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Post by jasoninsd on Sept 15, 2022 0:01:12 GMT -5
I'm in need of a new laptop...and I don't have a freakin' clue about what I should be looking for...there's a billion and a half options out there! Do any of you "tech savvy" members have any suggestions on any particular well-performing "budget" laptops??
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markb
Cave Dweller
Member since May 2022
Posts: 472
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Post by markb on Sept 15, 2022 0:23:19 GMT -5
Well, I'm an Apple guy, which may be more than you want to spend, but if not, the MacBook Air M2 rocks! Determine your budget or what you're willing to depart with, think longevity, and buy as best as you can afford.
Okay all you PC guys, chime in.
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Post by rockpickerforever on Sept 15, 2022 0:28:24 GMT -5
I'm in need of a new laptop...and I don't have a freakin' clue about what I should be looking for...there's a billion and a half options out there! Do any of you "tech savvy" members have any suggestions on any particular well-performing "budget" laptops?? I'm not tech savvy enough to give recommendations on laptops, so I look for advice from people that do know them. The Best Budget Laptops for 2022 from PC Magazine They list a dozen laptops with features, pros and cons, and the all important price! www.pcmag.com/lists/best-budget-laptops?zmg_ads-3&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInZmtx4SW-gIV5NuGCh3hUQw2EAAYAiADEgIKSfD_BwE
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hummingbirdstones2
fully equipped rock polisher
Vince A., 1958-2023
Member since August 2018
Posts: 1,461
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Post by hummingbirdstones2 on Sept 15, 2022 10:02:06 GMT -5
Pick through the "best of" lists for features you want, then look at some reviews from people who've bought them.
The first two (both still live) I bought were from Lenovo. Most recent one is a HP (never thought I'd buy one of those) Envy.
Most expensive option is usually a high-end graphics card. Unless you're a gamer you don't need the latest and greatest. You can get a helluva good box with more of what counts if you don't need it to be a toy.
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pizzano
Cave Dweller
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
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Post by pizzano on Sept 15, 2022 10:55:45 GMT -5
I'm in need of a new laptop...and I don't have a freakin' clue about what I should be looking for...there's a billion and a half options out there! Do any of you "tech savvy" members have any suggestions on any particular well-performing "budget" laptops?? Jason........it depends on your need, what you spend the most time task oriented. Of course budget and longevity come into play, room to grow and reliability, familiarity (software/operating system). I've often chosen the most horse power......fast processors, as much ram and storage capacity, over bling-bling gadgets.....and up until this last PC (my newest), I've had real good success with re-conditioned Dells and HP's that are not much older than 3 or 4yrs old.......Best Buy and Newegg have been my go to places.....can save hundreds & hundreds with reconditioned units from a reliable and certified dealer. I'm a long time Microsoft guy, used to be a heavy spreadsheet developer, music recording and CADD user.....so, my needs have always been on the "serious" side......also, lots of field work and banging around. I had a need for plenty of external plug-in options and large screen (14" to 17").......all of that can get pricey. Now, I finally bought a new unit after owning 4 re-cons over a 14yr period......couldn't pass up the deal and my Old HP was dying........It's an HP ProBook Windows 10pro with a CD burner......ya, they still make them........I opted again for plenty of horse power and fast quad processor/RAM and giga with SSD hard drive, no more mechanical hard drives for me, one of the things that will most often die first, that and your CPU. Things to consider if you are a heavy photo creator, stream lots of video/tv/web surfing and play/store lots of music (think as if you were a gamer)....you'll need speed and RAM.........without getting to technical.......: At least a +dual core processor At least 16gigs of RAM At least 120-180gigs of memory storage capacity......the more the better, I prefer at least 250g-500g.....no need for a terabyte machine At least HD quality screen, LED and large image capacity (+1080)......does not have to be 4K At least an AMD, Radeon or Nvidia graphics card At least Altec Lansing or equal internal speakers At least 3 types of USB plug-ins, card reader, headphone plug and external monitor plug-in At least 2 or 3 types of wi-fi speeds At least a +12hr battery That's my basic quick list of operational preference functions.......there's more if you need.......size, shape, operating system and software all become a personal preference IMHO........I stick with what I'm familiar with and have command of........I don't like really adventurist learning curves.......when I need to process, I want to move with speed and comfort........but that just me.......! Oh......forgot to mention........what's laid-out above can be had re-conditioned (3-4yrs old), for around $500 to $700 in great condition......of course new your looking at around +$1000 to $1200 if you go HP, Dell (I'm biased).....an Apple will set you back to over $1800......but they are very very very nice if you have command of that operating system........and remember to consider the cost of the software and operating system, most have price included......if you use Windows, make sure the unit is Windows 11 compatible.....!
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Post by mohs on Sept 15, 2022 12:46:34 GMT -5
Thought I’d add my 2 cent Not that I have any advice on a laptop I’ve never owned one ha ha Butte that day coming If my memory stick Sticks around that long So for the time being I plan on keeping my self built ASUS motherboard P/C. That originally had Windows 8 installed long long story ha ha Anyway a few years ago did the Windows 10 upgrade Plus installed a Samsung electronic hard drive What a pleasant upgrade Anyway the P.C. doesn’t have enough horsepower For Windows 11 & MS will discontinue supporting Win10 So eventually I’ll have to do something different … allnall I find electronic devises pretty darn reliable butte aggravating Tanks for reading…mohs & good luck
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Post by Rockoonz on Sept 15, 2022 19:57:42 GMT -5
My older I3 7th gen HP machine has been almost everything I want, but of course it is slow at graphics and won't be Win11 compatible. Not that I want Win11 anytime soon, but a machine with 10 that I can upgrade when/if the OS gets worked out. I built a machine years ago and got talked into putting MSVista on it when it was a new OS. That OS sucked right up to a couple months before the MB died and I replaced it, so I'll let everyone else beta test this one for MS and see what happens. I'll be watching this thread.
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Post by jasoninsd on Sept 15, 2022 20:30:54 GMT -5
Well, I'm an Apple guy, which may be more than you want to spend, but if not, the MacBook Air M2 rocks! Determine your budget or what you're willing to depart with, think longevity, and buy as best as you can afford. Okay all you PC guys, chime in. I was pondering posting the question...and I remembered you'd started that thread not long ago...so I was following in your footsteps! (That's another way of saying I copied you! LOL) I've never had a Mac...so I'm going to stick with Windows... I'm in need of a new laptop...and I don't have a freakin' clue about what I should be looking for...there's a billion and a half options out there! Do any of you "tech savvy" members have any suggestions on any particular well-performing "budget" laptops?? I'm not tech savvy enough to give recommendations on laptops, so I look for advice from people that do know them. The Best Budget Laptops for 2022 from PC Magazine They list a dozen laptops with features, pros and cons, and the all important price! www.pcmag.com/lists/best-budget-laptops?zmg_ads-3&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInZmtx4SW-gIV5NuGCh3hUQw2EAAYAiADEgIKSfD_BwEThanks Jean! I've seen that list. I still get lost on some of it. I used to be tech savvy...until tech started blowing up...now I'm definitely tech ignorant! I found one of those off the list that looked good...but when I started looking for it, I kept finding the same model with different letters at the end of the model. Like there's a difference in the models, but I couldn't figure out what the differences were for the life of me! Pick through the "best of" lists for features you want, then look at some reviews from people who've bought them.
The first two (both still live) I bought were from Lenovo. Most recent one is a HP (never thought I'd buy one of those) Envy.
Most expensive option is usually a high-end graphics card. Unless you're a gamer you don't need the latest and greatest. You can get a helluva good box with more of what counts if you don't need it to be a toy.
Thanks Vince! I'm definitely not a gamer!! Well...I try to get my wife to play games...but that's a totally different topic! LOL I'm in need of a new laptop...and I don't have a freakin' clue about what I should be looking for...there's a billion and a half options out there! Do any of you "tech savvy" members have any suggestions on any particular well-performing "budget" laptops?? Jason........it depends on your need, what you spend the most time task oriented. Of course budget and longevity come into play, room to grow and reliability, familiarity (software/operating system). I've often chosen the most horse power......fast processors, as much ram and storage capacity, over bling-bling gadgets.....and up until this last PC (my newest), I've had real good success with re-conditioned Dells and HP's that are not much older than 3 or 4yrs old.......Best Buy and Newegg have been my go to places.....can save hundreds & hundreds with reconditioned units from a reliable and certified dealer. I'm a long time Microsoft guy, used to be a heavy spreadsheet developer, music recording and CADD user.....so, my needs have always been on the "serious" side......also, lots of field work and banging around. I had a need for plenty of external plug-in options and large screen (14" to 17").......all of that can get pricey. Now, I finally bought a new unit after owning 4 re-cons over a 14yr period......couldn't pass up the deal and my Old HP was dying........It's an HP ProBook Windows 10pro with a CD burner......ya, they still make them........I opted again for plenty of horse power and fast quad processor/RAM and giga with SSD hard drive, no more mechanical hard drives for me, one of the things that will most often die first, that and your CPU. Things to consider if you are a heavy photo creator, stream lots of video/tv/web surfing and play/store lots of music (think as if you were a gamer)....you'll need speed and RAM.........without getting to technical.......: At least a +dual core processor At least 16gigs of RAM At least 120-180gigs of memory storage capacity......the more the better, I prefer at least 250g-500g.....no need for a terabyte machine At least HD quality screen, LED and large image capacity (+1080)......does not have to be 4K At least an AMD, Radeon or Nvidia graphics card At least Altec Lansing or equal internal speakers At least 3 types of USB plug-ins, card reader, headphone plug and external monitor plug-in At least 2 or 3 types of wi-fi speeds At least a +12hr battery That's my basic quick list of operational preference functions.......there's more if you need.......size, shape, operating system and software all become a personal preference IMHO........I stick with what I'm familiar with and have command of........I don't like really adventurist learning curves.......when I need to process, I want to move with speed and comfort........but that just me.......! Oh......forgot to mention........what's laid-out above can be had re-conditioned (3-4yrs old), for around $500 to $700 in great condition......of course new your looking at around +$1000 to $1200 if you go HP, Dell (I'm biased).....an Apple will set you back to over $1800......but they are very very very nice if you have command of that operating system........and remember to consider the cost of the software and operating system, most have price included......if you use Windows, make sure the unit is Windows 11 compatible.....! Thank you SO much for this post!! I was extremely vague as to my "needs" - and probably should have waited until I wasn't as tired to post a better question. However, you nailed what I needed with this post!! I suppose I should have asked what to look for in a new budget laptop that would fit my needs. Your list of operational functions was perfect! It gives me a place to start comparing and knowing what will or won't work! Thank you so much!! Thought I’d add my 2 cent Not that I have any advice on a laptop I’ve never owned one ha ha Butte that day coming If my memory stick Sticks around that long So for the time being I plan on keeping my self built ASUS motherboard P/C. That originally had Windows 8 installed long long story ha ha Anyway a few years ago did the Windows 10 upgrade Plus installed a Samsung electronic hard drive What a pleasant upgrade Anyway the P.C. doesn’t have enough horsepower For Windows 11 & MS will discontinue supporting Win10 So eventually I’ll have to do something different … allnall I find electronic devises pretty darn reliable butte aggravating Tanks for reading…mohs & good luck Yeah...they always figure out a way to "get you"! My laptop is slow...and it needs a Windows upgrade...which I don't believe it can handle. My older I3 7th gen HP machine has been almost everything I want, but of course it is slow at graphics and won't be Win11 compatible. Not that I want Win11 anytime soon, but a machine with 10 that I can upgrade when/if the OS gets worked out. I built a machine years ago and got talked into putting MSVista on it when it was a new OS. That OS sucked right up to a couple months before the MB died and I replaced it, so I'll let everyone else beta test this one for MS and see what happens. I'll be watching this thread. I had Vista on a PC...and I don't think it was my favorite OS ever!
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Post by mohs on Sept 15, 2022 20:37:16 GMT -5
o yeah jase window guys were master at milking the public I made it my duty not to make Gates any richer I'm breaking even i imagine Gates is doing a little better ...
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Post by jasoninsd on Sept 15, 2022 20:43:29 GMT -5
o yeah jase window guys were master at milking the public I made it my duty not to make Gates any richer I'm breaking even i imagine Gates is doing a little better ... Unfortunately Goliath is not being effected by any of the little pebbles hitting him...
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Post by mohs on Sept 15, 2022 21:34:24 GMT -5
It is interesting jase
always prided my self on keeping technological devices with in economic reason- whatever that may be ?
I’ve always had computer since the popularity of the Internet For me that started in 92
I recall buying a Sears Windows 3.1 machine for some ridiculous price Think it was 3000 dollars With all that bloat ware Nightmare scenarios
At that point, and as fast as technology was changing-- could see there was no way-- and no interest--- I was going to try and keep up.
Back in the late nineties I saw young kids spending beaucoup dollars for the latest greatest gaming machines. Outdated after a year probably Anyway I never got it
figure over the last 25 years I’ve only spent 7000 dollars in machines and soft ware Imagine that way below the average
did enjoy building a few machines the hardware was always behind the curve. Kept my sister & some others machine humming That was interesting hobby
Suppose I did the same w/ the rock hobby...
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Post by jasoninsd on Sept 15, 2022 23:37:57 GMT -5
It is interesting jase always prided my self on keeping technological devices with in economic reason- whatever that may be ? I’ve always had computer since the popularity of the Internet For me that started in 92 I recall buying a Sears Windows 3.1 machine for some ridiculous price Think it was 3000 dollars With all that bloat ware Nightmare scenarios At that point, and as fast as technology was changing-- could see there was no way-- and no interest--- I was going to try and keep up. Back in the late nineties I saw young kids spending beaucoup dollars for the latest greatest gaming machines. Outdated after a year probably Anyway I never got it figure over the last 25 years I’ve only spent 7000 dollars in machines and soft ware Imagine that way below the average did enjoy building a few machines the hardware was always behind the curve. Kept my sister & some others machine humming That was interesting hobby Suppose I did the same w/ the rock hobby... I think it's the same for people who have to get the latest and "greatest" phone every time a new one comes out. Definitely not for me! I'm a "set it and forget it" kinda guy! LOL
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Post by Rockoonz on Sept 16, 2022 0:39:46 GMT -5
jasoninsd I think the suffix codes on the machines are based on the retail outlet that sells them. That way if a seller guarantees lowest price for that model they have it covered since they are the only store to sell that model.
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Post by liveoak on Sept 16, 2022 6:26:21 GMT -5
We just ordered a reconditioned Dell laptop from New Egg, at a good price.
Patty
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Post by rockjunquie on Sept 16, 2022 8:44:30 GMT -5
I have bought over a dozen Dell refurbished laptops from Dell Outlet. I have been very happy with all of them. I bought all the computers for all the kids and then some more after they destroyed them. Kids are tough on laptops. One thing I would offer is to get one with an SSD drive or an SSD backup drive. Most of them come like that now.
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pizzano
Cave Dweller
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
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Post by pizzano on Sept 16, 2022 8:49:20 GMT -5
You are welcome Jason..........since I just shopped not to long ago, the info was still embedded in my head........and it helps that I have a good friend who is an IT Manager at a large Engineering Design firm. We used to work together at another firm and we co-owned a website forum together (and 2 other guys) years ago.........He is my resource if I can't fix it, find it or need the latest info......So, if you want to refine your search and get nerdy, let me know......I'm sure with todays availability and choices, we can get you dialed in quickly.........lol
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Post by jasoninsd on Sept 16, 2022 16:12:15 GMT -5
jasoninsd I think the suffix codes on the machines are based on the retail outlet that sells them. That way if a seller guarantees lowest price for that model they have it covered since they are the only store to sell that model. Thanks Lee! That makes total sense! I would have had NO clue that was it! (Another freakin' way to "scheme through advertising"!) We just ordered a reconditioned Dell laptop from New Egg, at a good price.
Patty
Thanks Patty! I'll definitely check them out! I have bought over a dozen Dell refurbished laptops from Dell Outlet. I have been very happy with all of them. I bought all the computers for all the kids and then some more after they destroyed them. Kids are tough on laptops. One thing I would offer is to get one with an SSD drive or an SSD backup drive. Most of them come like that now. Thanks Tela! Dang kids...gotta love 'em...'cause you can't sell them! LOL You are welcome Jason..........since I just shopped not to long ago, the info was still embedded in my head........and it helps that I have a good friend who is an IT Manager at a large Engineering Design firm. We used to work together at another firm and we co-owned a website forum together (and 2 other guys) years ago.........He is my resource if I can't fix it, find it or need the latest info......So, if you want to refine your search and get nerdy, let me know......I'm sure with todays availability and choices, we can get you dialed in quickly.........lol I am likely going to take you up on your offer and will likely (okay...not just likely...I'm going to!) run a couple picks by you before I pull the trigger on any of them.
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pizzano
Cave Dweller
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
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Post by pizzano on Sept 22, 2022 19:30:46 GMT -5
Well, it's been a week or so since this subject popped-up...........I know when my need's raise it's ugly head to up-grade the PC, it wasn't something I took lightly. But then again, I burn them to the wick and wait till the budget speaks to me........or I crash and bemoan my lack of assertiveness....lol
So, between your grinding, cabbing, photo and RTH kibitzing....I assume you have a life outside of ROCKS (maybe not)...lol.........found anything interesting you'd like to discuss....?
I'm all ears right now........have the time and interest.........give me a few more days, and I'm off to Utah and Alabama......see ya around October 3rd or 4th.......!
You're a bright and methodical young man........it ain't quantum mechanics.........it's only an investment that will keep you comfy for a couple years....but to me it's critical....based on the amount of time you spend on "personal communication" devices, don't wait until you're pulling what scalp cover you have left out...and reduced to a hand held device.............Been there, done that.............gloom & the need to beat the shit out of something.........go look for a bully......LOL
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Post by jasoninsd on Sept 23, 2022 11:46:45 GMT -5
Well, it's been a week or so since this subject popped-up...........I know when my need's raise it's ugly head to up-grade the PC, it wasn't something I took lightly. But then again, I burn them to the wick and wait till the budget speaks to me........or I crash and bemoan my lack of assertiveness....lol So, between your grinding, cabbing, photo and RTH kibitzing....I assume you have a life outside of ROCKS (maybe not)...lol.........found anything interesting you'd like to discuss....? I'm all ears right now........have the time and interest.........give me a few more days, and I'm off to Utah and Alabama......see ya around October 3rd or 4th.......! You're a bright and methodical young man........it ain't quantum mechanics.........it's only an investment that will keep you comfy for a couple years....but to me it's critical....based on the amount of time you spend on "personal communication" devices, don't wait until you're pulling what scalp cover you have left out...and reduced to a hand held device.............Been there, done that.............gloom & the need to beat the shit out of something.........go look for a bully......LOL I don't know how I missed seeing your post last night!! Sheesh...I gotta pay more attention! So, the whole reason I need a new laptop is mine is running Windows 8 (or some version of it) and it will be obsolete at the end of the year. I wanted a newer one anyway as this thing is SO slow. It has trouble trying to load the "Music" thread...so I rarely go into that thread. Truthfully, the only things I do on my laptop are peruse/post on the forum, search eBay, and watch videos on YouTube...and this thing has issues playing Hi-Res videos...so I'm guessing it's lacking RAM. There are also certain members who post massive pictures, and if there's a ton of them in the thread, this laptop doesn't load them very well at all. I will on occasion do Word or Excel documents, but nothing that's full of Quantum Mechanic equations... I was looking at this one on eBay: www.ebay.com/itm/403348471981
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pizzano
Cave Dweller
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
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Post by pizzano on Sept 23, 2022 14:47:01 GMT -5
Well, it's been a week or so since this subject popped-up...........I know when my need's raise it's ugly head to up-grade the PC, it wasn't something I took lightly. But then again, I burn them to the wick and wait till the budget speaks to me........or I crash and bemoan my lack of assertiveness....lol So, between your grinding, cabbing, photo and RTH kibitzing....I assume you have a life outside of ROCKS (maybe not)...lol.........found anything interesting you'd like to discuss....? I'm all ears right now........have the time and interest.........give me a few more days, and I'm off to Utah and Alabama......see ya around October 3rd or 4th.......! You're a bright and methodical young man........it ain't quantum mechanics.........it's only an investment that will keep you comfy for a couple years....but to me it's critical....based on the amount of time you spend on "personal communication" devices, don't wait until you're pulling what scalp cover you have left out...and reduced to a hand held device.............Been there, done that.............gloom & the need to beat the shit out of something.........go look for a bully......LOL I don't know how I missed seeing your post last night!! Sheesh...I gotta pay more attention! So, the whole reason I need a new laptop is mine is running Windows 8 (or some version of it) and it will be obsolete at the end of the year. I wanted a newer one anyway as this thing is SO slow. It has trouble trying to load the "Music" thread...so I rarely go into that thread. Truthfully, the only things I do on my laptop are peruse/post on the forum, search eBay, and watch videos on YouTube...and this thing has issues playing Hi-Res videos...so I'm guessing it's lacking RAM. There are also certain members who post massive pictures, and if there's a ton of them in the thread, this laptop doesn't load them very well at all. I will on occasion do Word or Excel documents, but nothing that's full of Quantum Mechanic equations... I was looking at this one on eBay: www.ebay.com/itm/403348471981Jason........That link checks most of the boxes I laid out......a little lite on the RAM and does not state re-conditioned by certified authorized dealer.....it's a Windows 10 Home edition OS, so it will be limited to light duty Word & Excel. It's a nice size and being a couple of years old, should be in good condition cosmetically........New, it probably cost around $750.00 retail............So, for $450 used, it will most likely serve your purpose.....I hope the installed Win 10 user Code can be verified and serviceable, one of the reasons I only purchase from Authorized Dealers. Looks good for your needs and it will be 100% faster than what you're on now.........you'll appreciate that aspect.......be kind to it, those model price ranges are physically fragile.....keep the key board, fan inlet/outlets and plugs clean.....it should give a few good years of service. Hope this helps Ya....!
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