Dell or Lenovo Please? Choice of 2!

SuziMac270 on 14/06/2024 - 10:43
Last edited 20/06/2024 - 09:24 by 2 other users

Hi OzBargain,I'm not a gamer, predominantly stream movies etc

Choice of 2 (take 7% off Dell for Student discount) Thanks for the tip ;-). Also Big W 10%, bought a Moto G84 few days ago.

Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 2 Intel

Never owned a Lenovo, bloatware etc?

Dell Inspiron 16

Is Windows Pro really worth it?

Also, I am really chasing a 17.3" same price, won't go near HP or VivoBook but other ASUS models OK, Gigabyte & Infinity. If need be would consider a desktop, haven't purchased one for 30 yrs!

Anyone had problems with MSI? Laptop is 6mths old, keeps losing WIFI network adaptors (4 times in a month), only using the NOVID pin for 40 seconds brings it back or a factory reset, even then 651 error, keyboard & touch pad starting to play up & a cracked screen I have no other plausible explanation for except a hardware malfunction.

Thanks,
Suz

Computing Computer Dell Laptop Lenovo

Comments

  • Muzeeb on 14/06/2024 - 10:47

    How did the MSI get a cracked screen?

    • geekcohen on 14/06/2024 - 10:56
      +1

      Apparently general wear & tear.

      • Muzeeb on 14/06/2024 - 11:17
        +1

        I like the reference that it definitely wasn't alcohol bender related.

        • SuziMac270 on 14/06/2024 - 23:16
          +1

          "Apparently" GC? What's to "like" about someone who doesn't drink Muzeeb, very common actually, there was no mention of bender's and it was in reply to a false accusation, yes?

          Friendly lot, eh? Anyone would think this is a gamers only forum, checks notes, it is a PUBLIC forum, in that you will get posts from experts, mid range & complete novices

          Manners & patience are important or you risk portraying an arrogant, egotistical attitude, Try being kind, you will feel 1000 times better!

          • Muzeeb on 14/06/2024 - 23:32

            @SuziMac270: Thanks SM270. I just thought the reference to..

            don't drink

            was odd and implied that if you did drink it might have got broken when you were drunk.

            I don't know why it had to be mentioned. No kids, no cats, no Labrador on the other hand would make perfect sense.

  • randomusername2017 on 14/06/2024 - 10:54

    Lenuveau?¿

  • geekcohen on 14/06/2024 - 10:56
    +1

    This is your 3rd thread about computer stuff.

    Choice of 3 17" Laptops - HP, Gigabyte or Infinity
    Mid Range Laptop with 17.3" Screen for Streaming

    Why not just make 1 thread and then discuss.

    Did you not look at the Metabox as my recommendation

    I would go Dell over Lenovo in my personal experience, Lenovo have had issues with WiFi Adaptors.

    • ldd-mn on 14/06/2024 - 11:31

      If you make sure to avoid Mediatek WiFi you're fine

      • Boioioioi on 14/06/2024 - 12:23
        +1

        I have a lenovo with a realtek wifi card and it was not good. Constant wifi drop outs. Replaced it with an Intel card I had lying around and works great!

        Having said that I'd still go with Lenovo. That laptop feels brand new and I bought it in 2020 for $800. Compared to a $1500 Dell I got in 2023 from my work which is already worn out and has a questionable feeling hinge, just from general use.

    • SuziMac270 on 14/06/2024 - 22:52

      Yes, I even emailed Metabox GC thank you, Daniel gave me a couple of options to build a 15.6, could see they were good deals but a numeric keyboard is one compromise not willing to make..My laptops have had them for decades

      Thanks for tip on Lenovo, had enough of WiFi Adaptors with this MSI, a thousand apologies for the 3 threads, by the time the EOFY is over, I should have caught up with all your protocols here.

      • geekcohen on 17/06/2024 - 07:54

        but a numeric keyboard is one compromise not willing to make..My laptops have had them for decades

        Check the models, they do include them. I have had one on pretty much all of my Metabox machines.

  • whitepuma on 14/06/2024 - 11:08
    +2

    Lenovo.

    Lenovo is like the toyota corolla/camry of computers.

    Their price is average
    Their performance is average
    They dont have any flashy features (compared to others in its price range)
    However, their incredibly serviceable, and they will outlive you and your family.

    I still have a 15+ year old lenovo laptop running to this day that powers my cnc machine. Battery is dead (keep it plugged in), but thats inevitably for everything with batteries.

    There is a reason why most people in IT prefer a lenovo.

    • SuziMac270 on 14/06/2024 - 22:53

      Thank you kindly WP, very helpful & friendly to boot! Enjoy your weekend.

    • A-mak on 17/06/2024 - 05:49

      Lenovo is the first and only laptop I've worked on that bricked itself after its app decided to do a bios update within windows.

      Nova button didn't work to undo it, not even when trying to follow instructions for it to flash via usb.

      Lenovo expected end user to send back and pay $$$ to 'replace the motherboard'. $10 CH341A programmer and some research is able to resolve the issue.

      • whitepuma on 17/06/2024 - 06:19
        +1

        That is unfortunate for you to have a bad experience. i can assure you that if you were inside of your warranty period those costs wouldn't be involved, if you were outside of warranty period this would be likely be the case for all laptop brands. Need to remember that the people logging the warranty cases and diagnosing over the phone aren't as tech savy as the technicians that would know how to use a CH341A programmer.

        Regardless though. at every workplace I've been at in the past 10 years i have had involvement in the procurement of new work laptops for the whole company (orders of 500+ minimum). of the various brands we have worked with, the one that has the lowest failure rate, and causes the least issues being brought back to the IT department was always the Lenovo.

        I can't remember the exact figures, but i recall at my previous workplace we had a fraction of the lenovo's being brought in to IT for "repair/replacement" compared to the 2nd most reliable brand we were experiencing, and that's including the stupid repair/replacement request for people saying stuff like "It's not a mac" "it's too heavy" "it doesn't connect up to my monitor at home"(people using old VGA/DVI monitors)

    • Captain Musty on 19/06/2024 - 16:46

      One what do you base your statement that :"…most people in IT prefer a Lenovo"?

      I would definitely refute that, that's not what I've experienced.

      MCSE, MCP+Internet (recently retired)

      • whitepuma on 19/06/2024 - 18:44

        I base that statement off of all the IT people i have been working with in my career + the IT related forums, specifically the individuals at the service desk level.

        Now certainly not all of them prefer lenovo, but id confidently say most do.

      • wombok2 on 24/06/2024 - 17:35

        curious what brand would you recommend?

        speaking from personal experience regarding desktops/laptops, Lenovo parts have always been cheaper and easier to get, which is why I only recommend Lenovo too. The parts im talking about are replacement keyboards, speakers, rubber feet, power buttons, wifi kit, etc.

        Not mention BIOS security updates, no other prebuilt manufacturer (dell, HP, asus, samsung) has the same level of firmware updates as compared to Lenovo. Heck even custom built motherboards like asrock, gigabyte, asus, msi dont update their BIOS as much as Lenovo.

        Don't get me started on documentation either…

  • Ozbar Gain on 14/06/2024 - 12:16

    Get the Lenovo. It has a nipple

  • skid on 14/06/2024 - 13:02

    Serious people use Thinkpad.

  • rumblytangara on 14/06/2024 - 13:15
    +1

    Why on earth do you want a P series ThinkPad if you don't need a graphics card?

    I think that Dell customer support in Oz is terrible.

    • SuziMac270 on 14/06/2024 - 22:59
      +2

      Why on earth am I asking the question here RT?

      I have had a Dell, the customer service was excellent, a technician travelled to my rural location within 2 days and fixed it without fuss. Above all, was friendly & courteous despite my limited knowledge!

      • rumblytangara on 17/06/2024 - 09:09

        You say that you mainly stream movies.

        If you're looking at a P series, and you don't go serious graphics work or play games, you are significantly overpaying for a function that you will not use, and consumes battery life.

  • BoltThrower on 14/06/2024 - 13:19

    Lenovo, but not the one you chose.
    Something more along the lines of this
    https://www.lenovo.com/au/en/p/laptops/ideapad/ideapad-5/lenovo-ideapad-slim-5-gen-9-(16-inch-amd)/83ddcto1wwau2

    • freedomj on 15/06/2024 - 10:09

      Anyone know how much this Lenovo P2 weighs?

  • beltdrive on 14/06/2024 - 13:26
    +2

    Dell and Lenovo both make good laptops, but I would buy a Latitude instead of an Inspiron

    • Gareth on 14/06/2024 - 18:35
      +1

      100%. Don't compare a low-end consumer line (Inspiron) to a corporate line (Thinkpad).

      Both companies make products to the lowest price/denominator, both make decent enterprise style devices. Do you want a more solid device (Thinkpad / Latitude or Precision), or do you want a cheaper and flashier device (Ideapad, Thinkbook or arguably Yoga, or Inspiron)?

      On the corporate devices you'll have no crapware and better - but more expensive - support services, and generally last longer. On the consumer level stuff they'll be filled with bloat and be harder to get support (that you'll probably be more likely to need).

    • SuziMac270 on 14/06/2024 - 23:01

      Thank you BD & Gareth, I didn't consider they were in different "classes" for want of a better word, food for thought. Have a good weekend.

  • masterqur on 14/06/2024 - 19:43

    Definitely Lenovo, and I would also recommend choosing a 32g ram since most laptop ram are not upgradeable nowadays.

    • SuziMac270 on 14/06/2024 - 23:03

      Will see if that is an option thanks Masterqur, not that I would be upgrading myself, never pulled a laptop apart!!

  • OpayuOnam on 14/06/2024 - 19:51

    A bit more expensive, but I can strongly recommend ThinkPad P16s Gen2 AMD version, I have one with Ryzen 7 and 4k OLED screen, it's the best laptop I've owned. Even though it has a U processor, it has a performance similar to that of the H variant, and it sustains that performance for extended periods of time without throttling. The OLED display is also gorgeous, I just wish it was matte instead of semi matte, but it's very bright so not too bad.

    • SuziMac270 on 14/06/2024 - 23:07

      Will look it up, thanks kindly OC, never know, it might be on special & I score a bargain. What I thought this website was for!

      • OpayuOnam on 15/06/2024 - 05:26

        Don't upgrade SSD via ThinkPad website, much cheaper if you do yourself. Get minimum 32gb RAM. If you can get 64gb (it's about $400 more).
        the 4K display is nice but about $400, so the normal 1080p might be sufficient for you, or a $100 upgrade for touch.
        also he sure to get the bigger battery as it will give you full day usage with a small weight penalty (couple of 100gm).

        should be under $2k for Ryzen 7 and 32gb, around $2500 with 4k and 64gb

  • djathome on 15/06/2024 - 08:26
    +2

    Sorry guys, Dell all the way.
    You will find a crap load of lenovos on pickles etc cause gov dept dumping them.
    There is a reason for this.
    I have sold hundreds of dells over the years, and yes, you do get the odd faulty one, but do the 3 -5 yr onsite support and they will look after you.
    Why goto a computer store to wait 4-6 weeks for it to be repaired when dell will come to you within a few days to do it onsite? Rare I have had to do as i find the quality of builds much better than lenovo.
    Thats why I sold Dell to all my business customers and none of them complain.
    Takes the hardware burden away from me and they can be happy and productive whilst making money.

    • BoltThrower on 15/06/2024 - 10:10

      You piqued my curiosity, so I checked
      https://www.pickles.com.au/general/item/search#!/search-result?q=(And.ProductType.Computers,%20Smartphones,%20Office%20Machines._.BuyMethod.Pickles%20Online.)

    • ZmbHntr on 15/06/2024 - 15:16

      I agree. I have a Dell and a Lenovo laptop. The Dell is rock solild. The Lenovo has had multiple manufacturing faults and longevity issues, some of which didn't appear until warranty had expired.

      • rumblytangara on 15/06/2024 - 18:33
        +1

        Which Dells and which Lenovos though?

        Both make a wide range in terms of quality.

        • OpayuOnam on 16/06/2024 - 10:03

          Exactly, I don't get why most people don't understand that these large brands have different design teams for different product ranges, to the point where ThinkPad is almost it's own company (dedicated design team, dedicated test labs etc…) same with Lattitude.

          most people's interactions with Lenovo would be the cheap $300-500 Officeworks ideapads and they then compare it to a $2k ThinkPad…. it really is a failure of these brands.

  • Captain Musty on 15/06/2024 - 10:54

    I echo the thoughts of djathome, it's got to be Dell over Lenovo or MSI.
    I've had trouble with both - MSI with a 'cheap' feeling of the construction, Lenovo with very slow (for its spec) processing.

    To date, I've had no trouble with Dell laptops nor monitors.

  • dmbminaret on 15/06/2024 - 20:41
    -1

    Dell in business machines are pretty bulletproof but the cheap Inspiron laptops are landfill. Those Lenovo ThinkPads are about the longest lasting thing around but usually on the lower spec end and might run hot and slow after a decade. MSI are hot garbage in laptops…and probably everything for that matter.

  • djathome on 18/06/2024 - 17:12
    +1

    To throw in 2 more cents.
    I do agree with the whole what you pay is what you get mindset.
    For the most part, a dell laptop on special for $1000 plus the 300 odd for extended onsite warranty.
    You will get your $ worth.
    Spend that with lenovo, and I dont expect "life" out of it.
    Thats just been my experience. Plus the Warranty work is not great. Dell have been prompt and professional 98% of the time.
    I cannot really think of anything cept maybe a lost techy that they have failed me with around warranties.
    It will last. For a kid doing uni or a high schooler or someone at tafe, sure… great price point.

    I have worked in work environments with thousands of dell laptops and thousands of lenovos.

    Edits for spelling mistakes guys.
    Hands down dell.

    Look, i'm not trying to talk myself up here or anything, its just my opinion.. Nearly 30 years in the industry.

  • SuziMac270 on 19/06/2024 - 13:57

    Appreciate all your input, have found two others to chose from instead! As to appease GeekCohen, will tack on here, whether any input is received, we will see!

    Acer:

    https://store.acer.com/en-au/swift-go-16-windows-11-home-int…

    Great OLED screen, crap speakers, concerns re quality of build etc

    Gigabyte:

    https://www.mwave.com.au/product/gigabyte-g6-kf-16-fhd-165hz…

    Had a GB in the past, wish I had stuck with them instead of this MSI piece of crap, they have a service centre in closest regional town (so do Acer),

    I live rural & the customer service MSI has offered when their product is faulty has been abysmal. Laptop now buying is to use whilst 6 month old MSI is sent to them for repair. MSI refused to send me a replacement screen (myself to pay for) as to have a tech here install, LIving in a black spot, can't rely on mobile for work, therefore, trying to get a decent "bridging" laptop for as little as money possible!.

    Thanks, Suz

    • rumblytangara on 20/06/2024 - 09:25
      +1

      You were considering between two first tier laptop brands which make corporate machines and have very well established support channels. And now you're deciding on going with two brands which are sold mostly to budget consumers or gamers?

      Acer has been a budget manufacturer since the early 2000s. MSI and Gigabyte both started off as component manufacturers. Neither are renowned for reliability, neither produce for corporate fleets.

      But hey, at least they have a support centre somewhere kind of nearby.

      trying to get a decent "bridging" laptop for as little as money possible!.

      This is the exact opposite of the first laptop you mentioned.

  • SuziMac270 on 20/06/2024 - 00:12
    Merged from ACER OLED Screen or Gigabyte

    Hi OB

    GeekCohen won't be happy but didn't get any replies adding to last post so pasting here as a new thread, Acer's specials are running low so I'm in a hurry:

    Appreciate all your input to date, have found two others to chose from instead! As to appease GeekCohen, will tack on here, whether any input is received, we will see!

    Acer:

    https://store.acer.com/en-au/swift-go-16-windows-11-home-int…

    Great OLED screen, crap speakers, concerns re quality of build etc

    Gigabyte:

    https://www.mwave.com.au/product/gigabyte-g6-kf-16-fhd-165hz…

    Had a GB in the past, wish I had stuck with them instead of this MSI piece of crap, they have a service centre in closest regional town (so do Acer),

    I live rural & the customer service MSI has offered when their product is faulty has been abysmal. Laptop now buying is to use whilst 6 month old MSI is sent to them for repair. MSI refused to send me a replacement screen (myself to pay for) as to have a tech here install, LIving in a black spot, can't rely on mobile for work, therefore, trying to get a decent "bridging" laptop for as little as money possible!.

    Thanks, Suz

    • pinchies on 20/06/2024 - 12:29
      +1

      What kind of advice are you actually looking for? You have not explained to us what your needs or priorities are. You say that you've appreciated all the input given to date… but you haven't really explained what has been narrowed down. Making a new post, doesn't really help anything, because the post here is both a bit rambling and is missing all of the context of your previous posts. Your title sounds like you are looking for a monitor, not a laptop. Your links are broken too.

      TLDR: zero effort posts get zero replies.

    • SuziMac270 on 20/06/2024 - 16:49
      -1

      Which of these two laptops would be the better choice:

      https://store.acer.com/en-au/swift-go-16-windows-11-home-int…

      OR

      https://www.centrecom.com.au/gigabyte-g6-kf-16-165hz-i7-16gb…

      Thanks

      • pinchies on 20/06/2024 - 18:11
        +3

        I'm going to repeat myself again one more time… as I said above:

        What kind of advice are you actually looking for? You have not explained to us what your needs or priorities are.

        Better choice for what? Gaming? Movies? Business work? Use on the go? Frisbee? I mean which is a better choice, an Ford Focus or a Jeep Wrangler? These are two laptops from very different categories — one is a large and thin ultralight, one is a gaming laptop.

        If you want advice tailored for you, you need to give us the info about how you would use it. What matters to you? What are you going to use it for? What are your priorities?

        Trying to help you see how you're coming across here.

        • SuziMac270 on 22/06/2024 - 18:34
          -1

          WFH, hence numerical numberpad but not processing rich programmes, I like a 17.3 screen & good speakers for streaming movies etc, I am not a gamer.

          Doesn't matter now, the special at Acer is finished, price has gone up $500.00. Never owned an Acer, was curious what people's thoughts were on the brand in general.

          • pinchies on 22/06/2024 - 22:37

            @SuziMac270: Can I ask why you're going for a laptop over a desktop?

            • SuziMac270 on 23/06/2024 - 09:25

              @pinchies: Because I regularly travel to Sydney for work and to see my 95yo Mum, I did consider a desktop as a bridging computer but if this MSI stuffs up again & likely it will, back in the same boat.

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