Advice for new laptop/2in1/pc

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HelpAli

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#265567 28-Jan-2020 13:37

Hi, my desktop computer has just died and I'm looking for advice on what to replace it with.
I only use it for word documents, spreadsheets, taking meetings minutes using google cloud, browsing the internet.
Any advice would be appreciated, I feel like I overspent when I bought my current (dead) computer.
2 in 1 computers look good, but probably not necessary.

gehenna

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#2408206 28-Jan-2020 13:57

What's your budget?

HelpAli

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#2408217 28-Jan-2020 14:14

I dont know atm. I'm not sure what I need to spend, I'm not interested in graphics or gaming or anything like that.
I do need something so will spend what I need to but I will survive on as little as possible.

OldGeek

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#2408221 28-Jan-2020 14:24

What is your 'dead' computer - brand and model? Why did you feel you spent too much on it?

There is a huge range of options so a little more information on what you had and would like to consider would be great.

Personally I favour using a laptop over a PC - they use so much less desktop real estate and come with an integrated keyboard, touchpad (includes mouse equivalent) and decent-sized display. 2-in-ones in my experience are way overpriced compared to a laptop (which is effectively a 4-in-one), but are slightly more modular in that disk drives etc are more accessible (for upgrade/replacement) in a 2-in-one compared to a laptop.

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HelpAli

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#2408246 28-Jan-2020 14:47

Ok. Thanks. That makes sense.
I feel like I spent too much last time, I was thinking of trying to get back into IT, used to enjoy working as a mainframe developer/ analyst, and because I wondered about trying to get back into IT, I probably bought something a bit flashier than I needed. It says hp pavillion on the screen.
I would like to get rid of my desk so a laptop would b better than a PC.

Hammerer

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#2408264 28-Jan-2020 15:17

I agree with OldGeek that we need a lot more information. Right now your solution could be anywhere in the range $300 to $1,300 or above.

You don't say what ecosystem you prefer: Windows, Apple MacOS or Chromebook or Apple iPad etc.

Nor do you say what you will use it for. Are there any unusual requirements over and above using an office suite, web browsing and watching videos - all of which can be done by all the laptops and convertibles?

I prefer to buy a computer with Full HD resolution (1920x1080) or higher because it improves the user interface such a lot.

Full HD is actually available in cheap Windows options such as low-end Everis laptops from Warehouse Stationery - they have good warranty support. On sale they are as low as $250. I've bought quite a few and they're all running two years later. However, they are cheap for a reason:
- They pay less for a Windows licence because the CPUs are Celerons, the slowest in the Intel range;
- Usually only 4GB RAM;
- Basically flash memory instead of an SSD for storage; and
- you will need more than 40GB of storage if you want to avoid more complicated steps to upgrade Windows, i.e. to free up storage or use upgrade from USB drive.

Touch screens can be very useful, particularly if you are used to using them on a smart phone. I agree that convertibles are expensive and even more so if you add external USB hubs or docks to get for more USB connections, display adapters, and network connection (RJ45). However, longer battery life and touch screens are useful features. Touch screens will be more useful on Chromebooks now that Android apps can run on them.

I don't understand why anyone would call a laptop a "4-in-one" compared to a convertible or 2-in-one which means a tablet + keyboard to become a laptop as well.

OldGeek:

... a laptop (which is effectively a 4-in-one) ...

HelpAli

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#2408291 28-Jan-2020 16:08

Hi. Thanks for that. I wouldn't want to buy anything that is difficult to update.
I have only ever used windows but I pick up systems quickly so not too fussy.
I normally stay away from apple because items expensive and my phone is a Samsung.
If I didn't need to edit documents or take meeting minutes I'd be happy with a tablet. I've wondered if I could get away with a tablet and keyboard and use google docs? I really dont need a lot.

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cyril7

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#2408295 28-Jan-2020 16:17

Hi, you should seriously consider a Chromebook, based on what uses you have mentioned, if possible get one with a full HD screen, a couple of options are below.

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/NBKLEN79306/Lenovo-14E-Chromebook-14-FHD-AMD-A4-9120C-4GB-32GB

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/NBKHNB4119075/HP-Chromebook-14-G5-Education-Laptop-14-FHD-Intel

https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/NBKASU434234/ASUS-Chromebook-Flip-C434TA-Delux-2in1-EDU-Laptop

Cyril

HelpAli

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#2408296 28-Jan-2020 16:19

Thank u very much. I'll have a look at them.

Hammerer

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#2408318 28-Jan-2020 17:15

Windows isn't difficult to update on cheaper computers provided you have enough free space which is why at least 40GB is the practical minimum.

HelpAli: ... my phone is a Samsung.
If I didn't need to edit documents or take meeting minutes I'd be happy with a tablet. I've wondered if I could get away with a tablet and keyboard and use google docs?

If you like using a Samsung smartphone then a tablet will be an easy move with keyboard optional. But if you find you prefer your existing computer because you do a lot of typing then a Chromebook will be a more familiar package. Tablet keyboards are often a little smaller so check out typing with either before buying.

HelpAli

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#2408334 28-Jan-2020 17:57

Thank you very much.