Looking for New Laptop - Budget $1.5k

LStarskali on 19/06/2024 - 11:14
Last edited 19/06/2024 - 15:48 by 1 other user

Hi all, I recently broke my 6 years old surface book and am looking for a replacement.

I’m deliberating between Macbook air for utility and work, vs a windows laptop because of the occasional games I play. I do have a desktop PC so this is not hugely important. However I’m just not sure which ones are on deal at the moment/ will be likely to get a good deal in the EOFY sales currently, as I ideally need a laptop in the next few weeks to transfer my files to. I’ve had a browse through this website but found all the terms confusing.

My budget would be around $1.5k, with a Macbook in consideration.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

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  tekisei on 19/06/2024 - 12:11

  Do you have experience of using a Mac? I had to backup files/reset my partner's Macbook in preparation of moving to a Windows laptop and it was incredibly unintuitive.

  Macbook has excellent battery life and weight - hard to match the same battery life in a Windows laptop, only AMD CPU laptops gets close. Intel CPU laptops would have higher performance but also lower battery life in general.

  I think firstly would be to determine what screen size you'd like - 13", 14" or 15.6" (weight, mostly), and if you need a GPU in the laptop (higher weight and battery use). You can skip the GPU while keeping decent entry level gaming performance if you pick a higher tier AMD Ryzen with 680M or 780M iGPU.

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    CrispyChrispy on 19/06/2024 - 12:18

    +1

    Macbook has excellent battery life and weight - hard to match the same battery life in a Windows laptop, only Ryzen CPU laptops gets close.

    Snapdragon X Elite has entered the chat

    Hopefully with the advent of actually-usable ARM Windows laptops we see more competition with Apple in the laptop space, meaning finally ditching the 8GB/256GB stock config 😆

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    Starskali on 19/06/2024 - 12:29

    Great points, thank you! I agree macs have generally higher chance of not dying on me when unplugged, which will be an important factor. I think for screen size 13” is plenty if that brings prices down

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      tekisei on 19/06/2024 - 12:51

      Due to competition around 15.6" and to a lesser degree, 14", you'd tend to find that you have much more choice of cheaper/discounted laptops in those sizes.

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  LanceVance on 19/06/2024 - 12:38

  Best laptop ever made - M1 Macbook Air.
  Get a used one with at least 16GB RAM for longevity.
  Great machine.

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  Seepy on 19/06/2024 - 20:41

  If you are willing to give Mac a try, have you considered using Linux?

  Linux Mint is a very easy to use, Window's like experience that can be installed on most devices. My personal transition to Linux started on a Surface Pro 6 and I haven't looked back. I eventually purchased a really cheap Lenovo T480s for about $399 on eBay and it's been the best purchase of my life.

  Before throwing away your Surface, perhaps try doing what I did. List of compatible Surface devices and instructions can be found here

  Edit: I didn't read properly that you broke your Surface Book. Maybe try installing it on your regular PC instead and give it a try!

  It would be a great way to save $1500!