Best Ultrabook Style Laptop with Numeric Keypad for Home Use

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SprogTsar

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#270238 30-Apr-2020 07:49

My wife's laptop needs replacing. I've seen the 17"LG Gram overseas which looks interesting but I'm having trouble finding something similar available in NZ. Things like the HP Probook dont appeal as just too bulky.

Key Requirements

Thin Form Factor
15.6"or larger
Decent screen resolution. (16/10 preferred over 16/9)
Numeric Keypad - for spreadsheet work
Decent build quality & high enough specs to last 5 years or so

Nice to have

Large SSD
Long Battery Life
USB C charger

Not Required

High end graphics

I'm hoping to pay between $1750 & $2250

If anyone knows of thing that might work please let me know.

TIA

shk292

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#2473766 30-Apr-2020 08:30

A slightly different angle, but would the task be easier if you bought an external USB or bluetooth numeric keypad? You then open up the other 99% of laptops to choose from.

SprogTsar

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2473768 30-Apr-2020 08:35

Its a really good point but not really practical for our setup. We have 4 young kids running around so want to be able to put the laptop up high without too much hassle. Also we have a study nook in our lounge in which the laptop gets used when not on her lap. The depth wouldn't allow for a seperate keyboard. We could get a separate numeric keypad I suppose but getting it out and putting it away is an extra step we'd like to avoid.

davidcole

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#2473774 30-Apr-2020 08:41

SprogTsar:

Its a really good point but not really practical for our setup. We have 4 young kids running around so want to be able to put the laptop up high without too much hassle. Also we have a study nook in our lounge in which the laptop gets used when not on her lap. The depth wouldn't allow for a seperate keyboard. We could get a separate numeric keypad I suppose but getting it out and putting it away is an extra step we'd like to avoid.

But if it's wireless, then the keyboard can go anywhere...and only be needed when doing the numerical spreadsheet work.

Else I doubt you'd be looking at ultrabooks, and I expect the number of models you can choose from is significantly reduced. Whereas a wireless keyboard added for about $100 and/or mouse, and you've just widened the scope of models you can choose.

It's not permanently attached to the laptop, so if it's just a quick email, no need to get it. But if there's a big period of numerical entry, then by all means get laptop and keyboard out and going.

Just something to consider.

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sxz

691 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2473813 30-Apr-2020 08:49

I've always wanted to try the LG Gram. One of the few 17" ultrabooks.

I've found most of the HP Probooks & Elitebooks around 14 & 15" have numeric keypads, and they are great.

Shapenz

333 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2473831 30-Apr-2020 09:42

HP Elitebook 850 would be my vote... while not exactly an 'ultrabook' it's still nice and compact for a business machine... and good build quality. (I used to have one supplied as a work machine)

SprogTsar

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2474348 1-May-2020 06:40

Thanks for the ideas guys. I've checked out the HP options and the Elitebook 850 G6 series looks promising. It doesnt quite tick all the boxes so I'll wait until we can go and handle one before taking the plunge! Cheers

Goosey

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#2474359 1-May-2020 07:44

Lenovo Ideapads have numeric keypads....

My wife just got one... decent SSD too.

Batman

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#2474361 1-May-2020 08:09

https://www.justlaptops.co.nz/acer-swift-5-sf515-51t-world-slightest-15-6-ips-fhd-touch-i5-8265u-8g-256g-nvme-12009

Involuntary autocorrect in operation on mobile device. Apologies in advance.

Batman

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#2474362 1-May-2020 08:10

https://www.justlaptops.co.nz/acer-swift-5-sf515-51t-78r6-i7-8565u-4-6ghz-8gb-ram-512gb-nvme-ssd-fhd-touch-12714

Involuntary autocorrect in operation on mobile device. Apologies in advance.

Shapenz

333 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2474366 1-May-2020 08:44

Batman:
https://www.justlaptops.co.nz/acer-swift-5-sf515-51t-78r6-i7-8565u-4-6ghz-8gb-ram-512gb-nvme-ssd-fhd-touch-12714

No numeric keyboard?

nzkc

874 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2474369 1-May-2020 08:53

Goosey:

Lenovo Ideapads have numeric keypads....

My wife just got one... decent SSD too.

Not all of them do.

We've got an IdeaPad Flex (sans numeric keypad). Its a great device and I would highly recommend it! Great specs for the price.

Looking at the Lenovo site there are plenty of options that would fit your needs and budget. E.g.: https://www.lenovo.com/nz/en/laptops/ideapad/ideapad-s-series/IdeaPad-5-15ARE05/p/81YQCTO1WWENNZ0 (an Ideapad that does have a numeric keypad). They also have some on special like this one which is pretty decent for ~$1000 https://www.lenovo.com/nz/en/laptops/thinkpad/thinkpad-edge/E595/p/20NFCTO1WWENNZ3 long lead time though :(

Batman

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#2474417 1-May-2020 10:14

The dell inspiron 15 7590 is full of power weighs 1.6kg and has a battery that lasts all day. Make sure to get the full HD screen. But the screen is not very vibrant.

Involuntary autocorrect in operation on mobile device. Apologies in advance.

Batman

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#2474418 1-May-2020 10:14

The dell inspiron 15 7590 is full of power weighs 1.6kg and has a battery that lasts all day. Make sure to get the full HD screen. But the screen is not very vibrant.

The i7 one overheats so has no advantage over i5.

Involuntary autocorrect in operation on mobile device. Apologies in advance.

TwoSeven

1463 posts

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#2474634 1-May-2020 13:16

I suspect you wont find an ultrabook with a numeric keyboard. I don’t think the specification allows for it (ultrabook is a specific brandname used by Intel).

To fit a numeric keyboard on a laptop, I think that is will need to be a specific width, so one will be looking at either a 15” or 17” screen size(since the width of the device is determined by its screen).

You may (as already suggested) want to look at bluetooth keypad or a bluetooth calculator.

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