Buying a Laptop: The current Generation

29-05-2022 8:42pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119126196#Comment_119126196

this is all you need for 530 currently

metal build, good cpu, good screen

office 365 on it but you must subscribe after trial for full version but there is a free version that works for most

laptops only have usb a or c ports now for printers - cables easily available for any printer or just get a wireless printer as that's most convenient

https://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/1484591/Trail/searchtext%3EMATEBOOK.htm

Dufrain122 · 21-06-2022 10:03am

Hi,

What's the difference between

HUAWEI MateBook D 15 15.6in i5 8GB 512GB Laptop

€579.99 in Argos

and

Huawei Matebook D 15 (2021) 15.6" Core i5 | 8GB | 512GB |

€649.99 in Harvey Norman

Is the 2021 version better?

Thanks for your help.

22-06-2022 10:50pm

no difference from that

but you haven't provided the links

once the cpu is the same model number there is no difference

Dufrain122 · 23-06-2022 10:35am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119237336#Comment_119237336

Sorry I'm new here so can't post links here yet

Argos:

--www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/1484591/Trail/searchtext%3EHUAWEI+MATEBOOK+D+15+.htm

Harvey Norman

---www.harveynorman.ie/computing/laptops/huawei-matebook-d-15-2021-15.6-core-i5-8gb-512gb-mystic-silver.html#read-more-btn

Many thanks for your help.

I'm not sure if the Harvey Norman version as advertsed above is actually the 2021 model because the part number on Argos and Harvey is the same - 53012QNG

23-06-2022 2:59pm

you want the 11th gen cpu.

begins with 11

cheops · 27-06-2022 8:41am

Hi I'm looking for advice,

I need to replace my current HP 250 G7, it struggles a bit with graphics and has a good bit of wear and tear.

I see the Huawei Matebook is highly recommended.

The only issue that I have is that it doesn't have a full numeric layout.

I need this for work

Would this Asus be a good alternative?

https://www.paradigit.ie/asus-x515ea-ej1472w/80060973/product/?search=2&searchref=d825b97f-264c-48e8-bea2-d1ac1f96047e

Thanks

27-06-2022 10:51am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119255742#Comment_119255742

full numeric pad really limits your choice as it's just not common anymore

that asus is a much less well built plastic chassis vs matebook metal and the screen is definitely not as good in colour accuracy and is marked as 200 cd/m² (200 nits) which is positively very dim

the matebook itself is 250 nits which is not super bright but fine imo

200 nits is not fine

heavier also

I'd get a usb or wireless / bluetooth one of these - small and easy to store / carry with laptop

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=usb+number+pad&sprefix=usb+number%2Caps%2C270&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_10

Alkers · 04-07-2022 9:22pm

Any recommendation for a tablet style laptop / detachable device?

I have moved job and my new work laptop is a 2,500e detachable dell which I love but it's locked down and I can't use it for personal use.

I am only looking to spend 500e ballpark but would like to have something I can veg with on youtube, is easy to transport but can also run excel and word proccessing etc with a keyboard.

Possibly willing to spend a bit more if that's required. Would consider a portable standard laptop, maybe with touch screen.

05-07-2022 10:03pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119291084#Comment_119291084

Surface Laptop Go 2

Testament1 · 11-07-2022 6:58pm

I haven't had a laptop for years, just been using my phone for everything. I'm in the market now though for something to practice programming on with the view to doing some remote work down the line. I'd also be using it for some video editing and gaming. I like the look of the Matebook but it doesn't seem to have a backlit keyboard which is very off-putting to me along with the webcam placement. Any recommendations for a decent machine that won't break the bank?

12-07-2022 12:37am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119323282#Comment_119323282

acer swift 3 11th gen i5

FierceMild · 13-07-2022 12:05pm

Hi all, looking for some advice / input that anyone is willing to give. Thanks in advance!

I'm looking to buy a new laptop where my considerations are

1) Performance for standard office / recreational use (editing docs, zoom calls, streaming)

2) Portability / Battery

3) Durability (want something that'll ideally last a long time without significant degredation)

I'm not concerned with high-end gaming, video-editing, crystal clear displays etc.

My budget is very flexible up to just over a grand but would like a good ROI for what I do purchase. I was originally going to get a MacBook but I'm hesitant about getting an Apple product when I've been an Android/Window user since birth essentially.

I can see that the Matebook has been highly recommended on this thread and I've been looking at the below:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/HUAWEI-i5-1135G7-processor-Fingerprint-Home-FREE/dp/B09GKKM4Z7/ref=sr_1_29?crid=2UODUIO4BKT20&keywords=laptop&qid=1657713397&refinements=p_n_feature_nine_browse-bin%3A7472693031%7C7472695031&rnid=7472692031&s=computers&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&sprefix=laptop%2Caps%2C63&sr=1-29

Can anyone tell me if there's any glaring issues that I'm overlooking with this? Or any other models that people would recommend?

13-07-2022 3:19pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119331130#Comment_119331130

matebook d15 is the best value laptop out there

some don't like the webcam position (pops out of a key on top row) so upward facing

also doesn't have keyboard backlighting if typing in the dark / poor light.

acer swift 3 i5 11th gen cpu on acer.ie is a good option too - bit more but doesn't have those 2 ponts above.

15% discount through student beans or unidays with a 2nd or 3rd level email address

surface go laptop 2 is another option if you want or are ok with an even smaller screen and form factor

FierceMild · 14-07-2022 8:35pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119332318#Comment_119332318

Thanks so much for the feedback Glasso!

I'm sold; The only thing I'm wondering about is whether it would be worth paying the extra ~160 for the i7-1165G7 processor and the 16GB of RAM? Would that be worthwhile "future-proofing"? I'm concerned that the RAM is soldered in so I can't upgrade it in the future if I'm researching correctly.

Again, thanks for your input!

18-07-2022 10:42pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119338786#Comment_119338786

soldered ram is the rule rather than the exception in thin and light laptops these days

if your needs require 16gb ram (e.g. frequent video editing) then go for it but 8gb ram and a fast nvme ssd will be fine for the uses you have described

the i7 over the i7 in the intel mobile laptop cpus is not really worth it - < 10% difference

Alkers · 26-07-2022 12:10pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119296117#Comment_119296117

Really appreciate the adivce; I've narrowed my options down to either the recommended Surface Laptop Go 2 @ €779: https://www.microsoft.com/en-ie/store/configure/Surface-Laptop-Go-2/8PGLPV76MJHN?crosssellid=fbt-s1c&selectedColor=86888a&preview=&previewModes=

Or an IdeaPad Flex 5 @ €809.99: https://www.lenovo.com/ie/en/laptops/ideapad/ideapad-flex-series/IdeaPad-Flex-5-14ITL-05/p/88IPF501452 (Part Number: 82HS00HEUK)

Both are 11th gen i5 with 8gb ram, the IdeaPad has double the SSD storage, which isn't a huge issue but 128GB does seem small once windows is installed.

Any thoughts before I place an order?

26-07-2022 12:37pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119389044#Comment_119389044

aside from the storage basically the surface laptop go 2 is a lot smaller and lighter at 1/2 kg lighter than the flex and with a smaller screen 12.4 vs 14 (measured on the diagonal)

aspect of the surface laptop screen is the more modern aspect ratio (taller) which can be good for reading and office work

it's also a higher quality metal chassis on the surface laptop vs plastic on the flex

I'd look at videos of both to get an idea of what suits

https://youtu.be/VOX8NVu449E?t=180

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0L5TQJbH1gg

Cantstandsya · 28-08-2022 11:49am

Hi, looking to get a laptop for college with a budget around €1,000.

I was thinking of getting a Lenovo E14 Gen 2 but would love to hear any suggestions for alternatives?

30-08-2022 4:31pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119532631#Comment_119532631

acer swift 3 with 11th gen i5 and 16gb on acer site is a very light (1.2kg) and solid well-built metal laptop with good bright screen and performs well

i7 over i5 in the non h laptop cpus not worth it due to <10% difference in performance

https://store.acer.com/en-ie/acer-swift-3-pro-ultra-thin-laptop-sf314-511-silver-nx-ablek-00c

15% discount through unidays or studentbeans with 2nd or 3rd level email address (note 850 is a decent price and don't think discount will stack over one on site)

Testament1 · 02-09-2022 4:34pm

Is there much of a difference between the i5 and the AMD Ryzen 5 that you can also get in the Swift 3?

04-09-2022 9:50pm

for general computing tasks not really

levi · 10-09-2022 8:50am

This thread is really helpful and I’m hoping you could give me some advice on what laptop to buy. I need something entry level - for zoom calls, editing word/excel docs and internet banking - simple stuff. Not really sure how much I need to spend - would I be better getting a refurbished laptop or going for something new. Hoping to spend as little as possible but don’t want it to wreck my head in 6 months time cos it slows to a crawl. Welcome any advice, thank you!

Tusky · 11-09-2022 1:40pm

Anyone know where I can buy the Matebook 14s or the Matebook X Pro 2021 or 2022?

Tommiekly84 · 20-09-2022 7:50pm

I'm on the lookout for a laptop for a course I'm doing. It's an engineering course and the laptop has to be able to handle labview.

Could anyone point me in the right direction. I'm not sure on The screen size. I could probably stretch to 800

If I went with a 14" screen and I found it too small I could always hook up a monitor.

Thanks

JoyPad · 20-09-2022 8:24pm

If you can stretch to 850, the Swift 3 that glasso recommended in August is still available, and has good reviews. 11th gen i5, 16GB RAM and 1 TB SSD. I just ordered one for my son.

XT1200 · 03-10-2022 6:32am

I'm looking for a 10" display Windows 10 or 11 laptop and not eMMC storage. new or refurbished. I have tried most if not all the usual outlets but to no avail. I know that 10" must nearly be impossible to get so I am willing to buy privately if the laptop is in good working order.

XT1200 · 03-10-2022 6:37am

Should have added Budget is not an issue for the right machine. Intended use is mostly word processing and internet browsing

El Tarangu · 03-10-2022 9:37pm

Man I wonder what's going to happen to this thread now that Glasso has deleted his account...

creedp · 04-10-2022 10:25pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119643643#Comment_119643643

I'm in a similar situation. My daughter is doing an engineering course and has been given system requirements for running Revit 2023. The value/ performance recommended spec include 16GB ram with the video adaptor having a Direct X 11 capable graphics card and shaker model 5 compatible and a minimum of 4GB of video memory.

I'm clueless about computer specs so am hoping someone could advise of suitable laptops meeting these specs

CoBo55 · 05-10-2022 9:20am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119697901#Comment_119697901

He'll be sorely missed, he gave great advice here. I wonder why he left?

El Tarangu · 05-10-2022 10:13am

He called a Mod a 'git' in an argument over Badminton, of all things

CoBo55 · 05-10-2022 2:13pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119703622#Comment_119703622

Is that modding crack still going on? I thought it had been toned down as it had become ridiculous.

El Tarangu · 05-10-2022 2:39pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119704882#Comment_119704882

Just to clarify: he (if I followed the feedback thread correctly) insulted a mod and received a limited ban, but was unhappy with the decision and deleted his account.

While I agree that he was valued and knowledgeable poster, I don't think it's unreasonable for a mod to issue a ban upon being insulted.

Nowso · 05-10-2022 2:44pm

Mods in the Sport Category is off Topic on this Thread . there are better places for it

i for one just get a headache looking at reddit lol anyway thats off topic

anyway there are now new amd cpus launched , intel gpus and lots more coming so plenty to actually discuss here on here re generations

robwen · 05-10-2022 9:48pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119704657#Comment_119704657

Couldn't stay away glasso

creedp · 06-10-2022 4:55pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119702519#Comment_119702519

The laptop is needed to run Revit 2023 software which I understand is a type of auto cad software. Ive done some online research and based on previously provided spec I'm looking at an I5 processor with 16gb Ram but am unclear what graphics card to go with. Would an integrated Intel XE Graphics card with shared memory suffice or should I pay more for a dedicated GeForce RTX card (or with dedicated 2 or 4 GB of video memory.

Must admit defeat on trying to assess the graphics card requirements. Its like I fell asleep for a decade and technology has simply passed me by!!

Any and all advice greatly appreciated

CoBo55 · 06-10-2022 5:24pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119706831#Comment_119706831

😆 Thought the same myself, new tax book job😉😉

wendybyrde · 12-10-2022 2:40pm

this is very helpful and informative content thanks for sharing

padjocollins · 13-10-2022 11:18am

Had a run in with Glasso myself about a year ago , i was pushing m1 macbook pro’s on all people even if for half the price you could still get laptops that offer plenty of performance for limited budgets. He could have pointed it out in a different way than i perceived it and i could have had thicker skin. later on as i saw the good and detailed advice that he was giving people week after week , i saw that he was giving great help and advice. I have noticed boards is a lot quiter over the last year or so and i’m using it a bit less. Still a great resource .

mw309 · 13-10-2022 4:41pm

Can anyone recommend a good laptop for using photoshop and illustrator for design work?

Nowso · 13-10-2022 5:25pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119740294#Comment_119740294

your probably going to be wanting a grapics card inside. what sort of budget and what type of screen size and quality would you like , and will you be carrying it about a lot ? / that should give people something to go on

mw309 · 13-10-2022 10:24pm

Need something with 16gb ram. Have a budget of 1k - 1500. Not carrying it much no so weight isn't an issue. 15.6" screen is fine. Quality of image on screen would want to be alright. Have the option of hooking up to a monitor too.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Nowso · 14-10-2022 2:30pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119741762#Comment_119741762

Just using currys as a guide as the prices seem to be more upto date than others

Just looking re a decent card and 16gb of ram - with 12th gen i7 with 144hz screen

https://www.currys.ie/ieen/gaming/pc-gaming/gaming-laptops/asus-tuf-dash-f15-15-6-gaming-laptop-intel-core-i7-rtx-3060-1-tb-ssd-10234448-pdt.html

if you want to go back a generation you can get a 3070 in that budget

https://www.currys.ie/ieen/gaming/pc-gaming/gaming-laptops/acer-predator-helios-300-15-6-gaming-laptop-intel-core-i7-rtx-3070-1-tb-ssd-10237820-pdt.html

it all depends on personal choice aswell some are more obviously gamerish looking than business if your wanting a more business look

on most 8gb devices you can upgrade to 16gb dual channel memory by installing it after purchase

herrdood · 14-10-2022 6:55pm

Hi,

Hoping somebody will advise the better between these 3. The Matebooks look the same to me. The asus has a numeric keypad.

https://www.currys.ie/ieen/computing/laptops/laptops/asus-vivobook-15-x1500ea-15-6-laptop-intel-core-i5-512-gb-ssd-black-10240161-pdt.html

https://www.expert.ie/huawei-matebook-d-15-15-6-intel-core-i5-processor-8gb-ram-512-ssd-storage-53012udl/

https://www.expert.ie/huawei-matebook-15-15-6-intel-core-i5-processor-8gb-ram-512gb-ssd-grey-53012qng/

TIA

HD

Edit. I see the difference between the Matebooks. It's windows 10 vs 11.

Nowso · 14-10-2022 8:15pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119745685#Comment_119745685

the one with windows 10 says it has wifi 6 and the one with windows 11 says it has wifi 5 only

the windows 10 one should be easily upgradeable to windows 11

wendybyrde · 20-10-2022 6:53am

for which purpose do you need a laptop

yerwanthere123 · 29-10-2022 6:58pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119703400#Comment_119703400

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119703622#Comment_119703622

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119705011#Comment_119705011

Just want to provide a little clarification on this. Glasso closed his account voluntarily after admin upheld my decision to ban him from Racquet Sports. He wasn't banned for calling me a name, he was banned for years of unacceptable behaviour on the tennis threads finally catching up with him. Of course everyone is entitled to their opinions, but I don't think relentless fat jibes aimed at women contribute very much to the forum. Or anywhere really. Off the top of my head, I received about 35 or so reports from other posters about him in a 6 month period this year, and even some PM's questioning why he was still allowed post on the forum.

As I'm relatively new to modding I'd always try to be careful not to abuse mod powers. I gave glasso many opportunities to change his ways, warnings both on the thread and in private. When it was patently obvious that my warnings were being ignored I eventually made the decision to ban him. Again, he had an opportunity to reach out to and discuss the matter via PM, but instead he sends me a message calling me a "miserable lonely git". I mean...

I appreciate he was a very helpful poster on here, he's obviously incredibly knowledgeable about computers. However, trying to present what happened as a mod issue is far from the truth, as is pretty much everything he posted on the Feedback thread.

El Tarangu · 31-10-2022 5:38pm

Speaking of the departed Glasso, does anyone have any experience with Acer returns?

A family member purchased a Swift 3 on my advice, and has since had nothing but problems with it, so we filled out the online form, and received the following email

Dear xxxxxxxxxxxxx,

The case for the product : Nxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx is approved.

Acer case id for the same is :2xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Problem :

[outline of problem]

Shipping Instructions:

Please be advised that as per the Terms and Conditions of the Warranty, we will not be responsible for any loss of data or software. If needed we may do some changes with respect to hardware/software and if so we will erase all data on the system along with the applications installed.

Please do not use the original box to pack your product, as all the incoming boxes are recycled. We will ship the product back to you in a plain brown box, therefore please sufficiently package your product (we suggest at least 10cm of bubble-wrap around the whole of the product including any accessories and then place in a strong sturdy box ensuring there is no movement inside the box as any transit damage due to insufficient packaging is your responsibility.

All repairs are subject to parts availability and we will endeavour to repair your product within 10 working days from receipt.

If the fault with your Acer Product is found to be a manufacturing defect, we will repair the unit for free of charge.

If your Acer product has been identified as having physical damage, Liquid Spills or software issues will these not be covered under warranty and a quotation for repair will be sent to you.

If you decide not to go ahead with the Quotation and want your machine returned un-repaired there will be an Admin charge of to pay of £ 49.95.

Please be advised that your unit will have a 90 day service warranty on last parts replaced.

Please note, details provided are for collection and delivery purpose.

Password is included for testing purposes.

With Regards,

Acer Support.

That's it - there is no shipping address listed in the email, and no pre-paid shipping docket in the attachment.

The sending address listed on the invoice is:

CPYou B.V.

Europalaan 89

5232BC 's-Hertogenbosch

Netherlands

-I should send it to this address, or there is some other way of proceeding? If anyone has returned a laptop in similar circumstances, do please let me know.

Nowso · 01-11-2022 12:33am

This is a Technology forum and not exactly the place to the Politics of Racket Sports.

If anybody would like to help out any of the Posters on the topic of laptops then feel free

04-11-2022 2:02pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119746095#Comment_119746095

Personally would go with the Windows 10 option.

Bought an MSI Crosshair 15 a few weeks ago. For CAD, 3D and Photogrammetry.

First experience with Windows 11, its bloody awful. Makes windows 8 look good.

More RAM and SSD ordered this morning, will be going back to Windows 10 soon as arrive and fitted.

Buying a Laptop: The current Generation

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