Searching for laptop suggestions within a $1,000 limit without gaming focus.
Searching for laptop suggestions within a $1,000 limit without gaming focus.
My mother is considering a new laptop since hers isn’t working well. She mainly uses it for CPU-heavy tasks such as opening and handling large presentation files. The price range is about $1,000, though it could be higher or lower based on the specs. We’re aiming to purchase it quickly to take advantage of Back To School promotions. Typical options are HP, Lenovo, Acer, Asus, and Gigabyte. I’ve been trying to persuade her to opt for the Surface Laptop with the Ryzen 4980U processor, which performs better than the Intel version. That being said:
1. What is your budget?
Around $1,000, but it can vary based on the setup.
2. What notebook size are you thinking of?
15.6 inches maximum.
3. Screen resolution?
Minimum 1080P.
4. Do you need a portable or desktop model?
Portable would be ideal—something like a Surface, LG Gram, Samsung Galaxy Book, or Lenovo Yoga would suit.
5. How important is battery life?
As much as possible.
6. Would you like to play games on this device? If yes, please list the titles and the settings you prefer (Low, Medium, High).
No, no gaming is needed here.
7. What other functions should it support? (Photo/video editing, etc.)
Basic photo and video editing, viewing big files, general web use, streaming, etc.
8. Storage capacity?
At least 512GB, preferably 1TB.
9. Any preferred retailers for purchasing?
Newegg (if trustworthy), Amazon, Best Buy, manufacturer sites, Micro Center, etc.
10. How long do you intend to keep the laptop?
Minimum 4 years.
11. What type of optical drive would you like? DVD ROM/Writer, Bluray ROM/Writer, etc.
No external drive needed.
12. Which brands do you favor and which do you avoid? Why?
Preferred: Microsoft, HP, Lenovo, Sager, Gigabyte, Samsung, MSI, etc.
Avoid: Dell, Asus, Apple.
13. Where are you located?
USA – California (access to Micro Center available).
14. Any other details you’d like to share?
Prefer AMD Ryzen over Intel if possible, but open to other CPU options. Also, need at least one HDMI and/or USB-C port for connecting an external monitor.
Lenovo ThinkBook ThinkBook 15 G2 (Lenovo)
Intel Core i7-1165G7
16 GB DDR4 3200MHz
512 GB PCIe SSD
1080P /WiFi 6 /Thunderbolt 4
Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
3.75 lbs
HP Envy x360 (amazon)
AMD Ryzen 7 5700U
16 GB DDR4 3200MHz
512 GB PCIe SSD
1080P /WiFi 6 /USB Type-C
Windows 10 Home 64-bit
3.75 lbs
Inspiron 15 (Dell)
AMD Ryzen 7 5700U or Intel Core i7-11370H (Thunderbolt 4.0)
16 GB DDR4 3200MHz
1TB GB PCIe SSD
1080P /WiFi 6 /USB Type-C
Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
3.62 lbs
That HP looks decent, I'm hesitant to buy from Amazon because they sell so much garbage and refurbished crap. But I want thinner than that. Something like the Surface Laptop:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/d/surfac...verviewtab
Or the HP Spectre X360:
https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/mdp/laptop...b=features
Thinner laptops tend to be more expensive.
The Surface Laptop 4 15" inch begins at $1.3K with 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD, while the HP Spectre x360 15" costs around $1.4K with 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD.
You might want to visit Micro Center to compare the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro, which weighs just 2.4 lbs. It’s priced at $1.2K.
I’ve also seen the Dell Inspiron 15 with an Intel Core i7-11370H ($950) or an AMD Ryzen 7 5700U ($800), offering 16GB RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a 1080P display.
It’s about a pound heavier at 3.62 lbs.
I understand that. I'm aiming for something slim and lightweight since my mom has shoulder problems and doesn't want to carry a bulky laptop. That's why the lighter model is better.
I still like the Dell laptop even though I haven't really liked Dell much before.
Lenovo or better.
https://www.microcenter.com/product...15...tion-black
Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H at 3.2GHz
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 with 4GB GDDR6 memory
Memory: 16GB DDR4-3200 RAM
Storage: 512GB SSD
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home
Network: 10/100/1000 Mbps
Connectivity: 2x2 802.11ax Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
Display: 15.6" Full HD IPS, anti-glare, 120Hz, LED backlight
I recently spotted multiple laptops while buying school supplies. Samsung models were available at discounted prices.
Lenovo IdeaPad 5i – 15.6" for 3.6 lbs.
Comes with either 8GB or 16GB soldered RAM, so upgrades aren't possible.
Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Pro 16" – Weighs 4.4 lbs., features a Core i5-11300H processor, 16GB DDR4 memory, 512GB M.2 SSD, and a QHD (2560 x 1600) screen.
Samsung Galaxy Book Pro priced at $750 – 2.3 lbs., 15.6", Core i7-1165G7, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD.
Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 – $950 – 3.1 lbs., Core i7-1165G7, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD.
Both Samsung laptops had excessive bloatware; removing it would be beneficial.
If you own a Samsung phone, you could retain the apps with built-in integration.