Need a New Laptop - It Is So Confusing

what on 07/02/2015 - 23:33

Hello all. My laptop is on its way out and I am looking for a new one. Only thing is, I am finding it very confusing. I am computer literate but when it comes to the specifications of a computer, I really do not have any idea.

I am currently using a 17 inch Dell studio with windows vista on it. It also has a DVD burner. I have installed Microsoft Office 2007 and would like to use the same on the new laptop until I am ready to upgrade. I currently have 300 gig of storage. The studio has a recovery drive which has been very useful when I have had to completely reset the laptop.

I only use it for searching the internet and checking my emails but something need to copy CD's for playing in the car. It is also used to download from video and copying on to a DVD. I also store photos on it.

I feel that I will not get anything decent for under $1000, so I guess that I will need to spend that much. If possible, I would like a 3 year warranty but think that this would only come with the more expensive models.

I hope all this makes sense.

Thank you all in advance.

Computing Computer Laptop

Comments

  • airzone on 08/02/2015 - 00:19

    If you were happy with the Dell, try an Inspiron 15 3000
    http://www.dell.com/au/p/inspiron-15-3542-laptop/pd?ref=PD_O…

    You can get the cheapest one with a 3yr on-site warranty for $1081.

    Otherwise the Dell Factory Outlet models vary in price, although one year warranty (and I'm sure you could upgrade it to 3 if you called them).

    • what on 08/02/2015 - 00:29

      Thank you. I will take a look.

  • scrimshaw on 08/02/2015 - 00:22
    +1

    I feel that I will not get anything decent for under $1000, so I guess that I will need to spend that much.

    Not entirely true. Yes, decent laptops do get expensive but with a bit of bargain hunting you can get a business grade laptop for $600~800 dollars, usually via Dell outlet.

    E.g
    http://www1.ap.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/product…

    $ 579
    DFO-2630136LT
    Latitude E6440 4th gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-4300M
    4GB Single Channel DDR3L
    320GB 7200RPM drive
    8X DVD+/-RW Drive
    Windows(R) 7 Home Premium 64-bit
    Intel 6235 2X2 802.11n + Bluetooth 4.0 + WiDi
    14.0 inch HD (1366x768) Anti-Glare LED-backlit

    Extra warranty can usually be negotiated.

    • what on 08/02/2015 - 00:38

      Thank you. Do you know if these specifications are for a machine that is more than a year old?

      • scrimshaw on 08/02/2015 - 01:02

        What do you mean? The Core i5-4300m is a current generation Haswell CPU.

        • what on 08/02/2015 - 01:05

          Thank you. Just wanted to know how current the model is.

        • scrimshaw on 08/02/2015 - 01:34
          +1

          @what:

          Just want to let you know:

          I only use it for searching the internet and checking my emails but something need to copy CD's for playing in the car. It is also used to download from video and copying on to a DVD. I also store photos on it.

          Considering your needs are pretty basic: You don't really need a high end computer and the tasks you outlined won't even stress a modern laptop equipped with a Intel Core i series CPU.

          Performance is a concern only if you're looking at the very low end laptops in the <$500 price range.

          So my recommendation is not worry too much about the CPU specs. I'd look at Core i3 as a baseline along with 4GB of RAM, possibly a 6 cell 54whr battery if you're worried about battery life.

          And $600~800 dollars will get you a brand new laptop in a slim attractive body with the right specifications.

          The main thing you should probably consider right now is the build quality, form factor and size.

          Obviously the cost of a laptop is not just in it's specifications — you will need to pay more just to get a laptop that is well built, sturdy metallic chassis, has a good touchpad/keyboard, has good cooling and is easily repairable. This is why 'business grade' machines (e.g Latitudes, Thinkpad X/T/L) series are popular because they're made to last.

        • what on 08/02/2015 - 02:02

          Thank you. This info is really good. I do want something that is sturdy and well build. Hopefully it will last me a long time.

        • mrmarkau67 on 09/02/2015 - 13:33
          +1

          @what:

          I've had good experiences with Dell Latitude. They are good value when bought secondhand or from the Dell Factory Outlet.

          If you buy from the Dell Factory Outlet, see if you can purchase on site warranty for 3 years. This means if anything goes wrong, their tech will come to your home/office to fix it.

          BUT

          BUT

          BUT

          Is your laptop really on its way out? You may be AMAZED at how much a laptop benefits from a Windows refresh and a new hard drive (Solid State of course).

          If you have a 17" machine you may even be able to fit in a new hard drive without taking your old one out. What model is it?

  • Axelstrife on 08/02/2015 - 01:51
    +2

    If that's all you use the computer for then it would be a waste of money to spend 1k on a laptop that will be more power that you will ever need.

    • what on 08/02/2015 - 02:06

      Thank you. It sounds like I will be saving myself some money then.

      • Axelstrife on 08/02/2015 - 02:44
        +2

        http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BRAND-NEW-HP-15-6-inch-Laptop-PC-…

        This is my recommendation.
        It's a 4th generation I3 processor
        4GB Ram
        500GB Hard drive
        15.6" screen

        and it's brand new Unlike the one above that scrimshaw posted.
        This one is $479 free postage
        it's probably the only brand i like and trust (personal experience with hp's have been great)

        • QuickToThePointless on 08/02/2015 - 14:10
          +1

          I got one of these last year. Just a work machine - no gaming. Its perfect and was about $430 from centrecom. Why pay more?

  • what on 08/02/2015 - 02:11

    Thank you all for your feedback. As suggested, I will not need to spend any more than $800.

  • financialwar on 08/02/2015 - 21:43

    All s***t laptops with awful resolutions.

    • Axelstrife on 08/02/2015 - 22:05
      -1

      Don't need full HD screen to what they are doing. Nor do you need a I7 with 8gb ram or whatever for what they need it for.

      You have no idea.

      • financialwar on 08/02/2015 - 22:15

        i5 to i7 no big deal if you're just doing basic computing.

        But 720p to 1080p is a big deal because you're getting twice the real estate, so you can be twice as productive.

        So who has no idea?

        • Axelstrife on 08/02/2015 - 22:23
          -2

          You!
          Did you even bother to read what they will be using this laptop for? or did you only read first sentence and typed your first post?
          Go read what they need it for and come back and apologize to me for your rude attitude on matters you have no idea about.

        • financialwar on 08/02/2015 - 22:28

          @holden93:

          No you! As I said, all these laptop offered have s*** screens, they are s*** for everything. Let alone, it's not even IPS LCD.

          If I want to surf the internet, it better be at least 1080p.

          So go away and learn about computers.

        • Axelstrife on 08/02/2015 - 22:33
          -2

          @financialwar: "If I want to surf the internet, it better be at least 1080p."

          Lol If this isn't you attempting to troll me then you really are dumber then i thought.

          Go away kid i'm over talking to a keyboard warrior that doesn't have any clue about Computer's

        • financialwar on 08/02/2015 - 22:49
          -2

          @holden93:

          You're trolling OP by getting him to buy a low resolution laptop, on a 15.6…

          Mate I know more about computers than your own family combined.

        • Axelstrife on 08/02/2015 - 22:56
          -2

          @financialwar:Day dreaming again huh?
          You really need to stop that.

    • what on 09/02/2015 - 11:49

      What would you recommend?

      • scrimshaw on 09/02/2015 - 14:48

        If you want productivity hook your laptop up to a LCD monitor. By the sounds of your usage, and the fact that you have a 17" desktop replacement, your computer probably doesn't get moved around much?

        If that's the case buy yourself a cheap $120 dollar LCD and hook your machine up to it.

        • what on 09/02/2015 - 15:00

          My laptop still works. The screen is coming away from the plastic frame around the screen and therefore caused some distortion. This has made the plastic around one of the hinges break. I can no longer close the laptop as it may crack more plastic. I guess I could try hooking it up to another monitor. It would then stop it needing to be picked up to be used. On the other hand, I could always take it to Dell to get fixed. My first thought was that the costs associated with fixing it may as well go towards a new laptop. (that is me assuming that the costs would be high and not worth it)

        • mrmarkau67 on 09/02/2015 - 15:20

          @what:

          My 15" Dell Studio needed some superglue to fix a crack in the screen cover. I did it myself, but I'm pretty handy.

          I'd get a quote from a local computer shop to tidy up the frame. Dell would quote based on putting an entire new assembly on. Maybe something will just need to be "clicked" back into place and glued. If you can keep it working for another 2 years for $100 or so, this is money well spent.

          You can also ask them to install an SSD at the same time.

          Certainly $120 would buy a decent external monitor - $350 would buy a beautiful one.

        • scrimshaw on 09/02/2015 - 15:22

          My first thought was that cost associated with fixing it may as well go towards a new

          True.

          Most laptop places would charge an arm and a leg for a simple hinge repair. If your laptop can still be used, rather than trashing it, keep it aside as a 'home theatre' computer and hook it up to your living room TV or something.

          If the screen is getting in the way, you can also completely 'be-head' the laptop by removing the lid entirely (disassembly required, but not hard to do).
          I did this to my old machine and all that's left of it is the lower half of the laptop, and this makes for a very tidy 'desktop' (i use this term very loosely) computer that is permanently attached to an LCD monitor.

        • what on 09/02/2015 - 21:27

          You have got it. The screen does get in the way when I am typing. I cannot open it fully and it wobbles a little and if I try to pull it open completely, more plastic will probably break away. A be-heading sounds good. I do think that I will still need a laptop. So handy to use whilst watching tv.

        • what on 09/02/2015 - 21:29

          Don't know if I can fix it myself. It seems to be so hard to put it into place. It just does not want to sit correctly.

          I already have a spare external monitor because my desktop recently died. Having some bad luck with computers aren't I.

  • financialwar on 08/02/2015 - 23:00
    -2

    Go back to your holden. Let the big boys take about computers.

    • what on 12/02/2015 - 13:48

      Thank you. I will stick with windows because that is what I am used to.

    • financialwar on 15/02/2015 - 17:50

      Lol, if you are being creative, macs are the way to go? Why do all apple users think their creative genius when in fact their just sheeps?

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