Laptop recommendation
Laptop recommendation
Hi,
I'm searching for a replacement for my old laptop. I tend to keep my device longer, so I want something that will last even longer (my current one is nearly 8 years old and still works well).
I'm interested in a laptop size between 14 to 16 inches, with a resolution of around 2K or 3K—4K might be overkill at those densities, but it's the only option I see.
It should be slim enough to fit easily in a bag and have a sleek design.
At low usage, the noise should be very quiet.
I mainly need it for media, office work, development, and light gaming.
My budget is roughly 1400USD or 1300EUR, and I'm open to suggestions.
Here are my thoughts:
Framework laptop:
Pros: durable build, good appearance...
Cons: may not be as powerful or compact as desired, only Intel available.
Asus ZenBook 14X series
Which model should I choose? Should I go with Intel or AMD?
Do you have any feedback on my choices or other recommendations?
Thanks,
Tibibs
Both AMD and Intel are performing well right now. While I've had a better experience with Intel, especially on desktop setups, I'm not sure it applies the same way to laptops. I appreciate the Framework idea, but I think its battery life isn't as strong as in the Zenbook, so make sure you check the specifications before deciding.
Another question arises about what kind of gaming this is. I can play on my Surface Go thanks to its 5W Pentium processor, which is quite outdated and not even listed as compatible with Windows 11. Portal and Portal 2 run smoothly on it. However, if you prefer ray tracing and similar features, the Surface Go falls short. It really depends on the specific games.
What I'm emphasizing is that even a modest laptop today can handle gaming that was once exclusive to high-end desktops, over a decade ago. At least that’s what I’ve experienced.
Hi,
Sorry I've a bit off lately.
Gaming, this would be some causal FPS. I would like to try cyberpunk for example. It doesn't need to be all the settings at high but should run it comfortably.
I think the budget can be bumped up a bit too, like starting at 1500 USD and up to 2000 if there's really something great that worth it.
I would buy the laptop in Hong Kong.
Interesting points. I'm not an expert, but I hope someone who knows will add their thoughts. Still, it seems like both laptops might work fine. As mentioned before, the Framework model includes features that make it easier to repair and upgrade. If you value right-to-repair, this could be the best fit. The only drawback is its battery life—just 55Wh.
The Zenbook comes with a larger battery, probably around 96Wh. However, that doesn't necessarily mean it's more repairable; it might depend on your priorities. If you keep it under warranty and replace it every few years, it should work well enough.
Processor differences are worth noting. The Framework uses mobile processors, while Asus uses H-processors (and AMD ones). So the Framework chips tend to use less power, though they're not drastically different. For light gaming, either option should perform adequately.
The main concern is getting good value. The two models with Core i7s are similar in specs, but which is more affordable? If you're looking for the best balance of price and battery life, the Zenbook might be the better choice.
A Framework with a Core i7-1260P costs $1,400
A Zenbook with a Core i7-12700H is a bit cheaper but should offer better performance.