I'm trying to help a friend get a replacement laptop, and I need the Ozbargain Hivemind to assist.
The laptop will be used primarily for spreadsheets and email, but will also be taken on at least 2 long flights every fortnight, so large and heavy devices are not an option. A 13" screen is considered to have insufficient screen space for large spreadsheets - 15" is about right.
Must have:
a) 15" screen with Full HD resolution (higher res is okay but unlikely)
b) Solid State drive 120GB min.
c) Under 2.5kg weight and as thin as possible
d) A 1 year factory warranty (or longer)
e) Windows 8.1 or 10
f) Battery life of 5 hours light use or better
g) No more than $1400, but the cheaper the better
h) From a reputable Australian seller
i) 5th/6th gen i5 dual core and 8GB RAM minimum
Preference given to devices with an integrated optical drive, but this is not essential. A full number-pad on the keyboard would be good, but these are rare on such models. A touchscreen is also preferable but not mandatory.
I am happy to consider refurbished machines from reputable sources if they're a good deal.
So far, my most favoured option is the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 series from the Microsoft Store at $1350.
https://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msaus/en_AU/pdp/Dell-In…
(Edit: Looking at Cashrewards, it seems that I might be able to switch a better deal direct from Dell via coupon code and cashback….)
I welcome other similar options, or even suggestions out of left field if you can justify them.
Have a close look at 15.6in series from Clevo. If you are not familiar with the band, they are large Taiwanese laptop manufacturers selling bare units to many assemblers, who then sell it under their own names. Check this forum for detailed info: http://forum.notebookreview.com/forums/sager-and-clevo.1017/ In Australia there are a few resellers (to name a few: Metabox, Kong, Affordable Laptops). See for example here:
http://www.kongcomputers.com/product-listing/gamers.aspx and here:
http://www.affordablelaptops.com.au/contents/en-us/d6_metabo…
Do not be discouraged that some models are described as "gaming", it just translates to a bit more powerful graphics card inside. Unique advantages: extremely flexible configuration options, very easy to open and service or upgrade. In my experience all Aus resellers provide very high assembly quality and brilliant before/after sale support, thus I always highly recommend Clevo based laptops.