Need advice on picking a study laptop?
Need advice on picking a study laptop?
I already own a PC for gaming, but I’m considering purchasing a laptop for studying. The main tasks will involve browsing, watching videos, and basic programming, so a good screen and keyboard are essential. After much comparison, I’ve narrowed it down to two options: the ASUS Vivobook 15 and the DELL Vostro 3530. Both feature the Ryzen 7 5825U and 16GB of DDR4 RAM. The key distinction is the display speed—Dell offers a 120Hz screen while Asus has a 60Hz one. I’m used to 144Hz, so switching between those speeds might not bother me much, especially since gaming isn’t a priority. I’m wondering if there’s a noticeable difference in screen quality and keyboard feel. They’re both priced around the same amount, about 450 USD.
I would choose either one, as long as it fits your budget and needs. The laptop with a 120Hz display would feel more responsive.
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1. Your budget is $500.
2. The notebook size you're thinking about is 14 or 15 inches (not sure).
3. You want a screen resolution of 1080p because 1440p isn't available in this price range.
4. You prefer a portable laptop over a desktop replacement.
5. Battery life is important to you; I assume it's sufficient (I haven't owned a laptop before).
6. If yes, please list the games you'd like to play and the settings you prefer for them (Low, Medium or High). - No.
7. You plan to use your laptop for tasks such as photo/video editing, etc. - Light programming and watching videos.
8. Storage capacity needed is 1TB, but only 512GB is available at this price point.
9. If you have specific sites in mind to shop from, please share their links.
10. You want to keep your laptop for at least 3-4 years.
11. Optical drive required: DVD ROM/Writer or Bluray ROM/Writer, etc. - Not necessary.
12. Tell us about the brands you like and dislike, and why. - I’m unsure which brands are best for laptops.
13. Your country is Macedonia.
14. Any extra details you’d like to add? - I’ve seen the Asus Vivobook 15, Dell Vostro 3530, Lenovo IdeaPad 3 (similar specs), but only the Dell has a 120Hz display. A good screen and keyboard are essential.