavy. Watching movies in bed- downloaded or Nexflix/Amazon. Some go pro video editing, a little photo editing. Play the odd game. Mostly RTS but don't want a gaming laptop as they are too big and heavy.
    Storage doesn't have to be huge as I have a good sized NAS at home.
    My current work laptop is a Dell Lattitude 5480 and its pretty decent even though I find Dell quality poor(had more problems with this is 10 months than previous Thinkpad in 6 years).
    Budget is hard to justify more that 1000. I get 15% off Dell website laptops so that is an option if people think my experience is just unlucky and I should go with them.
    Thanks in advance for any responses.

    take a look at the dell 7000 14 in this thread

    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2058061270


  • Registered Users Posts: 159 ✭✭captainshamroc


    glasso wrote: »
    take a look at the dell 7000 14 in this thread

    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2058061270

    Thanks Glasso. Saw a 7000 15 in PC world over the weekend but this looks better. Will have a good look at it.


  • Registered Users Posts: 455 ✭✭Dont Be at It


    DavyD_83 wrote: »
    I kinda need to pick up a laptop ASAP (like half the country) to let me work from home a little better.

    Work from home laptop; no video editing or anything heavy, mostly MS Office and a bunch of web-based tools.

    Covid work from home has forced me to upgrade (current laptop just isn't workable);

    I had set my budget as <500, but at a stretch will go to €550.

    I'm in the same boat . Any recommendations for a laptop with:
    -8GB RAM
    -15 inch display (think 14 might be a bit small for working from home)
    -SSD
    -ideally <€500 (stretch to €550 maybe :P)

    Am I expecting too much with that budget?

    @Glasso some of your suggestions from a couple months back seem to have gone up in price to the €600-€700 bracket, I think.

    Cheers guys,


  • Posts: 18,962 [Deleted User]


    stock and availability seems to be going down

    closest that I could find @ 580 euro

    https://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/3068984/Trail/searchtext%3ERYZEN+5.htm


    or you could buy a ryzen 3 with ssd and upgrade the ram yourself with an 8gb ddr4 sodimm later from amazon

    https://www.argos.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?storeId=10152&catalogId=15051&langId=111&searchTerms=RYZEN+3&authToken=365346018%252Cic08ZRIFRv9HVG%252BJv3kNAdUrPJ8%253D


  • Registered Users Posts: 455 ✭✭Dont Be at It


    glasso wrote: »
    stock and availability seems to be going down

    closest that I could find @ 580 euro

    https://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/3068984/Trail/searchtext%3ERYZEN+5.htm


    or you could buy a ryzen 3 with ssd and upgrade the ram yourself with an 8gb ddr4 sodimm later from amazon

    https://www.argos.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?storeId=10152&catalogId=15051&langId=111&searchTerms=RYZEN+3&authToken=365346018%252Cic08ZRIFRv9HVG%252BJv3kNAdUrPJ8%253D

    Thanks for your help, glasso.
    Went for the Lenovo IdeaPad S340.
    https://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/2017541/Trail/searchtext%3ERYZEN+3.htm

    Re the additional RAM - is this one you were talking about? - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crucial-CT8G4SFS8266-PC4-21300-Single-260-Pin/dp/B071KNKBQ1/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=8gb+ddr4+sodimm&qid=1584564648&sr=8-1
    And that slots in to add onto the existing 4GB (bringing total to 12GB) or does it replace the existing 4GB?

    Cheers again


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  • Posts: 18,962 [Deleted User]


    most likely it has only 1 slot.

    so you will replace it.

    that link will do fine

    not much resale value for 4gb sodimm as most will be looking for min 8.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,437 ✭✭✭weemcd


    Just FYI for anyone looking a solid laptop I have a fairly new HP Pavillion laptop in work and it's a brilliant machine. Way better than the Acer i7 laptop I bought a couple of years ago.

    Spec is i5, 8GB RAM, not sure on the hard drive, and while it's never had to do anything too strenuous, but always been solid. Nice build quality on it, looks nice, good finish on all the materials. I'll likely not buy another computer for years but I'd be looking at these if I was.


  • Posts: 18,962 [Deleted User]


    weemcd wrote: »
    Just FYI for anyone looking a solid laptop I have a fairly new HP Pavillion laptop in work and it's a brilliant machine. Way better than the Acer i7 laptop I bought a couple of years ago.

    Spec is i5, 8GB RAM, not sure on the hard drive, and while it's never had to do anything too strenuous, but always been solid. Nice build quality on it, looks nice, good finish on all the materials. I'll likely not buy another computer for years but I'd be looking at these if I was.

    you'd have to really provide a link to the exact model and price for people so they can compare.

    there are a lot of laptops in the pavilion range.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,437 ✭✭✭weemcd


    Don't have exact model. Similar to this


  • Posts: 18,962 [Deleted User]


    one of those is a gaming laptop

    the other one you can't see the name identifier.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,437 ✭✭✭weemcd


    glasso wrote: »
    one of those is a gaming laptop

    the other one you can't see the name identifier.

    Don't buy them then


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  • Posts: 18,962 [Deleted User]


    my point is that you really have to identify the exact model and be able to show what price it is.

    despite what you may think, it's not really being helpful otherwise.

    what you effectively said is analogous to "I recommend Ford cars with 2 litre engines"


  • Registered Users Posts: 30 SilverangelA5


    I am looking for a recommendation for a laptop for home and work.

    I am a teacher and do alot of notes on word and powerpoint presentations. I teach a design based subject so use alot of photographs of art and design work and edit very basic demo videos for publication on you tube, teams office 365 etc.

    I am willing to spend what is necessary bit dont want to spend money that is not neccessary.

    Would I need a stand alone graphics card?

    Thanks for any suggestions you may have.


  • Posts: 18,962 [Deleted User]


    I am looking for a recommendation for a laptop for home and work.

    I am a teacher and do alot of notes on word and powerpoint presentations. I teach a design based subject so use alot of photographs of art and design work and edit very basic demo videos for publication on you tube, teams office 365 etc.

    I am willing to spend what is necessary bit dont want to spend money that is not neccessary.

    Would I need a stand alone graphics card?

    Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

    I recommend this as it has decent specs in terms of cpu power, ram, fast hard-drive, decent IPS screen, good build quality (metal case) and is fairly light.

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Huawei-MateBook-2020-Multi-screen-Collaboration/dp/B083WXVJ13/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=matebook+d15+2020&qid=1586121438&sr=8-

    works out just over 600 euros - you didn't mention your budget

    it will handle your described video editing (which is more about cpu power actually than gpu/graphics card)

    be aware that this model has sold out in the past on amazon but seems to be currently available.


  • Registered Users Posts: 30 SilverangelA5


    glasso wrote: »
    I recommend this as it has decent specs in terms of cpu power, ram, fast hard-drive, decent IPS screen, good build quality (metal case) and is fairly light.

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Huawei-MateBook-2020-Multi-screen-Collaboration/dp/B083WXVJ13/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=matebook+d15+2020&qid=1586121438&sr=8-

    works out just over 600 euros - you didn't mention your budget

    it will handle your described video editing (which is more about cpu power actually than gpu/graphics card)

    be aware that this model has sold out in the past on amazon but seems to be currently available.

    Thanks a million. Much appreciated.

    I dont have a budget so I would be willing to spend whatever would get me good suitable computer .

    My reason for coming on here looking for some advice is that I dont want to spend money on a laptop with specs way beyond what I would ever use.

    Thanks again


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,977 ✭✭✭NewbridgeIR


    Hi. Currently running a Dell Inspiron 7520. Purchased 2013. Heavily used on a daily basis. Ran a system information report in case it ever failed
    Processor: Intel Core i7
    Installed physical memory 8GB
    Running Windows 10 and files fully backed up to external drive

    It’s currently not booting up so unless I can fix, will need to replace. Looking for recommendations for an equivalent or slightly better machine. No budget. Thanks.


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  • Posts: 18,962 [Deleted User]


    Hi. Currently running a Dell Inspiron 7520. Purchased 2013. Heavily used on a daily basis. Ran a system information report in case it ever failed
    Processor: Intel Core i7
    Installed physical memory 8GB
    Running Windows 10 and files fully backed up to external drive

    It’s currently not booting up so unless I can fix, will need to replace. Looking for recommendations for an equivalent or slightly better machine. No budget. Thanks.

    please indicate usage scenarios and requirements

    e.g. web browsing (20 tabs in chrome), video editing (1080p not 4k) and need a light machine as will bring it about or whatever, prefer at least 14 inch screen size

    also please indicate max budget or preferred budget range (e.g. 600 to 900 euro) as it helps narrow down options


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,977 ✭✭✭NewbridgeIR


    glasso wrote: »
    please indicate usage scenarios and requirements

    e.g. web browsing (20 tabs in chrome), video editing (1080p not 4k) and need a light machine as will bring it about or whatever, prefer at least 14 inch screen size

    also please indicate max budget or preferred budget range (e.g. 600 to 900 euro) as it helps narrow down options

    Primary usage
    Web browsing
    Maintaining Wordpress blog
    Playing music via iTunes
    Remote working
    14” screen or more preferred
    Don’t need to carry it around

    Budget say 800 - 1200


  • Posts: 18,962 [Deleted User]


    I'd jump on this (will be limited) for £550 sterling. It's a great value deal. there is no need to spend more for you.

    https://www.box.co.uk/53010WHT-001-Honor-MagicBook-14_2916295.html

    quality build
    good 4-core cpu- more than enough for your uses
    8gb ram - plenty for your uses
    good display 14 inch - plenty big enough to work on
    good ssd

    use addresspal, parcel wizard or parcel motel if won't deliver directly to ireland

    good reliable website.

    as a bonus you actually get a decent smartwatch free

    review

    https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/honor-magicbook-2020


  • Posts: 18,962 [Deleted User]


    this laptop is only budget in price.

    it's mid-range in specs easily

    with a quality all-metal build it should be durable.

    I don't see any benefit really in pushing into the upper end of your budget for your use cases.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,977 ✭✭✭NewbridgeIR


    glasso wrote: »
    I'd jump on this (will be limited) for £550 sterling. It's a great value deal. there is no need to spend more for you.

    https://www.box.co.uk/53010WHT-001-Honor-MagicBook-14_2916295.html

    quality build
    good 4-core cpu- more than enough for your uses
    8gb ram - plenty for your uses
    good display 14 inch - plenty big enough to work on
    good ssd

    use addresspal, parcel wizard or parcel motel if won't deliver directly to ireland

    good reliable website.

    as a bonus you actually get a decent smartwatch free

    review

    https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/honor-magicbook-2020

    Great; thanks very much, appreciate your help


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,384 ✭✭✭tom23


    glasso wrote: »
    I recommend this as it has decent specs in terms of cpu power, ram, fast hard-drive, decent IPS screen, good build quality (metal case) and is fairly light.

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Huawei-MateBook-2020-Multi-screen-Collaboration/dp/B083WXVJ13/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=matebook+d15+2020&qid=1586121438&sr=8-

    works out just over 600 euros - you didn't mention your budget

    it will handle your described video editing (which is more about cpu power actually than gpu/graphics card)

    be aware that this model has sold out in the past on amazon but seems to be currently available.

    Lovely looking machine.


  • Posts: 18,962 [Deleted User]


    tom23 wrote: »
    Lovely looking machine.

    in relative terms a total bargain or the honor magicbook deal even more so. (same company)


  • Registered Users Posts: 34 Watergirl4


    I am looking for recommendations for a laptop for home use - 3 children aged 6-11..while working from home/home schooling they need access to internet, will need microsoft office and ability to run zoom for online activities.

    Budget 400-600 euros


  • Registered Users Posts: 37 AndyOR


    Hi, my girlfriend is a teacher looking to update her laptop.
    The main usage would be Web browsing, wordpress editing and video uploading, streaming video and use of Microsoft office/similar.
    14” screen size preferred.
    Budget: €300

    We had looked at https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07V24YZD5/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_apa_i_0f0LEb030FEZ1 but the reviews have kind of put us off.


  • Posts: 18,962 [Deleted User]


    AndyOR wrote: »
    Hi, my girlfriend is a teacher looking to update her laptop.
    The main usage would be Web browsing, wordpress editing and video uploading, streaming video and use of Microsoft office/similar.
    14” screen size preferred.
    Budget: €300

    We had looked at https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07V24YZD5/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_apa_i_0f0LEb030FEZ1 but the reviews have kind of put us off.

    that budget is too low by about €150 to get something ok new.

    go 2nd hand on adverts.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,384 ✭✭✭tom23


    glasso wrote: »
    that budget is too low by about €150 to get something ok new.

    go 2nd hand on adverts.

    For a around 250 mark one could get a decent enough Thinkpad with an i5, 8 gig of Ram and SSD. Might even get lucky and get a FHD.


  • Posts: 18,962 [Deleted User]


    Watergirl4 wrote: »
    I am looking for recommendations for a laptop for home use - 3 children aged 6-11..while working from home/home schooling they need access to internet, will need microsoft office and ability to run zoom for online activities.

    Budget 400-600 euros

    use addresspal or parcel wizard etc if required

    https://www.ebuyer.com/947187-asus-m509da-full-hd-ips-ryzen-3-8gb-256gb-ssd-15-6-win10-m509da-bq349t

    £400

    ryzen 3,

    8gb ram,

    ips screen,

    256gb ssd

    you'll need to buy office separately.

    look for a ms product key on ebay and download software from microsoft or use one of the free alternatives e.g. libreoffice


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,738 ✭✭✭Naos


    Where (generally speaking) is the best place to buy a laptop at the moment?


  • Posts: 18,962 [Deleted User]


    uk sites ->

    box

    scan

    ebuyer


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 238 ✭✭patsyrockem


    5 years later I'm back looking for a replacement laptop. Doing a few days work from home and my old laptop is ridiculously slow. It owes me nothing in fairness. Just need it for a small bit of work from home, excel, browsing, Netflix in the near future, saving pictures. Have 2 kids under 3 so maybe home schooling in a few years, who knows?? Have only a basic knowledge so looking for some advice. Budget is 500-600 euro. Had a quick look in Curry's but willing to shop anywhere.
    https://www.currys.ie/ieen/computing/laptops/laptops/hp-15-da0600sa-15-6-laptop-intel-core-i3-1-tb-hdd-silver-10203356-pdt.html


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,447 ✭✭✭run_Forrest_run


    5 years later I'm back looking for a replacement laptop. Doing a few days work from home and my old laptop is ridiculously slow. It owes me nothing in fairness. Just need it for a small bit of work from home, excel, browsing, Netflix in the near future, saving pictures. Have 2 kids under 3 so maybe home schooling in a few years, who knows?? Have only a basic knowledge so looking for some advice. Budget is 500-600 euro. Had a quick look in Curry's but willing to shop anywhere.
    https://www.currys.ie/ieen/computing/laptops/laptops/hp-15-da0600sa-15-6-laptop-intel-core-i3-1-tb-hdd-silver-10203356-pdt.html

    one of the reasons your old laptop is slow might be down to using a conventional hard drive (spinning type). The laptop you linked here also uses one of those slower types. Personally I think it's a essential you get a laptop with a solid state drive (SSD) for faster input/output times. Also that machine has 4Gb of RAM, it will break your heart. I know you could upgrade but wouldn't it be better to not have to upgrade a newly purchased machine? I think 8Gb is the minimum RAM required these days (in my opinion).

    How about this Lenovo from Curry's. It has 8Gb RAM and 128Gb SSD. Still using an i3 processor (hard to get an i5 for that money) and granted it's not a massive hard drive but you could purchase a cheap external SSD drive on Amazon should you need more storage.

    If you'd be willing to look at second hand/refurbished you could get a better quality machine for the same money..just a suggestion, I've done that myself twice.

    Glasso will be better positioned to recommend a better machine but that's just my tuppence worth.


  • Posts: 18,962 [Deleted User]


    5 years later I'm back looking for a replacement laptop. Doing a few days work from home and my old laptop is ridiculously slow. It owes me nothing in fairness. Just need it for a small bit of work from home, excel, browsing, Netflix in the near future, saving pictures. Have 2 kids under 3 so maybe home schooling in a few years, who knows?? Have only a basic knowledge so looking for some advice. Budget is 500-600 euro. Had a quick look in Curry's but willing to shop anywhere.
    https://www.currys.ie/ieen/computing/laptops/laptops/hp-15-da0600sa-15-6-laptop-intel-core-i3-1-tb-hdd-silver-10203356-pdt.html

    this has excellent build quality (all-metal chassis), capable quad-core cpu, good ips screen, 8gb ram, 256gb ssd

    nothing competes until over €850

    pick your colour, us parcel motel, addresspal etc £549

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



    but you could before that buy a cheap sata 2.5 inch ssd from amazon and stick in it your current laptop as I'm guessing there is a slow HDD in there -> they get dramatically slower as the years go on. reinstall windows anew. will be like you got a new laptop. just clicks into the old slot. install windows from a usb stick.

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/YUCUN-Internal-Solid-State-240GB/dp/B073WH5Z46/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=240gb+ssd&qid=1590615328&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyUlBIN1E0VkcxR0w1JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEyQlBKMVJVQ1g0WEFIJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAyMTY5MDgyQ09NWVBTU0RXVlpNJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

    the ssd is probably 5 to 8 times faster than what you have in there (that's when the HDD is new - now 10 times). ssd perf does not deteriorate over time.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,384 ✭✭✭tom23


    glasso wrote: »
    this has excellent build quality (all-metal chassis), capable quad-core cpu, good ips screen, 8gb ram, 256gb ssd

    nothing competes until over €850

    pick your colour, us parcel motel, addresspal etc £549

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



    but you could before that buy a cheap sata 2.5 inch ssd from amazon and stick in it your current laptop as I'm guessing there is a slow HDD in there -> they get dramatically slower as the years go on. reinstall windows anew. will be like you got a new laptop. just clicks into the old slot. install windows from a usb stick.

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/YUCUN-Internal-Solid-State-240GB/dp/B073WH5Z46/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=240gb+ssd&qid=1590615328&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyUlBIN1E0VkcxR0w1JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEyQlBKMVJVQ1g0WEFIJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAyMTY5MDgyQ09NWVBTU0RXVlpNJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

    the ssd is probably 5 to 8 times faster than what you have in there (that's when the HDD is new - now 10 times). ssd perf does not deteriorate over time.

    I personally recommend this machine. Fantastic value for the price point. Get the 14" as it has bigger and better battery. It looks and feels like a laptop that costs much much more.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,384 ✭✭✭tom23


    Folks,

    Thinking of getting this for kids for doing homework etc. Nice price but is it worth it.

    https://www.geekbuying.com/item/Chuwi-HeroBook-Laptop-4GB-64GB-Grey-415698.html

    any thoughts?


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