Laptop 14" Recommendations for Someone Who's in Need of an Upgrade - Budget $1500

discod on 02/01/2025 - 18:33
Last edited 02/01/2025 - 22:05 by 1 other user

Hi all,my trusty laptop (an old Asus ROG gaming laptop) is due for an upgrade. I don't really use my laptop for games anymore but would like something capable of light gaming. Things that are important are weight, battery life and size (looking for a 14 inch laptop).

I was considering the following deals, any thoughts on these or can anyone recommend anything in the $1500 mark?

https://www.scorptec.com.au/product/laptops-&-notebooks/lapt…

https://www.centrecom.com.au/lenovo-yoga-slim-7i-gen-9-14-wu…

https://www.centrecom.com.au/lenovo-ideapad-5i-14-wuxga-touc…

https://www.centrecom.com.au/ex-demo-msi-summit-e14-flip-evo…

I read so many conflicting posts on quality of MSI and Lenovo so id be keen for anyone's recommendations.

Computing Computer Laptop

Comments

  • meong on 02/01/2025 - 18:56
    +3

    Why are the options you provided are limited to Intel? I think if the laptop doesn't come with discrete graphics its best to go with AMD.

    • discod on 02/01/2025 - 20:35

      I didn't specifically shoot for Intel but a search with filters for screen size and price came up with these options. This is the kind of advice I'm looking for. Are there any AMD units you'd recommend?

      • meong on 03/01/2025 - 12:47

        AMD laptops are popular in Ozb for that reason, try going through this search: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/tag/laptop and find AMD laptops with good amount of votes.

        If you don't need 2-in-1 you can get them cheaper than $1500 easily.

  • freefall101 on 02/01/2025 - 19:05

    Depends what you need to do with it and what "light gaming" means. And is there any specific reason you're focused on 2 in 1 laptops or is that just due to the weight?

    I also question why a $1,200, 2 year old ex-demo unit is on your list. Screen would have been on all day in store with the battery permanently plugged in, seems a terrible idea.

    Basically figure out what you want it for first.

    • discod on 02/01/2025 - 21:27

      Thanks for your thoughts.

      Light gaming means playing the occasional game, acknowledging that it may be on lower settings to enable play.

      I'm not specifically fixed on a 2 in 1 or the demo laptop (didn't realise it was that old) but those units turned up in my search criteria (budget, screen size).

      Essentially I'm looking for best bang for buck with around 1500 and a laptop that's not overly bulky/heavy (hence the lighter 14inch ones)

      • CrispyChrispy on 02/01/2025 - 21:56

        Light gaming means playing the occasional game, acknowledging that it may be on lower settings to enable play.

        Such as? Titles would be nice. Alan Wake 2 and GTA 5 are very different experiences on lower settings

        • discod on 02/01/2025 - 21:58

          Something similar to gta5

          • freefall101 on 03/01/2025 - 15:40

            @discod: Most of what you're looking at isn't going to play GTA5 pretty much at all. Maybe 20-30fps on low settings at 1080p?

            What you're looking for is one of the copilot+ PCs with a snapdragon x elite SOC. Excellent bang for buck, excellent battery life, it can deliver some ok gaming and [fits within your budget]https://www.binglee.com.au/products/swift-14-ai-qualcomm-snapdragon-x-elite-16gb-512gb-ssd-copilot-pc-laptop-nxkzwsa001)

            However this is why I kept asking what you're using it for, if there's a specific workload that has ARM compatibility issues or needs a lot more grunt this might not suit. But based on what you're actually telling us, it's the perfect fit. But it would help if you gave more info.

  • shaybisc on 03/01/2025 - 08:53

    Maybe this one.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/882889

  • Boop Doucha on 03/01/2025 - 11:44

    If you decide to buy Lenovo make sure you check their website as they had deals on a bunch of models (mostly previous gen but decent value).

    • discod on 03/01/2025 - 13:30

      Thanks! Yes I did see they seem to have some amazing deals on. I've definitely had my eye on a few.

  • ozbargainerlife1 on 04/01/2025 - 11:46

    did you find something. I am also looking for similar value

  • mandarinpj on 13/01/2025 - 07:23

    are ex demo laptops ok to buy? i am looking at
    https://www.centrecom.com.au/ex-demo-msi-stealth-16-studio-a…

  • 898agm on 17/01/2025 - 05:34

    Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i is what my father has and he likes it.

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