Please Help Me Decide on What Laptop I Should Buy

Lusernamejv on 01/02/2019 - 10:56
Last edited 01/02/2019 - 10:58

Hi there,

I'm looking at getting a new laptop for my partner as a gift as his current one is in its final days. I was thinking about getting a 15‑inch MacBook Pro but friends are trying to convince me to go with a non-apple laptop.
I'll give you some info on what he will be using the laptop for:
He's a graphic designer/3D designer and uses illustrator, Photoshop and most of the other adobe products frequently. He's also thinking about getting into programming so I think he would need something with a good processor and lots of storage.
I know very little about laptops so I do really need some help.

Thanks in advance

Computing Computer Laptop

Comments

  • HighAndDry on 01/02/2019 - 11:14
    +1

    A few questions to start off:

    1. What operating system does he use at the moment? Sticking to what he's used to would probably be a good idea.

    2. What's your budget? A lot of graphics design products will need a powerful GPU, but programming may well need (as you said) also need a powerful CPU. That'll cost you.

    3. Are there any other requirements? E.g. Will he be moving it around a lot (using it in cafes, college?, etc?), will he be away from powerpoints a lot (and so need a larger battery), does he use a laptop now that has a touchscreen? etc.

    • usernamejv on 01/02/2019 - 12:01
      1. He uses windows PC but also has an iMac that he doesn't use as often because its obviously not portable.
      2. I'm really just looking for something that has value for money, I don't want to pay several thousands of dollars on something that does the same thing as something cheaper.
      3. No specific requirements I can think of
      • HighAndDry on 01/02/2019 - 12:09
        +1

        Just regarding 2. - a lot of the time, especially for something which is more than just playing games, you'll be paying for reliability, aftercare and warranty support. For example - if you get a Dell XPS like AdamFury suggests below (and that I second - great machines) - you can probably get something with the same specifications from Asus, Acer, Gigabyte, etc for cheaper, but with less reliability and far far less warranty support if there are any issues.

        And we do need at least a ballpark figure for your budget. How much are you looking to spend? For something that can do what a desktop computer does, you'd be looking at around $2,000 for something that can do serious productivity work.

  • barbarella on 01/02/2019 - 11:15
    +2

    It sounds like he would be very particular, due to all the apps he needs to use….so, casually ask him what he would buy if his current lappy dies?

  • AdamFury on 01/02/2019 - 11:19
    +3

    Dell XPS is the equivalent of a Macbook on the Windows side IMO. Great machines.

  • bigticket on 01/02/2019 - 13:32
    +1

    Software costs a lot of money so choose PC or Mac depending on which platform his software runs on.

    • Sage on 01/02/2019 - 18:04
      +1

      Surely both units can run the programs virtually if they're powerful enough though.

  • bargainhunter87 on 01/02/2019 - 16:55

    Apple.

  • Sage on 01/02/2019 - 18:03
    +1

    What's the budget? If you're after a powerful unit and a Macbook then you'd just get the Macbook Pro, but they can be up to $4,099. Plus you'd probably want Apple Care since they're not easy to repair on your own.
    The Dell XPS 15 is well regarded. You can get it cheaper through ebay refurbished, and there may be a coupon to use from this site.
    I personally love the look of the HP Spectre Folio. It's made of leather and can transform into an "iPad". Along with of course being powerful and the latest tech.
    Another tip is you could just get the same line of the laptop he currently has. Most brands continue lines with small upgrades, so he could appreciate the familiarity.
    My 3 suggestions are probably the best out there.
    You have to get a newer laptop with USB C. I love USB C, it means there's 1 plug that can be used for charging, a storage drive, or connecting to another screen. They're so easy to plug in too because it's symmetrical.

  • usernamejv on 04/02/2019 - 08:11

    Thanks everyone for your help, after a lot of research and taking into you consideration all of your suggestions i'm going with the Dell XPS 15

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