F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Notebooks Which laptop to buy?

Which laptop to buy?

Which laptop to buy?

M
Mostok
Member
Find
134
01-07-2026, 08:20 PM
#1
Hey everyone!
Gaming is not mandatory; the aim is to keep costs as low as possible.
Virtual tabletop roleplaying is essential (see foundry, https://foundryvtt.com/article/requirements/)
A dedicated integrated GPU is required.
Minimum 8 GB of RAM.
1. What is your budget?
Maximum 500 USD
2. Which notebook size are you thinking about?
Important: A larger physical keyboard is preferable.
We can't just connect a separate keyboard.
A compact keyboard would be an issue.
3. What resolution do you prefer for the screen?
Not less than 1366x768.
1080p would be ideal.
4. Do you need a portable or a desktop replacement laptop?
Portable one is fine.
5. How long should the battery last?
Not a major concern.
6. Would you like to play games on your laptop? If yes, please list the titles and the settings you prefer for each (Low, Medium or High).
Not a priority (besides foundry), but:
Nancy Drew games, Inscription, Black Book, Gods Will Be Watching – similar titles at low settings.
If more demanding titles like Baldur's Gate 3, Disco Elysium or Divinity: Original Sin 1&2 could run on the lowest settings would be great, though not necessary.
(Though I’m doubtful it would work)
7. What other activities do you want to perform with your laptop? (Photo/Video editing, etc.)
Virtual tabletop roleplaying, reading, emails, Reddit, wikis, video calls, YouTube, Excel and Word, PDFs.
No Photoshop, modeling, video editing or protein folding.
8. How much storage space do you require?
At least 256 GB, preferably an SSD.
512 GB would be better.
9. If you have specific sites in mind to purchase from, please share their links.
None.
10. How long do you intend to keep the laptop?
Since it’s mainly for YouTube videos, writing .doc files, reading and virtual tabletop games, I’d expect a long lifespan.
Years?
11. What type of optical drive do you need? DVD ROM/Writer, Bluray ROM/Writer, etc.
None.
A connection to a TV via HDMI would be nice, but not essential.
12. Please mention the brands you prefer and those you dislike, along with your reasons.
No preference.
13. Where are you located?
Colorado, Colorado Springs, USA
14. Any extra details you’d like to share?
We already own a gaming PC and a PS; this would just be for internet access, emails, and reading when we don’t have a PC.
I can’t think of anything else—feel free to ask.
Thanks ahead!
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Reply
M
Mostok
01-07-2026, 08:20 PM #1

Hey everyone!
Gaming is not mandatory; the aim is to keep costs as low as possible.
Virtual tabletop roleplaying is essential (see foundry, https://foundryvtt.com/article/requirements/)
A dedicated integrated GPU is required.
Minimum 8 GB of RAM.
1. What is your budget?
Maximum 500 USD
2. Which notebook size are you thinking about?
Important: A larger physical keyboard is preferable.
We can't just connect a separate keyboard.
A compact keyboard would be an issue.
3. What resolution do you prefer for the screen?
Not less than 1366x768.
1080p would be ideal.
4. Do you need a portable or a desktop replacement laptop?
Portable one is fine.
5. How long should the battery last?
Not a major concern.
6. Would you like to play games on your laptop? If yes, please list the titles and the settings you prefer for each (Low, Medium or High).
Not a priority (besides foundry), but:
Nancy Drew games, Inscription, Black Book, Gods Will Be Watching – similar titles at low settings.
If more demanding titles like Baldur's Gate 3, Disco Elysium or Divinity: Original Sin 1&2 could run on the lowest settings would be great, though not necessary.
(Though I’m doubtful it would work)
7. What other activities do you want to perform with your laptop? (Photo/Video editing, etc.)
Virtual tabletop roleplaying, reading, emails, Reddit, wikis, video calls, YouTube, Excel and Word, PDFs.
No Photoshop, modeling, video editing or protein folding.
8. How much storage space do you require?
At least 256 GB, preferably an SSD.
512 GB would be better.
9. If you have specific sites in mind to purchase from, please share their links.
None.
10. How long do you intend to keep the laptop?
Since it’s mainly for YouTube videos, writing .doc files, reading and virtual tabletop games, I’d expect a long lifespan.
Years?
11. What type of optical drive do you need? DVD ROM/Writer, Bluray ROM/Writer, etc.
None.
A connection to a TV via HDMI would be nice, but not essential.
12. Please mention the brands you prefer and those you dislike, along with your reasons.
No preference.
13. Where are you located?
Colorado, Colorado Springs, USA
14. Any extra details you’d like to share?
We already own a gaming PC and a PS; this would just be for internet access, emails, and reading when we don’t have a PC.
I can’t think of anything else—feel free to ask.
Thanks ahead!

Reply
Reply
O
Oufin
Member
Find
74
01-07-2026, 08:20 PM
#2
Here's a shortlist
, though I'd pick this one;
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/acer-nitro-...Id=6540566
and wrap your laptop purchase.
Reply
Reply
O
Oufin
01-07-2026, 08:20 PM #2

Here's a shortlist
, though I'd pick this one;
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/acer-nitro-...Id=6540566
and wrap your laptop purchase.

Reply
Reply