FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Need Help picking a laptop

Mar 17, 2023 | 8:25 am

#19

Mary2e

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Wow... The responses are overwhelming. Thank you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesBigglesworth

What plugs are the scanner, printer, back-up drive and monitor? Do you want native ports for the equipment you're keeping, or are you comfy with using adaptors if needed? A lot of laptops are moving to USB-C only and expect you to use a hub off the USB ports for anything you attach.

For the use you're describing, and without knowing the ports you need/prefer, I'd suggest looking at almost any of the mid-range Lenovo or Toshiba laptops. They both still turn out solid, durable, long-lived options. Expect something in the US$500-$750 range. Alternatively, if you're looking for a desktop later and the laptop idea is justa temp thing, then maybe a mini-computer? They will outperform most laptops for a given price point, and will have more ports and a greater variety of them. You can pick up good mini-computers for US$350-$500.

They are the old style USB ports and I think there are plugs for the monitor & keyboard. I may keep the laptop until it's time for a new computer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pseudoswede

Some burning questions...

What size screen do you want? The three typical choices are... 13.3", 14", and 15.6". If you're unsure, I would highly recommend going to a store that sells laptops and compare the screen sizes.
How often do you think you'll be mobile with the laptop? A lot of people actually just plop it on a desk and never move it. When on a desk, the laptop is hooked up to a docking station (aka hub)--and from there, you can hook up an external monitor, scanner, printer, etc. to it. If you want to be mobile somewhat often, then weight and size should be a factor for you.
When mobile, how often are you going to need to print/scan? Does your printer and scanner have the abilities to operate on a wireless network?

Just for a bit of future proofing, I would highly recommend looking at 12th generation Intel processors, 16GB RAM (though 8GB should be absolutely fine for you), and 256GB SSD hard drive.

Not sure about the screen size. I will go look After our initial moving around, I doubt I'll be mobile with it. I do have to print periodically, and neither printer nor scanner can do wireless.

Quote:

Originally Posted by empedocles

Any of the midrange consumer-grade laptops from the name brands would probably suit your needs. Add a USB hub for more ports. I agree with swede for min specs.

Thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cblaisd

I own a Lenovo X280. While it's a few years old, it is an excellent performer.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=refurbish...ref=nb_sb_noss

Thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by DenverBrian

Find something you like at Costco and be done with it.

Or one of these on Amazon - including refurbs that are great deals: https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-IdeaPa...dp/B09RNC69K8/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JGP5YHM

You might also consider a desktop all-in-one like this: https://www.amazon.com/HP-Micro-Edge...dp/B0B48W9K3D/

When you say printer and scanner ports: Everything these days plugs in via USB. Old style exclusive printer and scanner ports simply don't exist on modern laptops. If 2-3 USB ports are not enough for you, consider adding a USB hub like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0828GDSF6/

I'm assuming you want a "common" laptop - 14 inch or 15 inch screen, running Windows 10 or 11. I recommend an Intel Core i5 processor or better; 8 GB RAM or more; 256GB hard drive or larger; ALWAYS a solid state drive (SSD), NEVER a spinning disk drive these days; screen resolution 1920x1080 or better.

Thanks. I just may do Costco. My desktop came from there too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miesque

I actually just bought at a replacement laptop this morning -- a 16 inch Dell Vostro 5620 Dell as currently having a semi-annual sale at their website and added on a wireless mouse since I lost my last one. Normally I would get an Inspiron but there was a really good deal on the Vostro and it has Windows 11 Pro. I have tried a few other PC brands over the year but have always end up back to Dell afterwards. I just get regular non-touch screen laptops. I have a big iPad Pro for app sort of things, the laptop is for real computer stuff.

I planned on looking at Dell, just needed to know the product line. I always had them for work in a docking station.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Efrem

The one comment I'd make on the above suggestions is that if you're into photography - let alone video - or think you might be during this computer's lifetime, get a 512G hard drive (more likely to be a solid-state drive today). Sensor pixel counts keep going up, file sizes track them (not the same, but more or less keeping the same relationship), and nobody wants to throw out old photos/videos if they don't have to. Most laptops give you that choice. The incremental cost of 512G over 256G is small and getting smaller. "I wish I had less storage space" said nobody, ever.

I'm not into any of that stuff. I think I have a huge hard drive now and it's not even 1/4 full

Quote:

Originally Posted by DenverBrian

I'll see your anecdote and raise it with: HP printers are horrific.

When my former company moved away they let me have my HP laser Jet. It's at least 10 years old and works perfectly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Visconti

I'd go with Dell or Lenovo.

When it comes to PC laptops, I find Dell's XPS series pretty good and Lenovo's Thinkpads (T series or X series). Depending on your budget, I'd go with one of those, and call it a day. When combined with some cashback sites, CC rewards and maybe promos, you can get one at a pretty decent price.

Thank you.

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