New laptop suggestions?
New laptop suggestions?
I’ve decided I should buy a laptop. This isn’t for heavy gaming, my current PC handles that well. Here are my requirements:
1. Heavy use for generating lots of Word documents.
2. Writing and coding in Python and Java.
3. Storing and rapidly loading large audio files (targeting a total capacity of 100GB).
4. Editing those audio files using Audiocity and Wavepad.
5. Testing whether Indie Games run on standard laptops (around £299.99).
6. Touch screen and stylus aren’t must-haves, though I have multiple devices.
7. Free graphics apps aren’t essential, but they’d be nice; Adobe would suit well. I already use Autodesk tools on my top system for CAD and rendering.
8. Built-in webcam and microphone.
9. Good battery life for working in places without power.
10. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
11. At least one USB 3.0 port (preferably extra) to move game files easily.
12. I’m not aiming for the most expensive option; I already own a top-of-the-line desktop. I need something to assess if I can resell games to lower-spec users, or adjust graphics, audio, or programming if needed.
13. I appreciate the appearance of ASUS Chrome Flips but want to explore other choices.
14. Budget limit is under £500.
Because you mentioned a lot of word processing, I’d definitely choose a Lenovo Thinkpad in the pro series (T, P, or X) mainly because of the great keyboard. I’ve been using an X1 Carbon for five years and it’s been very dependable. There are also many of them available on the used market.
Portability plays a significant role. The H series CPUs offer excellent compiling performance, though they are generally bulkier and heavier compared to the P series in many ultrabooks and 2-in-1 devices. (Note: This applies to Intel; I’m still catching up with mobile AMD.) File loading times are quite noticeable when using USB-A ports. If you were thinking about USB-C or Thunderbolt, there might be differences in protocol usage.
It seems to vary based on the power profile. I also own an Aero 5 with a 12700H rating, which is quite economical when using battery power. Running it nonstop for six hours with just word processing and email is efficient. Once the 230W power brick is connected, it consumes power very quickly. The only downside is its weight and the numerous vents that collect cat hair and crumbs. This explains why the Thinkpad remains in use for more administrative tasks.
Do you know these are Chromebooks? They don't use Windows.
I can't suggest anything good under £500, but I hope you're successful.
Mmm, we should slow things down a bit. The H cpus really pulled me in. The goal is to evaluate and adjust the game I'm building for budget laptops. I want to understand what performance I can achieve and how much I need to reduce the game before its laptop release. It should be an integrated graphics laptop, compatible with i3/i5 or similar in AMD. I expect anyone expecting to play games—even on lower settings—to spend around £500 on a machine. However, I’ll continue refining and developing it myself, which adds another layer of complexity. The graphics can stay on the desktop, but I’ll have to move them for testing. The music, speech, and sound effects are still in progress, leaving me with more than enough material.
Perhaps what you require is a MUX switch laptop. It would include an iGPU for everyday tasks and then shift to a more robust dGPU version. You can decide which GPU runs at any time and evaluate both options.
You're likely considering something similar to this: https://nanoreview.net/en/laptop-list/gaming-mux-switch
I’d pick a model with a solid build and a mid-range GPU, such as an RTX3050ti/4050/4060, paired with processors like the Ultra 7 or 13th Gen i7-13650HX.
On such a machine, you could run tests using the iGPU (basic laptops), then switch to a mid-range dGPU, and finally use a powerful processor—like a 12th/13th Gen Intel—while shutting down cores to assess CPU performance. On your desktop, this would provide three distinct data points across two configurations.
I just checked UK retailers for a new 500GBP laptop fitting your requirements, but options are limited. We’re looking for a U-series CPU, 12th generation or older, integrated graphics only, and at least 16GB RAM if possible. On this store, the only AMD model with 16BG RAM in that range was available. Another retailer has an AMD model with 16GB RAM. There are more with 8GB RAM, but I wouldn’t recommend any of these for basic office tasks on Windows 11. It seems these would be typical choices for average customers buying from a chain store, likely your target audience for game development.