Is This a Deal? (Mid Range Laptop HP Pavilion 15-P002TU $678)

• 

  polol on 07/01/2015 - 14:28

  always going to get better performance out of a desktop, thats costing just enough that it could be worth getting a desktop even with windows.

  For instance $550(750) build with an i5-4460 and no gfx card would blow this out of the water and come with all your peripherals, just not windows.

  Otherwise that laptop seems adequately specced, i can imagine its reasonably heavy and battery life and the display is quite poor though.

  • 

    Tuba on 09/01/2015 - 01:51

    How portable is that desktop? Kind of why people like laptops. And if his 'bro' is at uni, he might like to take it with him, use on train, in lectures and tutes etc.

• 

  ethereal88 on 07/01/2015 - 15:34

  No SSD which is essential in 2015, and broadwell laptops are coming in a month or two.

• 

  iridiumstem on 09/01/2015 - 06:28

  If you want to get something that is durable and cheap. 2nd hand Thinkpads (No, not IdeaPads, I mean T, X, W series) are hard to pass by. It has spill proof keyboards, I think they get drop tests similar to the rugged laptops books, etc etc.

  In general, if his needs are more of need something durable, reliable and such, it's better to go with 2nd hand business laptops. I know that those are expensive compared to similar specced laptops, but there are things that you cannot read from spec list. i.e. build quality, designs relating to heat dissipation, keyboard quality (ThinkPads were known for good quality keyboards that are not chicklet which some really hate) etc.

  If you are not fine with 2nd hand laptops, Dell outlet and Lenovo outlet are there for refurb and discontinued laptops.

  If you want something that is extra portable, Bay Trail tablets do work. They are not a powerhouse but they are usable and they are super light. Get him a bluetooth keyboard or a keyboard dock if it supports it, and voila, it's a tablet that you can use like a netbook.

  Chipping in my 2c.